THE INTERFACING Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc. is pushing for local businesses to adopt environmentally sound practices as part of Davao City’s transition toward a circular economy.
In a statement, IDIS said businesses play an essential role in addressing the environmental challenges the city faces. In line with this, they should do their part in choosing the proper materials, packaging, procurement, and waste management that impact their daily operations.
As Davao City advances its circular economy initiatives, the group said the private sector must be engaged as an active partner in transforming how resources are produced, consumed, reused, and recovered.
“Businesses adopting environmentally sound practices can help drive broader changes in consumer behavior, such as refill and reuse systems, reduced packaging, proper waste segregation,” it stressed.
IDIS added that sustainable sourcing becomes more accessible to consumers when businesses themselves offer these options.
The group emphasized this as it continues to expand its Circular Economy Sustainable Business Network (CE SBN), among local enterprises.
IDIS recognized 14 establishments in Davao City as members of the Circular Economy Sustainable Business Network (CE SBN), an initiative promoting environmentally responsible and circular business practices in the city.
The recognized establishments are: Anywhere Carenderia; Balai Torrentira; Sewer Jeans; Buko Halo-Halo; Iko’s Garden Cafe; Tala Cafe; Molave De La Casa Restaurant; JLB Electronics Trading and Repair Services; Durian World; Hikaru Cafe; Boondocks; JH Garden Cafe; Pristine Paradigm; and Greentayo.
The SBN is organized by IDIS under the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) circular economy initiative, in partnership with the local government.
As SBN members, the 14 establishments have committed to advancing sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices through waste reduction, resource efficiency, and positive behavioral change.
IDIS stressed that micro, small, and medium enterprises need an enabling environment to help them progressively improve their practices.
Atty. Mark Peñalver, IDIS executive director, said businesses should not see environmental responsibility simply as another requirement they have to comply with.
“Through the Sustainable Business Network, we want businesses to see that sustainability can also create opportunities for innovation, collaboration, resource efficiency, and stronger relationships with their communities. More importantly, they do not have to make this transition alone,” he said.
Through the SBN, member businesses can access capacity-building and learning opportunities on circular economy and environmentally sound practices, connect with government agencies, civil society organizations, suppliers, and academe.
The network also gives businesses opportunities to showcase practices that other enterprises can learn from and openly discuss challenges in adopting sustainable alternatives and jointly work out solutions.
“This is particularly important as businesses grapple with concerns such as the availability and affordability of sustainable materials, shifts in consumer behavior, compliance with environmental policies, waste management, and the shift away from unnecessary single-use products,” the group stressed.
IDIS said an environmentally responsible business should not remain as “an exceptional practice worthy of recognition” but has to be the “standard way of doing business” in Davao City.
