[Left to Right] Dr. Moya Collett (Embassy of Australia), Dulamkhorloo Baatar (Nest Center for Journalism Innovation and Development),Secretary Robert Borje (Climate Change Commission, Philippines), Erry Riyana Hardjapameka (KAKI Alliance, Indonesia), and Sankhitha Gunaratne (Verité Research, Sri Lanka) discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities in the region and explore how open government solutions can drive transitions. Manila, Philippines | The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reaffirmed its commitment to open and inclusive climate governance, emphasizing its role in strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in Manila. Speaking at a high-level panel discussion, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and participation in addressing climate challenges across social and national boundaries. During the plenary session “A Regional Agenda for Open Government: How Economic Development, Democratic Security, and Open Government Go Together,” Secretary Borje highlighted the Philippines’ efforts to institutionalize inclusive governance frameworks, citing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) as key examples of collaborative policymaking under the Marcos administration. “Under President Marcos’ leadership, climate action has been prioritized through clear governance frameworks that encourage meaningful participation,” Borje said. “The NAP was completed in under 10 months, and the NDCIP in just five months, demonstrating that when governance frameworks are in place and stakeholders are actively engaged, we can achieve both strong outputs and impactful outcomes.” Borje also emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in climate finance, citing the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) mechanism, which tracks the allocation of climate-related funds. “CCET allows the public to see where climate funds go, making financial flows more transparent and ensuring that investments lead to meaningful outputs and outcomes,” Borje explained. He also advocated for expanding open governance frameworks at the regional level, proposing an ASEAN-wide open governance framework for climate finance and carbon markets. Addressing the need to balance high-quality deliberation with high-quality investment, Borje pointed to the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2020-2040. “The Philippines recognizes that climate action and shift to renewable energy must be both ambitious and well-planned,” he said. “At the same time, we are strengthening governance structures to ensure investments are transparent, inclusive, and accountable.” As a call to action, Borje stressed the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs), research institutions, and advocacy groups in ensuring climate finance accountability and policy effectiveness. “Governments must not work in silos. Meaningful participation leads to stronger policies, better implementation, and greater public trust,” he stated. “Our commitment to open governance means breaking down barriers and equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to take action, so we can build a culture of appreciation for open climate governance mechanisms that drive real, lasting resilience across the Asia-Pacific.” The event gathered government officials, civil society leaders, and policy experts to explore how open governance principles can advance sustainable development in the region. Together with Secretary Borje, the panel featured a diverse group of experts in a session moderated by Joseph Foti, OGP Principal Advisor for Emerging Issues. Dr. Moya Collett, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Australia discussed critical technology and regional cooperation, emphasizing the need for AI governance, human oversight, and efforts to combat misinformation in government decision-making. Erry Riyana Hardjapameka of the KAKI Alliance, Indonesia, highlighted anti-corruption measures in private sector development, citing investigations into MaxPower contracts and state electricity management systems to reinforce transparency. Dulamkhorloo Baatar of the Nest Center for Journalism Innovation and Development addressed the dangers of misinformation, particularly recurring disinformation campaigns on uranium mining, and stressed the importance of networks and partners in providing accurate context. Sankhitha Gunaratne of the Verité Research, Sri Lanka connected public finance and governance to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, explaining how governance-linked bonds incentivize reforms by tying debt restructuring to governance improvements. The CCC remains a strong advocate for open governance principles for climate policy development in the Philippines, ensuring that adaptation and mitigation align with national and global commitments.
