By Myla Iglesias

PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. expressed support to the country’s transition to a Circular Economy which aims to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of sustainable modes of production and consumption.

“We believe that the circular economy will contribute not only towards addressing the ongoing triple planetary crisis on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, but will also unlock opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and value creation across sectors,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer.

PLDT and Smart joined the recent Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting of the House committee on economic affairs on House Bill (HB) No. 8791, An Act to Promote a Circular Economy, and HB 9791, An Act Providing for a Framework for Circular Economy to Promote Sustainable Production and Consumption and National Economic Security.

The telcos articulated support for the government’s promotion of a circular economy, as underpinned by their organizational roadmap for sustainability which includes focusing on waste management and circularity.

Following the TWG, the telcos submitted a position paper on these proposed legislations, expressing concurrence with salient provisions for the private sector, including the adoption of practices and digital innovations that minimize the environmental footprint of products and services, among others.

PLDT and Smart also noted the need for government investments in the expansion of a circular infrastructure, as well as the establishment of incentives to support accessibility and mainstreaming of circularity solutions across sectors.