The Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, facilitated a high-level investment discussion with delegates from the European Union and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to explore potential sustainable investments in fisheries, solid waste management, and renewable energy.
The meeting centered on the “Crabsolutely Zero” (CrabZero) Project supported by the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership. The project is implemented by the University of the Philippines Visayas Foundation Incorporated (UPVFI) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).
Operating at the Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) in the municipality of Concepcion, the project adopts a circular economy approach by transforming crustacean wastes into biomaterials like chitosan, bioactive compounds, and sustainable packaging. This project promotes environmental sustainability and provides livelihood to the local fishing communities.
The strategic meeting also focused on future green investments in renewable energy and solid waste management. Highlighting the province's commitment to sustainability, Mitzi Peñaflorida, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, presented the flagship environmental initiatives of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr."
The meeting was led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, European Union Delegation to the Philippines Program Manager Tsvetomir Svilenov, GIZ Policy and Alliances Team Lead Gwendolin Ashmann, GIZ Policy and Alliances Team Lead Dr. Juan Alfonso Leonardia, DOST Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation Rodolfo Calzado Jr., and Board Member Nielito Tupas.
It was also attended by Mayor Loida Espinosa of Ajuy, Mayor Sally Lopez of San Dionisio, and representatives from the UPV, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Iloilo Business Club, Iloilo Local Economic Development (ILED) Foundation, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources VI, Department of Trade and Industry, and other partner agencies.
Joining the initiative is a private sector partner from the Saravia Blue Crab firm.
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