Quezon City, Philippines — Leaders of the Confederation of Circular Economy Club of the Philippines (CCECP) joined professionals and advocates from across the country for the Intensive Course in Environmental Planning (ICEP Batch 5), held from June 23 to 27, 2025 at the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP SURP), Diliman, Quezon City.

CCECP Chairman of the Board Atty. Martsu Ressan Ladia and Dr. Nervy Santiago, member of the CCECP Board of Advocators, were among the distinguished participants of this week-long training program aimed at enhancing the capacities of environmental planners, public servants, and development professionals in the country.

Organized by UP SURP and the Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc. (PLANADES), ICEP Batch 5 featured an intensive curriculum that included sessions on city growth, spatial planning theories, local development systems, infrastructure and transportation planning, natural resources management, and risk-sensitive land use planning.

“Atty. Ladia and Dr. Santiago’s participation is part of CCECP’s continuing commitment to promote environmental justice and circular economy through science-based and policy-driven planning,” said CCECP in a statement. “Their engagement in ICEP further strengthens our advocacy network and the integration of environmental planning frameworks into community-based and climate-resilient solutions.”

Among the notable speakers were Dr. Tabassam Raza, Dr. Dina C. Magnaye, Prof. Ernesto Serote, Hon. Corazon B. Cruz, and Dr. Maria Sheilah Napalang, who shared both theoretical foundations and applied strategies in environmental and regional planning.

The course concluded with the awarding of certificates and final messages from Prof. Kristine F. Aspiras, ICEP Course Director. ICEP Batch 5 continues UP SURP’s legacy of building a new generation of planners equipped to lead the country toward sustainable and inclusive development.