PHL to scale up sustainable consumption, production bid

Like its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines plans to scale up its capabilities for better mainstreaming sustainable consumption and production nationwide.
Aside from training on design and implementation of SCP-supportive policies, such preparations include policymakers’ learning from the best local and international sustainable practices so government can better develop initiatives for rational use of goods and services while minimizing natural resource utilization, toxic materials and pollutants to avoid jeopardizing future generations’ needs.
“We must shift from non-sustainable to sustainable consumption and production practices,” said Ellen Basug, Environmental Management Bureau information and education chief.
She noted such action is essential in achieving the country’s goal of having a green economy.
SCP is the focus of discussions EMB and its partners commenced spearheading in Metro Manila for policymakers from the Philippines and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“The discussions aim helping participants identify initiatives they can pursue to promote SCP,” said Basug.
She said such initiatives can include those on cleaner and safer production, public procurement, building, energy efficiency,and lifestyle, she noted.
United Nations University earlier identified several case studies on the best SCP practices in different countries.
UNU visiting professor Mario Tabucanon said initiatives featured in the case studies can be either replicated where possible or modified when needed to help countries shift to SCP.
Those can also serve as models for developing new SCP-promoting initiatives, he noted.
“There’s much to be learned from the case studies,” he said.
The 5th ASEAN plus Three Leadership Program is one venue where Southeast Asian policymakers can learn about and discuss initiatives in the case studies.
Earlier, the policymakers participated in SWITCH Asia training of trainers event to build their capability for designing andimplementing policies supporting SCP and the green economy.