SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a keynote speaker at the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Forum Workshop on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) held at the Spaces World Plaza in Taguig City. The event was attended by various industry leaders and representatives from manufacturers, importers, and distributors of consumer products, as well as waste diverter partners.
Benjie (far right) answers questions from the audience in a panel discussion, alongside (from left to right) Atty. Jonas Leones, Mr. Crispian Lao, and Atty. Angela Edralin-Valencia
Bejie’s discussion focused on the EPR Compliance Audit Report requirements, the assurance process, and the role of SGV as an independent third-party auditor for entities in the EPR ecosystem. He also served as one of the panelists in an open forum, together with DENR Undersecretary Atty. Jonas Leones, National Solid Waste Commission Vice Chair Crispian Lao, and Ecoloop Director Atty. Angela Edralin-Valencia.
Benjie was also joined by SGV Manager Charmaine T. Dialde and Senior Associate Keith S. Celebre who facilitated the workshop alongside ECCP. Charmaine and Keith addressed questions and clarifications from the participants about the EPR law and its implementing rules and regulations.
The program concluded with a workshop, where the attendees exchanged ideas on how to establish their EPR programs, either as an individual entity or through a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), for the effective implementation of the EPR law in their respective companies.