We are facing unprecedented resource challenges. A circular economy, in which growth is gradually decoupled from the consumption of finite resources, offers a response. Its principles are to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. This was the focus of a set of workshops taking place in Manila and Cebu called Circulo to promote the circular economy in the Philippines. Circulo was supported by the British Council through its Circular Futures Lab, an initiative in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Circulo was led by Global Shapers from the Manila, Cebu and Taipei hubs.

The workshops, attended by close to 100 participants across government, manufacturing, multinationals, creatives and startups were facilitated by Carlo Delantar, Angela Chen and Nate Maynard. Each speaker focused on a different topic relevant to transitioning the Philippines to the Circular Economy ranging from circular business models for Southeast Asia to lessons learned from Taiwan’s journey to becoming a global leader in recycling.