The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the German government are ramping up implementation of a climate and biodiversity initiative aimed at helping local governments turn national environmental commitments into concrete action.
The CCC said Monday the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project seeks to strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity conservation by supporting local government units (LGUs) in implementing climate adaptation, emissions reduction and ecosystem protection measures.
The initiative gained momentum following the issuance of a special authority by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. authorizing its full implementation.
Speaking during the 2nd National Technical Working Group Conference in Manila, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said the project is focused on delivering lasting results for communities.
“We are gathered here, united by a common purpose: Turning our climate and biodiversity commitments into action that lasts for people, communities, and ecosystems,” Borje said.
The conference brought together representatives from national government agencies, LGUs, development partners and implementing organizations to review project progress, align priorities and improve coordination.
According to the CCC, the TRANSCEND Project supports interventions in biodiversity conservation, urban ecosystem-based adaptation, energy efficiency for micro, small and medium enterprises, sustainable transport and climate governance.
Borje said the initiative reflects a national priority and highlights the need for collaboration across sectors to address interconnected climate and biodiversity challenges.
The commission said implementation has advanced from the planning stage to on-the-ground action, with participating LGUs beginning to align their development plans with national climate and biodiversity strategies.
Separately, Philippine officials met with representatives of Germany’s International Climate Initiative during the 64th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn from June 8 to 18 to discuss the project’s progress.
The discussions focused on linking project implementation with investment planning, expanding access to climate finance for LGUs, strengthening the country’s measurement, reporting and verification system, and advancing the National Adaptation Plan Gender Action Plan ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties in Antalya, Turkey, in November.
The TRANSCEND Project is a joint initiative of the Philippines and Germany through the International Climate Initiative, supporting climate adaptation, greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and biodiversity conservation nationwide.
