The recent inter-agency consultation focused on the impending Conference of Parties for the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, scheduled for April 28 to May 9, 2025. The event, held at the Manila Bay Conference Room in the DENR Compound, brought together representatives from various stakeholder groups, including the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), civil societies, NGOs, Croplife Philippines, the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CPAP), FPA, FDA, PEZA, and DOLE-OSHC. 

The primary aim of the meeting was to deliberate on the proposed additions to the annexes of the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, with Engr. Edwin Navaluna, Chief of the Chemicals Management Section (CMS) and Engr. Joel Maleon leading the discussion for chemical management. 

The session covered background information on the conventions’ matters, analysis of position papers submitted by stakeholders regarding the chemical inclusions, and an exploration of country requirements for the implementation of these Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). This collaborative effort sought to enhance understanding and form a unified national stance ahead of the CoP discussions. 

The afternoon was dedicated to a similar dialogue on the Basel Convention, chaired by Engr. Irvin G. Cadavona of the Hazardous Waste Management Section, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all three conventions. 

The collective insights and recommendations from these meetings will significantly influence the country’s approach to managing and regulating hazardous chemicals and wastes.