CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Environmental experts and stakeholders gathered on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Max’s Restaurant, Olivarez Plaza, Turbina, Calamba City, for a forum addressing solid waste management, plastic pollution, and the potential impacts of Super El Niño in the CALABARZON region.
Organized by the Confederation of Circular Economy Clubs of the Philippines (CCECP), the forum, titled “Talakayan sa Basura, El Niño, at Kalusugan: Solusyon sa CALABARZON,” brought together experts to discuss science-based approaches to environmental challenges and strengthen collaboration among key sectors.
Prof. Virginia C. Cuevas of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) discussed the links between waste management and public health, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental problems to protect communities.
Corazon C. Gasapos of the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) CALABARZON presented sustainable solutions to the region’s waste management challenges, emphasizing the need for practical and coordinated approaches to reduce waste and mitigate plastic pollution.
Meanwhile, Bernadeth T. Lucillo of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) discussed the potential effects of Super El Niño, including the environmental and community-level challenges associated with prolonged dry conditions and rising temperatures.
The discussions underscored the importance of integrating environmental protection, public health, sustainable waste management, and climate preparedness into regional development efforts.
The forum concluded with an open forum and media roundtable, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange insights and explore collaborative solutions involving the academe, government agencies, communities, and the private sector.
CCECP, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered environmental nongovernmental organization established in 2024, is a member of the international Circular Economy Club network. It works to promote circular economy principles through education, research, capacity-building, environmental advocacy, community engagement, and cross-sector partnerships.
The organization seeks to accelerate the transition from a linear, waste-generating economy to a circular system that prioritizes resource efficiency, waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and sustainable livelihoods.
CCECP has also established the university-based CCECP-UPLB Chapter at UPLB to encourage student participation in practical circular economy initiatives. It is expanding its programs and partnerships across CALABARZON to strengthen environmental awareness, support green innovation, and encourage community-driven solutions to waste management and climate-related challenges.
Guided by its tagline, “Circular Innovators for Global Impact,” CCECP aims to develop the next generation of environmental leaders and translate circular economy principles into concrete action toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient Philippines.
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