Gov’t takes step toward ‘greening’ supply chain

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) other government agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with private stakeholders for the implementation of the Green Public Procurement project, which is aimed at creating an eco-friendly supply chain.

In a statement, the DTI said that the project is expected to develop the “knowledge and skills of government offices” on how to buy green and integrate the green public procurement policy model with existing government procurement programs.

The MOU also provides for the development of guidelines among procurement entities in the establishment of their green procurement programs.

Green procurement means that government agencies will obtain products considered environmentally sound or produced from environment-friendly, energy-efficient facilities.

This project is a joint effort of the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc (PCEPSDI), Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and International Green Purchasing Network (IGPN) based in Tokyo, Japan.

These agencies will provide capacity-building and technical assistance in the implementation of the project.

The Green Procurement Program (GPP) was established through Executive Order No. 301 in March 2004.

Its implementation is expected to jumpstart the demand for green products, at least by government procuring entities.