The City Government of Isabela, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, shared the city’s local experience and initiatives in advancing the Circular Economy during the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy 2026 on September 22 at New World Makati Hotel, Makati City, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Mayor Turabin-Hataman was invited as one of the city speakers during Session 2: “Role of Local Governments in Driving Circular Economy,” led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as supporting development partner. She shared Isabela City’s experiences and perspectives on advancing the Circular Economy at the local level and later participated in the moderated panel discussion.
The discussion highlighted the role of local governments in translating national and regional policies into concrete local action, particularly through waste prevention and resource recovery, sustainable infrastructure, community engagement, and partnerships with businesses, MSMEs, and communities.
Among the initiatives highlighted in Mayor Turabin-Hataman’s presentation were the city’s sustainable community-based tourism initiatives, tarpaulin-to-eco-bag project, 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan, Sea Sweepers, interest-free microfinance program, Zero Waste initiatives, and BRICKS Program, among others. These initiatives demonstrate how local programs can address environmental concerns while creating opportunities for community participation, sustainable livelihoods, and more resilient communities.
The session featured DILG Undersecretary for Local Governments Hon. Marlo L. Iringan and UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Mr. Christophe Bahuet, with the session introduction led by Ms. Floradema C. Eleazar, EnP, Team Leader of the Climate Action Programme, UNDP. The city case presentations featured Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman of Isabela City, Dr. Giyatno, S.IP., M.Si., Expert Advisor to the Regent of Ciamis on Economic Affairs and Development from Ciamis, Indonesia, and Hon. Cung Trong Cuong Hue of the Vietnam Government Think Tank, with Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte also present during the session.
The regional dialogue brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, national and local governments, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance policy and implementation-oriented discussions on Circular Economy.
For Isabela City, the regional platform provided an opportunity to share its continuing journey toward a more circular, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable city, while learning from the experiences and initiatives of communities and partners across the region. (E.B.)
