In a landmark move toward environmental sustainability and digital responsibility, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has partnered with Singapore-based firms OceanPixel Private Limited and Sphere PH Private Limited to establish a comprehensive electronic waste (e-waste) management system across Mindanao.
The partnership was formalized today through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Philippine Office. This collaboration aims to transform Mindanao’s approach to technology lifecycles by embedding circular economy principles into the region’s development framework.
The agreement establishes a structured, compliance-led platform designed to handle the entire e-waste value chain, including:
-
Systematic Collection of end-of-life electronics.
-
Professional Refurbishment to extend device longevity.
-
Advanced Materials Recovery to reclaim valuable components.
-
Responsible Downstream Processing to ensure zero-harm disposal.
Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, Chairperson of MinDA, emphasized that the initiative is a proactive response to the environmental footprint of rapid digitalization.
“Today’s signing represents more than a formal partnership; it signals our shared commitment to pursue innovative and sustainable solutions to one of the pressing challenges of our time,” Secretary Magno stated. “We are taking a meaningful step toward advancing a circular economy that ensures environmental protection and inclusive growth for all Mindanaoans.”
OceanPixel and Sphere PH will provide the technical blueprint and global standards necessary to scale the recovery platform. Their involvement ensures that Mindanao’s first integrated e-waste system is not only investment-ready but also serves as a catalyst for local workforce development in the green energy and recycling sectors.
MinDA will serve as the lead coordinating body, providing policy support and stakeholder engagement. The initiative is strategically aligned with the Mindanao 2030 Peace and Development Framework and the Mindanao Development Corridors strategy.
This partnership directly supports the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to harmonize digital transformation with environmental stewardship. By integrating circular economy principles into regional planning, MinDA is leveraging its role as co-chair of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) to promote green growth and climate resilience.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by prominent leaders in the sustainability and development sectors:
-
Dr. Michael Lochinvar Sim Abundo, CEO, OceanPixel
-
Mark Ryan, CEO, Sphere PH Private Limited
-
Romeo Montenegro, Assistant Secretary, MinDA
-
Ronnel Jose Monroy, Country Representative, UNIDO Philippines
-
Frederick Michael Leung, Business Development Manager, OceanPixel
-
Douglas Hunt, Executive Director, Sphere PH
This initiative marks a turning point for the “Building a Better Mindanao” program, setting a gold standard for how regional bodies can partner with private innovators to solve global environmental issues at a local level.
