Siargao maps waste-free paths on Earth Day
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In celebration of Earth Day, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, in partnership with the local government of Del Carmen and Upgrade Innolab Inc., conducted a circular economy (CE) ecosystem mapping and information session to build systems that reduce waste, while maximizing the value of local resources.
Held from April 22 to 23, in Del Carmen, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, participants from the government, industry, academe, non-government organization (NGO), and local community worked together to trace how resources move within the municipality, identify key waste streams, and pinpoint opportunities for sustainable innovation.
DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc, highlighted the agency’s strategic programs and interventions, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for green growth and sustainable technologies. “DOST’s role is to enable local ecosystems through science, technology, and innovation (STI), particularly in advancing circular economy solutions that are aligned with national priorities.”
Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II expressed the LGU’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. He underscored Del Carmen’s vision of ‘closing the loop’ through policies and initiatives that promote responsible resource use, waste reduction, and community-driven ecological practices.
A key highlight of the activity was the series of technical sessions facilitated by Richard R. Day, President of Upgrade Innolab Inc., who introduced frameworks and practical tools for circular economy ecosystem mapping. He also presented support mechanisms under the EU-GEPP (European Union – Green Economy Partnership Program), which aims to accelerate the adoption of green and circular practices among local enterprises and communities.
The activity allowed the participants to engage in workshops on resource input mapping, waste stream analysis, and identification of circular innovation opportunities. It enabled stakeholders to co-create actionable insights and strategies tailored to the local context of Del Carmen and the broader Caraga region.
The session also opened discussions on support mechanisms for green and circular practices, encouraging participants to translate insights into concrete strategies tailored to Del Carmen and the wider Caraga region.
Leonida Jarin, one of the participants, extended her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the informative and productive engagement. “The workshop provided invaluable insights into our local innovation landscape. Specifically, the sessions on waste management helped me clarify how our organization can better collaborate with DOST to bridge existing gaps.”
“We look forward to receiving updates on the consolidated ecosystem map and exploring the next steps for our community development,” Jarin said.
As the country celebrated this year’s Earth Day on April 22, it also highlighted the urgency of implementing environmental action, such as the gathering in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, reflecting a growing shift toward solutions shaped not just by policy, but by communities that work together on the ground. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST-Surigao del Norte)
