The national inception workshop for the project Reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (U-POPs) through Integrated Sound Management of Chemicals kicked off on August 12, 2025 in Quezon City. This is part of the collaboration between the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to address environmental degradation associated with chemicals. 

The project aims to implement the process of Green Chemistry (GC) in a few key manufacturing sectors like copper, plastics, paper, paint, furniture and automotive (in particular steel plating technologies) carried out by the micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs). The sectors were identified as major sources of emissions include POPs, U-POPs and GHGs.

The event started with an opening speech of introduction by Engr. Gilbert Gonzales, OIC Assistant Secretary for Field Operations – Luzon-Visayas followed by messages of Atty. By Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change and Mr. Selva Ramchandran, UNDP Resident Representative 

The Pledge of Support wall was then unveiled and the participating government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from various financing institutions and civil society organizations signed on to their commitment behind the project.

Other voices of support during the workshop came from the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments, Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), Landbank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Bureau of Customs. SPIK President, Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, meanwhile highlighted that science has to be integrated in policy-making as well as the need for a government-private sector partnership for it to work effectively.

The workshop was organized to enable stakeholders to share information and experiences on strategies for minimizing the generation, use & release of their resources. The implementation of the project is a very important stride in the country’s march towards reaping environmental and sustainability gains which will be followed by others in its industrial sector. 

Assistant Secretary for Environment  Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, in her role as OIC EMB Director, delivered the closing message and stressed the need for active participation by all attendees to ensure project success during the workshop and breakout sessions.