Quezon City, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined government and development partners in the kick off workshop for Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project in the aim to accelerate progress towards climate resilience.

Supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, the TRANSCEND Project will forge collaborations between governments, civil society and the private sector to attain transformational change in the areas of climate governance, biodiversity conservation, ecosystems resilience, transport, and energy.

"Aligned with the thrust of the German government, this Project will drive concrete results on adaptation, mitigation, and biodiversity protection, catering to the specific needs and priorities of the Philippines," First Secretary Alexander Schmidt of the German Embassy Manila said.

As the lead policy-making body of the Philippine government on climate change, the CCC provided convergence points of the Project in line with the country’s climate action agenda.

“To adequately address the impacts of climate change, we must strengthen our collective capacities to effectively and efficiently deliver our work. Collaborative partnerships with development partners in the international community and the business sector are key to our success,” said Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.

Jerome Ilagan, Chief of CCC’s Policy and Research and Development Division, highlighted the opportunity for the Project to employ the concept of "Build Right at First Sight" using the best available science and technologies and aligned with the Nationally Determined Contribution.

During the project’s kick-off workshop, Alexis Lapiz, Chief of CCC’s Strategic Partnership Division, recognized the support provided by the German Government and the vision of TRANSCEND to foster a whole-of-government approach in pursuing climate actions.

"This mechanism is clearly demonstrated by the Project, which provides an enabling environment for government and non-government actors to join forces and reach significant strides towards advancing the country’s climate change and sustainable development agenda," said Lapiz.

With grant funding of EUR 36.8 million, the Project will be spearheaded by a consortium of development partners and research institutions in partnership with various national government agencies.