The Climate Change Commission, during the 2nd National Technical Working Group Conference, held to strengthen coordinated project implementation for local climate action.

MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany, is strengthening coordinated project implementation to boost local climate action and protect biodiversity through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project.

The initiative supports the country’s efforts to translate national climate and biodiversity commitments into concrete actions on the ground, while reinforcing climate resilience across communities and ecosystems.

During the 2nd National Technical Working Group (TWG) Conference, stakeholders from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), development partners, and implementing organizations convened to assess progress, align priorities, and strengthen coordination across project components.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored the importance of translating commitments into tangible results at the local level, following the issuance of a special authority from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that signals the full implementation of the project.

“We are gathered here, united by a common purpose: turning our climate and biodiversity commitments into action that lasts for people, communities, and ecosystems,” he said.

The project aims to strengthen 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 highlights the need for strong collaboration across sectors to address interconnected climate and biodiversity challenges.

Over the past year, implementation has moved 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, while also surfacing key challenges that require sustained collaboration.

The conference brought together partners from national and regional government agencies, representatives from LGUs, and community stakeholders from the project’s implementation areas, alongside consortium and implementing organizations.

Bilateral discussion during SB64

On the sidelines of the 64th Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany, 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).

Discussion centered on linking NDC implementation to investment planning, strengthening the biodiversity–climate nexus, and helping LGUs access climate finance — including the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) — through findings from the enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP).

Other priorities discussed included advancing the MRV system, launching the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Gender Action Plan, and coordinating through the Development Partners’ Coordination Group (DPCG).

The TRANSCEND Project is a joint initiative of the Philippines and Germany through the IKI, which aims at targeting solutions in climate adaptation, emissions mitigation, and biodiversity conservation in the Philippines.

The SB64, held in Bonn, Germany from 8 to 18 June 2026, was a preparatory meeting ahead of the 31st Conference of Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey in November. It focused on technical and scientific matters as well as the implementation of the climate treaties.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.