The European Union recently launched a call for projects that will support the green transition of Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Funded by the EU as part of the EUR60 million (PHP3.67 billion) EU–PH Green Economy Partnership, the “Green Up to Scale Up: MSME Transformation Grant” aims to accelerate the transition of Filipino MSMEs from traditional to circular. It will provide grantees with a total of EUR1.8 million (PHP125 million) in financial assistance and technical support.
The call is managed by Expertise France under the program’s “Green Business, Infrastructure and Finance” project, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The grants will be implemented through network-rooted solutions, bringing together different actors that play a role in addressing the broken links that hinder the development of a circular economy in priority industries such as agriculture and fisheries, tourism and hospitality, food, and textile. It will support the establishment and implementation of business support programs that enable the circular transition of MSMEs.
The call also aims to drive economic and climate resilience, and minimize organic, plastic and textile waste for a more inclusive and greener Philippine economy.
Hoping for many interesting applications, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said, “Showing that the circular economy has a great return on investment will inspire other MSMEs to embrace the green transition.”
For her part, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said, “The Philippines’ transition to an inclusive green economy can only happen if we provide an enabling business environment for MSMEs to thrive by adopting circular practices. Through the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, we can enhance the local business landscape while opening trade and investment opportunities between European and Philippine markets.”
Application for the grant is open until April 21, 2026.
