81316251 - Support for the development of circular economy policies in the Philippines

The Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP) supports the Philippines" transition towards a climate-smart and circular economy (CE). The programme is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Ministry for Economy and Climate Protection (BMWK) through the Urban Act Project. The main project government counterpart is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines. GIZ is in charge of the implementation of Specific Objective 1 of the EU Green Economy Programme, which aims at an Improved formulation and implementation of circular economy and climate change policies with focus on plastics value chains (implemented by GIZ);

The assignment aims to analyze the CE policy landscape in the Philippines and map existing CE policies. It will propose amendments and new policy options to improve the enabling environment for a circular economy transition, focusing on implementable strategies and demonstration projects for waste reduction, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation and mitigation. The assignment comprises the following work packages: Work package 1: Policy Review and Analysis This work package comprises a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing policy landscape governing circular economy (CE) initiatives in the Philippines. The analysis will cover all types of policy instruments, including regulatory measures, overarching/strategic policies such as plans and roadmaps, and economic incentives, related to waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable consumption and production.

The review will pinpoint strengths and weaknesses of the current policy framework, particularly in terms of compliance, enforcement, and overall effectiveness. The analysis will identify policy gaps and barriers and explore opportunities for strategic revisions, including potential amendments to the National Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) to incorporate CE principles. Alternative policy options to strengthen CE practices will also be evaluated in terms of economic, environmental, and social impacts. Recommendations and policy briefs for new or revised policies will be outlined, and stakeholder consultations for prioritizing policy options will be organized.

Work package 2: Concretize the National Circular Economy Framework This task involves refining and operationalizing the draft National Circular Economy (CE) Framework for the Philippine government. The consultant will assess the existing draft CE framework elaborated with a UNDP programme in 2024, engage with stakeholders to gather insights, and develop actionable strategies and policies that promote the adoption of circular economy practices across various sectors. The outcome is expected to take the form of a roadmap and/or an action plan with defined goals, milestones, measures, and a timeframe, ensuring alignment with national priorities while creating a clear path for implementation. It should also include suggestions on how the different existing policies plans (like e.g. the National SCP Action Plan) and laws can complement each other to facilitate the transition to a circular economy.

Work package 3: Develop Selected Sectoral Strategies This task involves developing circular economy strategies for two key sectors, which the contractor will identify in consultation with key stakeholders and based on criteria such as environmental impact, economic significance, and potential for circular transition. For each selected sector, the contractor will conduct a gap analysis, benchmark current practices against international standards, and propose concrete policy recommendations and actions to enhance circularity. The contractor will also create detailed implementation roadmaps with actionable steps, timelines, and defined stakeholder roles, as well as identify capacity-building needs to support effective adoption. These sectoral strategies should be concrete, adaptable, and scalable for regional and local implementation, and should support broader national development goals.

Work package 4: Technical Advice on Policy-Related Demonstration Projects This task involves developing a practical approach for selecting and designing demonstration projects that align with priority policies while providing technical support throughout the project lifecycle. The contractor will ensure that each project is tailored for application in the Philippine context, scalable, and effective in showcasing the benefits and viability of circular economy practices. The project has already identified several initial demonstration project ideas and thematic focuses, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, Deposit Return Systems (DRS), Green Public Procurement (GPP), sector-specific waste management, and alternatives to plastics. The project goal is to implement seven (7) demonstration projects, the contractor will offer expert advice and technical input to refine these initial concepts and propose additional viable projects that further advance circular economy objectives.

Work package 5: Provide Overall Strategic Advice for Project Implementation The contractor will deliver expert strategic advice and technical input to facilitate the effective implementation of the GEPP SO1. This task aims to ensure that project activities are fully aligned with circular economy principles and adhere to international best practices.