With the recent release of Gross Regional Domestic Product growth rates per region, and my last two columns devoted to Mindanao's trillion-peso economies, I believe it will be vital to examine three points.

The first is how this growth can be expanded further, and how this growth must be nurtured to support the aspirations of the people. What types of industries can be promoted? Which ones bring the most jobs? These are key questions that will help unlock the keys to inclusive and stable growth over time.

The third point is that while these growth figures are impressive, we need to bear in mind that the national goal remains to be reaching the socio-economic standards and quality of life set in Ambisyon Natin 2040.

It thus is vital that we explore other areas of growth to address these three points. One of them is the circular economy.

As defined by the Extended Producer Responsibility Law or Republic Act 11898, the circular economy is one based on extending product lifespans through measures that extend their use so that we will not need to introduce more new raw materials into the system. This can also reduce waste going into our disposal systems and the environment.

This means doing more recycling in order to extend the life of the product, with enterprises that recycle paper, plastics and other things we use. This can also include encouraging companies to make new materials from such waste. This also means doing more renewable energy. This circular economy allows us to save on costs related to extracting or importing new materials and creates more jobs in the process.

The circular economy is part of the larger green economy which consists of goods and services that support sustainable consumption. The United Nations Development Programme's April 2024 document entitled “Baseline for a Circular Economy in the Philippines” cites a 2018 paper from the TESDA entitled “Green Skills for Green Jobs,” where the size of the green economy is expected to be ₱2.6 trillion between 2016 and 2030. This translates to about 8.7 million jobs within the period, covering industries such as waste recycling and renewable energy.

In case the Extended Producer Act is fully implemented, we may see even more jobs in recycling plastics, metal and other materials that can supply the needs of other industries and create even more raw materials for local industries, building more opportunities in the future.

The challenge before us in the regions is how we can collectively help these industries take root and thrive. I hope that local business groups and local governments can.

Last week, I woke up to a surprise election of the new Roman Catholic pontiff. Pope Leo XIV comes at a time of intense global co fusion, instability and persistent conflict.

He is a child of Old-World European immigrants, raised in the global north, and worked on a missionary in the global south. Educated in mathematics and Canon Law, he holds two citizenships and speaks different languages. I believe he understands the pastoral needs of a wide range of Catholics, and a secular person's yearning for meaning and stability in a confusing and uncertain world where despite access to money, power and fame, anxiety and despair tend to persist.