Palace allows gov’t offices to participate in green forum

The memorandum circular authorizes the attendance of an official or employee of each government agency that is in charge of the “formulation or implementation of development plans, programs and projects on environment and natural resources, engineering, and supply and procurement services”. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA — Malacañang has approved a memorandum authorizing all government agencies and instrumentalities to participate in the Kalikasan Green Productivity, Green Purchasing Towards Green Philippines (KGP3) Forum in Quezon City from Nov. 5 to 6 this year.

The Memorandum Circular 68, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Oct. 28, acknowledges that the KGP3 forum can provide a platform for “information dissemination, identification and presentation of best practices, and sharing of knowledge and experience on strategies towards achieving a green economy.”

“All heads of departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and local government units, are authorized to participate in the KGP3,” stated the order.

The memorandum circular authorizes the attendance of an official or employee of each government agency that is in charge of the “formulation or implementation of development plans, programs and projects on environment and natural resources, engineering, and supply and procurement services”.

It states that participation is allowed, as long as “it will not impair the delivery of services in their respective offices”.

Each participant is entitled to charge the registration fee of not more than PHP2,500 against the concerned agency’s budget, “subject to the availability of funds and applicable budgetary, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations”.

The government’s participation in the forum is in compliance with the State’s mandate to “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” as provided by Article 2, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution.

It is also in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2017 to 2022, which aims to advance the development and implementation of sustainable consumption and production policies and initiatives, particularly the practices and teachings that will facilitate the attainment of both economic goals and environmental standards.

KGP3 conference, a biennial advocacy event, will be held on Nov. 5 to 6 at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.

The event is jointly organized by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Climate Change Commission.

This year’s KGP3 conference seeks to promote and discuss sustainable practices and initiatives that will contribute to the country’s climate action on sustainable business, tourism, and sustainable forestry towards inclusive growth and a circular economy.