EU lauds Davao City’s growth, to assist in waste energy initiatives

H.E. Luc Véron, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) delegation to the Philippines, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte last May 17, 2023, in efforts to forge bilateral cooperation and to discuss governance, job creation, renewable energy, and assistance to vulnerable populations, specifically in Mindanao.

Ambassador Véron remarked that the EU’s support to Mindanao which has been affected by conflicts and population displacement is in institution-building towards sustaining the ‘peace process’ in BARMM. Moreover, he emphasized pushing for initiatives towards a ‘circular economy’, remarking that as a developing country with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to leverage the opportunities presented by the circular economy and become a champion in sustainable business practices.

This was supported by the Head of the Cooperation Section Mr. Christoph Wagner, who said that the EU is willing to invest in technology for reducing plastic waste and WTE or waste to energy.

Mayor Duterte welcomed the offer and said this could be very helpful, especially in the government’s efforts in solid waste management.

Besides renewable energy, Ambassador Véron expressed interest in the city’s food security program and agricultural products, particularly Davao City’s cacao. “There is great interest in helping farmers move up the value chain.”

The envoy, who is in Davao City for the first time, will attend the Mindanao Development Forum. The Head of the Trade Section of the EU delegation, Mr. Philip Dupuis, accompanied the Ambassador.

The EU is one of Mindanao’s biggest foreign development partners and ranks as the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 2019. The EU and the Philippines trade machinery, telecommunication, transport equipment, chemicals, food products, and electronic components.