Bacolod City, Philippines — 28 February 2026 — Philippine and German academic institutions have formalized a partnership to strengthen research collaboration and promote sustainable e-waste management solutions through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) at the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R).
Supported under the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, the agreements bring together the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R), the University of Kassel in Germany, La Consolacion College–Bacolod (LCC-B), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Philippines to advance collaborative research and knowledge exchange on sustainable e-waste management. The initiative strives to establish a structured system for safely collecting, tracking, and processing e-waste, turning hazardous materials into valuable resources while promoting sustainable and data-driven waste management practices, and contributing to the country’s transition toward a low-carbon, circular economy.
The signing ceremony took place on February 28, 2026, at the UNO-R President’s Hall. Representing UNO-R during the event were Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR, University President; Rev. Fr. Romeo Ben Potencio, OAR, Vice President for Academics; and Dr. Agnes C. Sequiño, Director for Internationalization. The partner institutions were represented by Prof.Dr. Katharina Raab, Senior Researcher at the University of Kassel; Mr. Terence Paul Dacles of GIZ Philippines; and Dr. Rodjhun B. Navarro, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Linkages at La Consolacion College–Bacolod.
The partnerships aim to strengthen cooperation among local and international institutions through joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and collaborative projects focused on improving e-waste management systems and promoting environmental sustainability.engaging local communities, particularly women within the informal waste sector.
In his remarks, UNO-R President Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing research and education. “More than just ink on paper, an MOU is a shared promise. In the Recoletos tradition, we believe that knowledge is a gift to be shared. By partnering with the University of Kassel, GIZ, and La Consolacion College Bacolod, we are opening doors for our faculty and students to engage in high-level research, sustainable practices, and international perspectives that are vital in today’s interconnected world,” Rev. Fr. Alve said.
The collaboration forms part of the Policy and Alliances component of the EU–Philippines Green Economy Partnership, a P3.67 billion (€60 million) programme funded by the European Union (EU) in the Philippines under its Global Gateway initiative - the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as the transition to a green economy. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this priority programme of the EU in the Philippines links European and Filipino partners from the private sector and the local government to foster a circular economy while sustaining economic growth that benefits all Filipinos.
The Policy and Alliances component of the programme – co-funded with a €12 million grant from the European Union and a €1 million contribution from the International Climate Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety and implemented by GIZ and DENR-Environmental Management Bureau support policy development and fosters strong partnerships.