The Climate Change Commission emphasizes the value of public-private collaboration to achieve the Nationally Determined Contribution targets. MAKATI CITY, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to achieving climate action goals through green economy pathways at the “2025 Sustainability Forum: The Green Economies of Tomorrow” recently held in Makati City. Key leaders from the private sector, government, and international organizations participated in the forum, which focused on accelerating the transition to sustainable, low-carbon economies. The event was organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in collaboration with the German Embassy. Discussions emphasized the role of green innovation in fulfilling the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, reiterated the Philippines’ climate commitment, including the NDC target of a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a business-as-usual scenario. He outlined key sectors—energy, transport, waste, industry, and agriculture—that are central to the country’s NDC Implementation Plan (NDCIP). Borje emphasized the need for strong public and private sector collaboration to drive investments in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green technologies. He noted that green industries not only reduce emissions but also boost economic growth and job creation. “The private and public sectors are crucial partners in this transformation. The shift to renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture are all areas where we can advance,” Borje stated. He also underscored the importance of a just transition to a green economy, ensuring that workers and communities, especially those in vulnerable sectors, receive adequate support. "This transition must be equitable, inclusive, and resilient, leaving no one behind." Meanwhile, Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, President of GPCCI, said the event presents an opportunity to foster collective action and develop effective solutions. “This forum is a space for meaningful dialogue, alignment of strategies, and strengthened partnerships to drive lasting impact.” The forum also served as a platform to explore how the Philippines can align its climate policies with international commitments while also addressing local development priorities. Borje highlighted that the Philippines’ updated NDC, set to be released this year, would reflect evolving priorities and emerging technologies–scaling up both adaptation and mitigation efforts. He urged the private sector to collaborate with the CCC in advancing climate action through green and climate-smart initiatives, emphasizing that “while the journey will not be easy, collective efforts can make it possible.” “Together with our partners, let’s push the boundaries of what is possible. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to turn our climate ambitions into realities, for a climate-smart, climate-resilient, and low-carbon sustainable future,” Borje said. The “2025 Sustainability Forum: The Green Economies of Tomorrow” brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society, including Christopher Zimmer, Executive Director of GPCCI; H.E. Andreas Faffernoschke, German Ambassador to the Philippines; and Lucas Zaehringer, CEO of Planet 2050. Also present were Edward Gacusana, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, and Naeeda Crishna Morgado, Senior Infrastructure Specialist at the Asian Development Bank. The CCC remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with various stakeholders across sectors to achieve the country’s NDC targets and advance a sustainable, low-carbon economy. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The consortium, implementing partners, and government stakeholders of the TRANSCEND Project in its convergence workshop and First Project Steering Committee meeting. MANILA, 20 January 2025 – The Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project, a joint initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the Republic of the Philippines, commenced with a convergence workshop on January 13 and the First Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting on January 14. The convergence workshop focused on aligning the project's goals with government priorities. It brought together the consortium, implementing partners, and government stakeholders, including the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), and Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft gGmbH (ZUG) which is responsible for IKI programme management. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the project's potential to deliver tangible impacts to communities and its role in protecting both ecosystems and the Filipino people. “Let us remember that our work through TRANSCEND covers the core values, needs and interests of our people. Through TRANSCEND, we are focused on transforming these into core strengths to secure a resilient future for our people,” Secretary Borje said. Meanwhile, the PSC meeting, co-chaired by CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta Teh, focused on future milestones and the project's steering structure. Commissioner Herrera highlighted the importance of collaboration in attaining the goals of TRANSCEND. “TRANSCEND is more than a project – it is a catalyst for transformative change toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and biodiversity-friendly Philippines. Through our collective wisdom and decisive action today, we set the strong foundation for this ambitious journey,” Commissioner Herrera said. Undersecretary Teh highlighted the project’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, as evidenced by the diverse sectors represented by the committee members. “There is an urgent need to strengthen the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to adopt actions that would lead the Philippines towards climate resiliency. As evidenced by your presence in today’s Project Steering Committee meeting, TRANSCEND is designed to work across different sectors and targets a multi-level governance approach.” Usec. Teh said. This vision was captured in the joint statement developed by the project, which was adopted by committee members through a celebratory signing. Presenting the joint vision statement, TRANSCEND Program Manager Johanna Sibbert reiterated that the envisioned future would serve as the guiding compass for their work. “May the image of an inclusive, equitable, climate-resilient, and nature-positive future inspire us to act collectively for climate action.” The TRANSCEND Project, with an implementation period from 2024 to 2029 and a total funding of €32.7 million, aims to support the Philippines' transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and biodiversity-friendly society. It aligns with international and national climate and biodiversity agendas and contributes to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The project is implemented by a consortium that includes the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or German Development Cooperation, Conservation International Philippines Foundation Inc. (CIPFI), Rare, United Nations Human Settlements Programme(UN-Habitat), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The project also receives targeted implementation support from the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Wuppertal Institute, International Council for Clean Transportation, Clean Air Asia, Climate Analytics, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies.
