EU, UNDP donate trucks to boost Baguio waste efforts

BAGUIO CITY — Six light trucks were formally turned over to the Baguio City government on December 3 to support plastic waste collection efforts under the European Union–Philippines Green Economy Partnership implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

City officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong received the vehicles in a ceremony at the City Hall grounds, witnessed by representatives from the EU, UNDP, and various barangays.

The Summer Capital is among several local government units selected for the initiative due to its continuing implementation of circular economy (CE) programs.

The trucks will be assigned to six barangays:

• • Gibraltar
  • Guisad Central
  • Irisan
  • Bakakeng Central
  • Dominican-Mirador
  • Happy Hallow

These barangays are actively engaged in green economy activities.

EU Head of Cooperation in the Philippines Marco Gemmer praised Baguio’s transparency and efficiency, saying the city is “an easy partner to work with” and is expected to maximize the use of the donated vehicles.

He noted that proposals to address plastic waste originated from community members in the six barangays before being endorsed to the city government and elevated to the EU-PH partnership.

The city’s General Services Office said the trucks will strengthen plastic waste collection, enabling participating barangays to gather recyclable materials that can be shredded for refuse-derived fuel or used as additives for construction materials—creating potential income sources.

UNDP Resident Representative ad interim Dr. Knut Ostby said Baguio communities already possess strong interest and knowledge in circular economy activities, adding that with additional support, these efforts can be expanded to benefit more residents.

Mayor Magalong said the turnover complements the city’s shift from a linear to a circular economy and affirmed that more programs aimed at reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency will continue to be pursued.