04/06/2026
๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฐ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ
PASIG CITY, Philippines โ The Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) marked a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainable urban development after being recognized as one of only three local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines selected to receive technical assistance and funding support for feasibility study through the European UnionโPhilippines Green Economy Partnership (EU-GEPP) under the Global Gateway Initiative.
The awarding and ceremonial signing were held on June 3, 2026, at the Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel, Pasig City, bringing together key representatives from the European Union, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PPP Center of the Philippines, and Expertise France, the organization managing the programโs funding support and technical assistance.
Representing the City Government of Samal was Mayor Lemuel T. Reyes, accompanied by Engr. Florante O. Enriquez, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer; Engr. Alfred Damag, Acting City General Services Officer; Ms. Karen Kaye Ruiz-Servillon, Assistant City Administrator; and Engr. Kim Joshua M. Garciano, Senior Environmental Management Specialist. Also present during the event was Mayor Frederick W. Siao of Iligan City. The three selected LGUs under the program are the Island Garden City of Samal, Zamboanga City, and Iligan City, all of which successfully passed a rigorous nationwide application and evaluation process.
As one of the chosen LGUs, Samal City will receive a grant support package amounting to โฌ500,000 (approximately โฑ31 million) for the conduct of feasibility studies and project development activities for its proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Circular Solid Waste Management Project.
The proposed project aims to strengthen the cityโs capacity to manage increasing waste generation, particularly organic and plastic waste, in anticipation of the economic growth and population influx expected from the completion of the Samal IslandโDavao City Bridge. With improved connectivity expected to drive tourism, investments, and migration, the city recognizes the need to proactively establish sustainable waste management systems that can accommodate future demands while protecting the islandโs fragile ecosystems.
Through the PPP approach, the City Government seeks to develop innovative and long-term solutions for waste diversion, recovery, treatment, and resource utilization, while maximizing private sector expertise and investments. The project aligns with the cityโs commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible urban development.
The EU-GEPP is a flagship program under the European Unionโs Global Gateway Initiative, supporting partner countries in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient infrastructure and investments. Through the program, selected LGUs receive technical assistance to prepare bankable green infrastructure projects, particularly in the solid waste management sector.
Mayor Reyes expressed gratitude to the European Union and partner institutions for the opportunity, emphasizing that the recognition reflects Samalโs commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for its residents and visitors.
The City Government of Samal looks forward to working closely with Expertise France, the PPP Center, and national government agencies as it advances the development of this transformative project that will help secure sustainable waste management solutions for generations to come.
