The Roman Catholic Church in Baguio has joined the city government’s call to support the “Pansa-nopen Tayo” circular economy program on waste management and environmental stewardship, focused on behavior change, an official said.

“We really count on the clergy to help bring about the desired behavioral change that we need to realize the circular economy ideals, starting with managing our waste through sustainable means,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said in a media interview on Friday.

The mayor said the religious sector’s help was sought because it helps uplift not only the faithful’s moral and spiritual well-being, but also their civic, environmental and societal consciousness.

He said the partnership with the Diocese is expected to strengthen community participation in waste reduction, recycling, and other sustainable practices by engaging churches and their congregations in the city’s waste management efforts.

He noted that they are also considering similar partnerships with other denominations.

The partnership with the Catholic Church is strengthened by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, represented by Most Rev. Rafael Cruz on Oct. 16.

Under the agreement, the city and the Diocese will collaborate to establish or improve Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) at churches, parish facilities, schools, and other diocesan institutions.

The program will also include capacity-building activities, orientations, and training sessions on proper waste segregation, recycling, and composting.

Environmental stewardship will likewise be integrated into homilies, catechesis, parish activities, and diocesan campaigns to encourage the faithful to participate in protecting the environment.

The agreement also provides for the formation of parish-based environmental stewardship groups to help manage and sustain the operation of the MRFs.

The mayor said the initiative promotes the principles of Pansa-nopen Tayo, the city’s circular economy program, and Laudato Si’, the Catholic Church’s call for care of the environment and the common home.

Pansa-nopen Tayo is a local initiative that promotes the circular economy through proper waste management, recovering recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable items for repurposing and livelihoods while ensuring proper disposal. (PNA)