LAGUNA, 24 December 2024 — In the spirit of the holiday season and in line with the directive of the Office of the President, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted an outreach program that benefited 100 farmers and their families in the municipality of Paete, Laguna. This initiative is part of the CCC’s ongoing efforts to engage with communities affected by recent typhoons and promote resilience amid the impacts of climate change. Paete, a fourth-class municipality, relies heavily on agriculture for livelihoods, making it particularly vulnerable to climate-related challenges. One of the key sectors of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) focuses on agriculture, fisheries, and food security. The NAP aims to achieve three key outcomes for agriculture: productive and resilient agriculture and fisheries, conservation of natural resources critical for agriculture and aquaculture, and protection of farmers' and fisherfolk’s livelihoods amid climate change. The CCC continues to work closely with local governments through the development of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) to ensure that farmers and their communities have the resources and knowledge needed to build climate resilience. "This holiday season, we are undertaking this outreach program as part of our community-building activities, underscoring the reason for this season. We recognize that our farmers are at the frontline of climate impacts and we hope this outreach program helps ease the burden of those most affected and empower them to not just survive, but thrive," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The Municipality of Paete submitted its LCCAP for 2021-2026 and Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2023 to the CCC in May last year. The LCCAP outlines the LGU's strategies and actions to address climate change impacts on their community, infrastructure, and economy, while the AIP contains the programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) of the LGU, including on climate action. As the CCC strengthens its efforts to combat climate change and strengthen adaptation measures, it continues to focus on helping vulnerable communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward a climate-resilient future. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission commends the 24th Gawad KALASAG awardees for their efforts in disaster resilience and climate action during the National Ceremony in Baguio City. BAGUIO, Philippines –The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has commended the local government units (LGUs) and private sector organizations in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for their outstanding contributions to climate resilience. These efforts were recognized through the prestigious 24th Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal and Special Awards. The Gawad KALASAG Awards, organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), are the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster preparedness and resilience. This year, 74 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) councils and 13 special awardees were honored for their achievements in advancing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The CCC underscores the significance of these achievements, noting that 95.18% of LGUs in CAR have submitted their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP), a vital requirement for the Gawad KALASAG Seal. “This reflects the effectiveness of your local policies on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CCAM-DRR). This also serves as the backbone for your risk-informed actions, from tech innovations in disaster response to the deep community engagement that truly saves lives,“ said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of CCC. He further encouraged stakeholders to sustain their efforts in the fight against climate change. “Resilience is not built overnight—it requires continuous effort, collaboration, and innovation. Let’s aim for a Cordillera where every LGU, every community, and every citizen is prepared for the uncertainties ahead,” Borje added. Regional Director Albert A. Mogol, Chairperson, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), underscores the importance of unified response in a global crisis. "In this situation, a unified response is crucial to confront these challenges, particularly as multi-stakeholder efforts pave the way for effective disaster management," Mogol stated. He underscored that the collaboration and active involvement of various stakeholders are vital to enhance readiness and ensure swift action. Awardees include LGUs from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province for their exemplary leadership and initiatives in disaster risk reduction management. Special awards were also presented to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, SN Aboitiz the private sector category, recognizing their efforts in implementing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and climate change action plans across the four thematic areas of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The University of the Cordilleras also received an award for their innovative approaches and resilience in overcoming challenges. The CCC remains committed to support LGUs to translate climate plans into actionable strategies and encourages greater participation in resilience-building programs. The CCC urges local governments to continue enhancing their LCCAPs and integrating them with broader national efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and preparedness. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
