Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany, is taking significant steps to enhance local climate action and biodiversity protection through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CCC announced that this initiative aims to translate national climate and biodiversity commitments into practical actions on the ground while bolstering climate resilience across communities and ecosystems. During the recent 2nd National Technical Working Group Conference in Manila, stakeholders from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), development partners, and implementing organizations gathered to evaluate progress, align priorities, and strengthen coordination across project components.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje highlighted the importance of converting commitments into tangible results at the local level. This follows a special authority issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marking the project's full implementation. Borje stated, "We are gathered here, united by a common purpose: Turning our climate and biodiversity commitments into action that lasts for people, communities, and ecosystems."
The project focuses on strengthening coordinated action across key sectors, including biodiversity; urban ecosystem-based adaptation; energy efficiency in micro, small, and medium enterprises; transport; and governance. Borje emphasized that it reflects a national priority and underscores the need for strong cross-sector collaboration to address interconnected climate and biodiversity challenges.
Over the past year, the project has progressed from planning to action, with LGUs beginning to align development plans with national climate and biodiversity strategies. Initial progress across project sites has demonstrated the value of coordinated efforts and surfaced key challenges that require sustained collaboration.
On the sidelines of the 64th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, Germany, from June 8 to 18, the Philippines, through the CCC and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), discussed the project's progress with Dr. Kathrin Blaufus, co-head of Germany's International Climate Initiative (IKI). Discussions focused on linking implementation to investment planning, strengthening the biodiversity-climate nexus, and helping LGUs access climate finance through mechanisms like the People's Survival Fund, Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, based on findings from the enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP).
Other priorities included advancing the MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification) system, launching the National Adaptation Plan Gender Action Plan, and coordinating through the Development Partners' Coordination Group. The TRANSCEND Project, a joint initiative of the Philippines and Germany through the IKI, aims to target solutions in climate adaptation, emissions mitigation, and biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. The SB64 was a preparatory meeting ahead of the 31st Conference of Parties in Antalya, Turkey, in November.
