13 January 2023, Manila, Philippines – The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) South-South Collaboration on Climate Information Services (SSCIS) Project Team paid a courtesy call on Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Executive Robert E.A. Borje, the Overall Program Director, to discuss the next steps in the implementation of the SSCIS.

During the meeting, VCED Borje welcomed the SSCIS Project Team tasked to handle project operations under the guidance of the CCC as the lead government partner, in coordination with relevant agencies and institutions.

“The implementation of the SSCIS Project presents an opportunity for CCC and the Philippine government to further enhance knowledge and capacities in data management, including collecting, generating, and analyzing climate data as a basis of climate action,” said VCED Borje.

The SSCIS is a EUR 5-million project that aims to provide climate information services to national and local government, and the academe, and establishes a South-South Center of Excellence as a venue for knowledge exchanges among climate vulnerable countries. 

“The South-South Center of Excellence will allow us to further deepen our engagement with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), promoting a whole-of-world approach in enhancing climate resilience of communities,” VCED Borje said. 

The SSCIS Project Team is led by Dr. Bjoern Surborg, Principal Advisor of the SSCIS Project and Cluster Coordinator for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for GIZ Philippines Office.

“The GIZ Philippines, through the South-South Project, remains committed to work with the Philippine government in promoting data-driven climate action to enhance local knowledge on climate change,” Dr. Surborg said.

Dr. Surborg is joined by Mr. Jimmy Loro as the Chief Adviser, and team members Ms. Theresa Lim, Ms. Denise Ann Suarez, Mr. Richard Antonio, and Mr. Rune Ylade. The meeting took place on 13 January 2023.