In efforts to promote sustainable production and environmental awareness, members and representatives from Vivistop Baguio – Vivita Philippines launched the Circle Works youth circular economy incubation program, together with the University of Baguio, to address occurring issues on on production metrics and innovative solutions to combat plastic waste on April 13, 2026, at the institution’s Centennial Hall.
Supported under the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, a sixty-million euro (€60 million) initiative funded by the European Union to accelerate the Philippines’ transition toward a greener economy. As part of the continuous effort to bring together community change makers, innovators, and student leaders to investigate a future beyond plastic via concepts, deeds, and collaboration. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) received innovative ideas, brainstorming sessions, and efforts for a greener economy that supports economic growth from the Baguio leg visit.
Alt Text: MOA Signing from the collaborative project between the University of Baguio and Vivistop Baguio – Vivita Philippines, along with prospects and esteemed leaders from the Baguio Business Club and the Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital
Notably, students with existing startup ideas are eligible to apply and may receive funding of up to six-hundred-thousand (600,000) pesos to support the implementation of their projects within a set timeframe. This provides a significant opportunity for young innovators to bring their concepts to life.
UB and Vivita: A Future Supporting Sustainability
Through their active participation in the project, students from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA) had the immense opportunity to learn, innovate, and address topics on social and environmental concerns. Pitching and creating significant concepts that benefit the environment and the community is encouraged for interested students.
The 18-month grassroots program from Vivita Philippines support the initiatives within key areas aimed at fostering sustainability and innovation. Parts of the event included the Repair Café, which encouraged students to bring broken items and learn useful repair skills to extend product life. The Startup Incubation and Funding Pathways, which introduced opportunities for turning ideas into successful startup ventures.
Alt Text: UB Student representatives and participants from the Circle Works 2026 Project discussing and collaborating for transformative solutions to combat plastic waste and innovate sustainability efforts
Following suit, the Circular Economy Learning Sprint gave participants the opportunity to investigate how commonplace ideas can be transformed into circular business solutions. While the MOA Ceremonial Signing formalized agreements to promote sustainable and circular innovation, a Community Launch brought students together with partners, innovators, and local leaders.
Partners such as the Baguio Business Club, and the Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital, whose collaboration and direct participation aims to expand the program’s reach and further encourages more academic innovators to participate. Notably, from Vivistop Baguio – Vivita Philippines, Executive Director Mr. Gabriel Antonio Mercado; entrepreneur-in-residence Ms. Candy Alipio; Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital President Mr. Paraiso R. Bautista; and Baguio Business Club President Mr. Mark Lacambra.
Alt Text: Vivistop Baguio – Vivita Philippines Executive Director Mr. Gabriel Antonio Mercado along with Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital President Mr. Paraiso R. Bautista, and Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr. Zorba BNN Bautista
The institution also sought the appreciation towards the presence of the Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr. Zorba BNN Bautista (representing the university President, Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista); School of Law Dean, Atty. John Ray Libiran, Linkages Director; Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro; Office of Student Affairs Director, Dr. Froilan Aspa; students; participants; and management representatives for being a part of the heartwarming endeavor.
Alt Text: Highlights and discussions from the collaborative project between the University of Baguio and Vivistop Baguio – Vivita Philippines, Circle Works Baguio Leg
The DTI Philippines and the GGGI Philippines co-lead and carry out the French project, which is a component of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership and supports green business, infrastructure, and finance. The program is overseen by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which seeks to maintain economic growth while expediting the nation’s shift to a greener economy. creating links between local government and business partners in the Philippines and Europe. Further supporting the initiatives under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17.
For interested applicants and visionaries invested in the program’s support and would like to propose their breakthroughs or start ups, they may visit the official application portal at www.vivita.ph/circle-works for more information.
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Written by: Zhein Carlo Molina
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
