News Details

Philippines and Germany Strengthen Alliance for Transformative Climate and Biodiversity Action

NPO

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November 8, 2025

MANILA — The Philippines and Germany have renewed their firm commitment to act as strong and strategic partners in confronting the global climate crisis through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project, a landmark initiative promoting climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development.

During the 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting held on October 28, 2025, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), together with representatives from the Government of Germany, the United Nations, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and several non-government organizations, reviewed the project’s milestones and outlined future strategies for nature-positive resilience.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that the Philippines’ climate response must evolve from temporary projects into lasting systems and institutional reforms that build enduring community empowerment.

“Our partnership must move beyond pilots. It must translate innovation into institutional practice, and good practice into national policy,” Borje said, underscoring the CCC’s push for evidence-based, inclusive, and results-oriented climate governance.

German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke reaffirmed Germany’s steadfast partnership, noting that climate change is a shared global responsibility demanding unity and long-term vision.

“Our two countries will continue to work as strong and constructive partners in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of humankind,” he stated, adding that the warming planet should serve as a call for renewed commitment to a sustainable and livable world for future generations.

The meeting evaluated project achievements and aligned monitoring systems to track measurable impacts — including risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and improved access to sustainable services.

Jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the CCC, and the DENR, the TRANSCEND Project (2025–2029) embodies a shared mission to embed climate and biodiversity priorities into governance, investment, and policy frameworks. It supports the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), and Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP).

DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh commended the initiative’s integrative approach.

“This meeting allows us to assess milestones, address gaps, and ensure our actions advance both climate resilience and ecosystem protection,” she said.

Borje concluded that sustainable resilience depends on systems that align, financing that rewards outcomes, and institutions that endure — principles guiding the Marcos administration’s agenda for transformative and nature-positive climate action.

— NPO News Team | PNA-PR