Green Governance in Action: Del Carmen Institutionalizes Circular Economy Through Historic Executive Order

We proudly congratulate the Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, and commend the visionary leadership of Hon. Mayor Alfredo Coro II on the signing of Executive Order No. 05, Series of 2026. This landmark policy marks a decisive step toward embedding sustainability and circular economy principles into local governance, positioning Del Carmen as a model for other municipalities across the Philippines. As Siargao's only Green LGU, Del Carmen is boldly moving toward a circular economy, turning today's challenges in waste, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship into opportunities for innovation and community resilience

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This Executive Order represents more than policy; it represents a fundamental shift from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model to a regenerative framework that prioritizes repair, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. The order institutionalizes circular economy guidelines across all government events, activities, and operations, covering critical areas including sustainable planning and design, green procurement, zero waste and material recovery, responsible food and catering practices, energy and water efficiency, sustainable transportation, and continuous measurement for improvement. By mandating these practices, Del Carmen demonstrates that environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility are not competing priorities but complementary goals that strengthen long-term municipal resilience.

We are deeply honored by the trust placed in AGREA as a partner in this transformative journey. Our collaboration with Del Carmen has grown from shared commitment to women's empowerment, rural development, and sustainable agriculture. Through initiatives like "Para sa Baji," which celebrates and supports women in agriculture, we have witnessed firsthand how Del Carmen's leadership embraces inclusive, locally-led development. This Executive Order builds upon that foundation, creating an enabling environment where sustainability becomes the standard, not the exception, in all government operations. We remain committed to supporting Del Carmen in turning policy into meaningful, on-the-ground action from waste diversion initiatives to energy efficiency solutions, from sustainable procurement practices to community-based circular economy programs.

The timing of this policy is both strategic and urgent. The Municipality of Del Carmen seeks to align with national directives such as the Green Procurement Act, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, and the Extended Producers Responsibility Law, demonstrating how local governments can proactively institutionalize sustainable practices even as national frameworks continue to evolve. The order mandates that all municipal departments, offices, and agencies adopt circular economy principles, ensuring that sustainability is not siloed but integrated across every aspect of local governance. This comprehensive approach recognizes that climate action, waste reduction, and resource efficiency require systemic change, not isolated interventions.

What makes this Executive Order particularly powerful is its emphasis on partnerships and collaboration. The policy explicitly calls for cooperation with NGOs, CSOs, and private partners to ensure proper collection, recycling, and repurposing of materials, and to explore upcycling or donation options for unavoidable waste. This collaborative spirit reflects the reality that circular economy transition cannot happen in isolation; it requires coordinated action across government, civil society, and the private sector. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Del Carmen, UNDP Philippines, and the European Union in the Philippines in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. Together, we can create replicable models that other municipalities can adapt to their own contexts.

The Executive Order also establishes clear mechanisms for monitoring and compliance, designating the Municipal Human Resource Management Office in coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office to conduct audits and submit quarterly reports. This accountability framework ensures that the policy does not remain merely aspirational but translates into measurable action. The order further mandates information, education, and communication campaigns to build awareness and recognize compliant offices, fostering a culture of sustainability within the municipal government itself. When government leads by example, it inspires citizens, businesses, and communities to follow suit.

This is Green Governance in action: strong collaboration, shared commitment, and the courage to build resilient communities for today and generations to come. Del Carmen's leadership demonstrates that local governments have both the authority and the responsibility to protect the environment while promoting economic development and social equity. The circular economy principles embedded in this order offer a pathway to reduce waste, conserve resources, create green jobs, and build climate resilience, all while saving costs and improving service delivery. These are not abstract benefits; they are tangible outcomes that will improve the lives of Del Carmen residents and protect the natural beauty that makes Siargao extraordinary.

As we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that policy adoption is a beginning, not an endpoint. The real work lies in implementation, in changing behaviors, in building systems, and in sustaining commitment over the long term. We stand ready to walk alongside Del Carmen in this journey, offering technical expertise, facilitating partnerships, and supporting community engagement. We believe in the potential of this municipality to become a living laboratory for circular economy innovation, where waste becomes resource, where sustainability becomes standard practice, and where environmental protection becomes economic opportunity.

To Mayor Alfredo Coro II and the entire Del Carmen local government: thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to sustainable development. You are proving that local governments can be powerful agents of change, that policy can drive practice, and that the transition to a circular economy is not only possible but imperative. We celebrate this milestone with you, and we look forward to the impact that will unfold as this Executive Order takes root in your operations, your events, and your community.

Del Carmen is embracing nature and creating adventure, not just for tourists who come to experience Siargao's world-class waves, but for residents who deserve a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future. This Executive Order is a promise kept to future generations, a promise that we will leave behind not depletion, but regeneration; not waste, but wisdom; not uncertainty, but hope. Together, we are building that future, one policy, one practice, one partnership at a time.

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