This Privacy Policy outlines the data protection practices for the Green Economy Platform https://greeneconomy.ph/, developed under the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership. It details how the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), acting as the data controller in coordination with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information. This policy is in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) of the Philippines, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other applicable data privacy laws.
Effective Date: 22 June 2026
Information We Collect
We collect personal data that you provide to us when you register for events, submit inquiries, or interact with our platform features such as the CE Knowledge Hub, City Connect, and Green Threads. The information we collect includes:
Identity and Contact Details: First name, last name, email address, and mobile or phone number.
Professional Information: Your designation or position, and your designation level (e.g., Policy/Decision-maker, Executive/Leader, Technical Staff, Student/Youth).
Organizational Details: Your organization’s name, organization type (e.g., Private Sector, NGO, National Government Agency, Local Government Unit, Academe, EU Body, Development Partner), and your relevant sector or industry (e.g., Policy and Governance, Waste Management and Recycling, Energy and Utilities, Finance and Investment).
Account and Preference Information: Newsletter subscription status, event registration details, and marketing opt-in preferences.
How We Collect Your Information
Your personal data is collected directly from you through website submission forms, event registration links, and inquiry channels on the platform. We also collect information automatically through tracking technologies like cookies and Google Analytics when you browse our website.
How We Use Your Information
We process your personal information for the following specific purposes:
To manage your event registration and participation.
To facilitate stakeholder connection, matchmaking, and collaboration through features like City Connect and the CE Knowledge Hub.
To maintain an active database of circular and green economy stakeholders.
To send you newsletters, platform updates, and relevant communications about the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, provided you have given your consent.
To analyze website traffic and user behavior via Google Analytics for platform improvement.
To comply with our legal, regulatory, and program reporting obligations.
How We Share Your Information
We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your data and do not sell your personal information. We only share it in the following limited circumstances:
For Stakeholder Collaboration: Information submitted for directory features or partnership inquiries may be shared with relevant local government units, development partners, or private sector actors to facilitate green economy initiatives.
With Third-Party Service Providers: We engage trusted third parties to perform technical functions on our behalf, such as website hosting, Google Analytics for performance monitoring, and third-party suppliers for sending automated emails.
With Government and Partner Organizations: We may share data with our implementing partners, including GIZ, the European Union, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other relevant Philippine government agencies. This is done strictly for official program purposes and is governed by formal agreements to protect your data.
Data Security and Retention
We have implemented robust technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include:
SSL/TLS encryption
Strict backend access controls
Firewalls
Regular security audits
We will retain your personal data for 10 years or until you request its deletion. Before the expiration of this 10-year period, we may update our Data Privacy Policy and require your renewed consent to continue retaining your personal data.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Our website uses essential, functional, marketing, and analytics cookies. By using our website, you consent to the use of these cookies.
Your Rights as a Data Subject
You have rights over your personal data. In line with the DPA, GDPR, and other privacy laws, you have the right to:
Access and Update Your Data: You can request access to or update your personal information at any time.
Be Informed: You have the right to be informed that your personal data is being, has been, or will be processed.
Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data.
Erasure or Blocking (Right to be Forgotten): You can request the deletion of your personal data. We will comply unless we are required by law or program mandates to retain it.
Rectification: You have the right to correct any inaccuracies in your personal data.
Data Portability: You have the right to receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) in the Philippines or your local data protection authority if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer.
International Data Transfers
The Green Economy Platform serves a collaborative international partnership. By providing your information, you consent to the processing of your data in the Philippines, where our primary operations are based, and its potential secure transfer to partner servers (such as those of GIZ or the EU) in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Children's Privacy
The Green Economy Platform is a professional portal and is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time as we roll out additional platform features. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, the platform's data collection forms, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
Data Protection Officer: Atty. Eva Marie C. Mariquina
Email:
dataprotection@citem.com.ph