• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The establishment of circular economy innovation hubs is being eyed across Bacolod City as part of the program for sustainable solid waste management reduction, resource production, and workable upcycling practices.
This as the Circular Economy Program Ordinance of Bacolod, recently approved on third and final reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, aims to foster innovation and promote the establishment of green enterprises through targeted incentive programs; and enhance economic opportunities by converting waste materials into valuable resources, among others.
The hubs shall serve as centers for research and development (R&D), prototyping, and technology transfer; incubators for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups practicing circularity; and capacity-building centers for barangays and other community-based initiatives, Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said.
Gamboa, who authored the ordinance, said circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and promoting continual resource use through reuse, repair, remanufacture, recycling, and sustainable product design.
“Bacolod City produces tons of solid waste daily, a significant portion of which can be recycled, repurposed, or upcycled through innovative circular economy strategies,” he stressed, adding these can reduce waste management costs, create livelihood opportunities, increase revenues from new industries, and qualify the city for related incentives and grants.
The city government shall provide incentives to business establishments, malls, schools, government offices, hotels, restaurants, industries, organizations, and barangays that adopt circular economy technologies and practices, Gamboa added. | CGC
