PH–Germany Partnership Powers Systemic Climate and Ecological Transformation Through TRANSCEND Project

MANILA, Philippines – The partnership between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Government of Germany continues to drive transformative climate and biodiversity action through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project — a joint initiative that strengthens climate governance, empowers communities, and protects ecosystems.

During the 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the need to turn climate projects into lasting systems and institutional reforms that sustain impact beyond project cycles and empower communities to take climate action that endures.

“The Philippines’ climate response must move beyond isolated pilot projects toward coherent systems that sustain impact beyond budget cycles,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, speaking before partners from the Government of Germany, the United Nations, other government agencies, and non-government organizations.

“Our partnership must move beyond pilots. It must translate innovation into institutional practice, and good practice into national policy,” he added.

Jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the CCC, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the TRANSCEND Project embodies the Philippines–Germany partnership’s shared commitment to climate and ecological transformation. It aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to integrate climate and biodiversity priorities into planning, investment, and policy — ensuring that climate action and ecosystem protection advance hand in hand.

Borje highlighted the CCC’s initiatives to integrate climate resilience into regular government operations by strengthening policies and financing mechanisms that link plans, budgets, and outcomes. These include scaling up Local Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (LCCET) to improve transparency in public spending, accelerating the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) for community- and nature-based adaptation projects, and integrating climate criteria in procurement to make green and resilient practices standard across agencies.

He noted that sustainable resilience depends on “systems that align, financing that rewards outcomes, and institutions that endure,” adding that these principles guide President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration in pursuing systemic, evidence-based, and inclusive climate governance.

Running from 2025 to 2029, TRANSCEND aligns with national frameworks such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The project seeks to institutionalize transformative, evidence-based actions that promote inclusive, nature-positive, and sustainable growth.

DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh welcomed the project’s role in strengthening convergence between climate and biodiversity efforts.

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

German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke reaffirmed Germany’s support, emphasizing that climate change is a shared responsibility requiring collective resolve.

“Our two countries will continue to work as strong and constructive partners in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of humankind,” he said.

The ambassador added that the warming of the planet should not be viewed merely as a threat but as a challenge that calls for stronger commitment. He stressed that this should motivate nations to push harder toward ensuring a sustainable and livable planet for future generations.

The 2nd PSC meeting reviewed project progress and ensured strategic alignment for the coming years, including monitoring and evaluation systems to measure tangible outcomes such as reduced risks, restored ecosystems, and improved access to sustainable services.

Among those present were CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, who facilitated discussions on some agenda items; Undersecretary Henry Yap Sr. of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD); GIZ Country Director Dr. Immanuel Gebhardt; and representatives from the DENR, DHSUD, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other partner agencies and organizations.

Borje concluded that the long-term success of TRANSCEND depends on building coherence across policies, financing, and institutions, ensuring that the project contributes not only to immediate climate and biodiversity goals but also to lasting reforms in public governance.

“If we do our work right — with discipline, courage, and constancy — TRANSCEND will not just transform cities; it will transform governance itself,” he said.

Through the TRANSCEND partnership, the Philippines and Germany reaffirm their shared goal of strengthening resilience, accelerating adaptation, and promoting low-carbon and biodiversity-friendly development across the country.