UP ISSI Develops Policy Framework to Support Circular Economy Adoption among Philippine MSMEs
The University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI) is developing a Coherent Policy Framework to Incentivize the Adoption of Circular Economy among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippine Food System under a research project funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD).
The project seeks to identify practical policy directions that can help MSMEs improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, create new business opportunities, and strengthen their competitiveness while contributing to more sustainable food systems. Beyond the policy framework, the project is also developing an MSME Guidebook, training modules, case studies, policy briefs, and other knowledge products that will support the adoption of circular economy practices across the agrifood sector.
The framework presented here is an initial working draft informed by literature and policy reviews, stakeholder consultations, expert discussions, learning sessions, and field documentation across selected value chains. It is currently undergoing iterative refinement and stakeholder validation, and will continue to evolve as additional research findings become available.
UP ISSI invites government agencies, local government units, MSMEs, industry associations, researchers, development partners, and other interested stakeholders to download the draft framework and explainer (https://bit.ly/UPISSICEPolicy2026), review its contents, and share comments and suggestions. Your insights will help strengthen the framework and ensure that it reflects the needs and realities of Philippine MSMEs.
If you would like to collaborate with the project, receive updates, participate in future consultations, or become part of the UP ISSI Circular Economy Network, simply scan the QR code or access via bit.ly/UPISSICENetwork and complete the registration form. For more questions, you may send us an email at: circulareconomy.issi.upd@up.edu.ph.
Notice: This document is an initial working draft released for consultation purposes. It is undergoing iterative refinement and stakeholder validation under the UP ISSI–DOST-PCAARRD Circular Economy Project. DO NOT reproduce, modify, or distribute the document without appropriate permission and acknowledgment.
