DENR’s Project TRANSFORM strikes gold with sustainability Anvil win
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga (middle) receives the Gold Anvil Award given by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines for the DENR’s entry “From Science to Action: Transforming the Local Governance Landscape in the Philippines” under Public Relations Programs - Best Use of Partnerships category. The award was presented to the Secretary by DENR Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Marilou G. Erni (left) and Undersecretary Atty. Jonas R. Leones during the DENR Management Command Conference in Laguna.
Photo courtesy of DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been recognized for its innovative approach to environmental sustainability, winning the Gold Anvil Award for Project TRANSFORM — a program designed to enhance disaster resilience and environmental management through multi-sector collaboration.
DENR Undersecretary Marilou G. Erni highlighted the project's inclusive strategy, emphasizing its focus on data-driven solutions and cooperation between local government units (LGUs), private companies, civil society, and academic institutions.
“Through its evidence-based and whole-of-society approach, Project TRANSFORM engages Local Government Units (LGUs) and partners from the private sector and civil society in improving hazard response, promoting environmental sustainability, disaster resilience and development efforts in its partner LGUs,” Erni said.
Launched in Ormoc City in 2023, Project TRANSFORM has rapidly expanded across Bataan, Rizal, Surigao del Norte, and Lanao del Norte. It now boasts over 200 partners and is actively implementing 33 programs across four provinces and at least 30 municipalities.
The initiative’s original partners included the National Resilience Council, Peace and Equity Foundation, Zuellig Family Foundation, First Philippine Holdings for Environment, and Philippine Business for Social Progress. Over time, it has grown to include various NGOs, cooperative groups, and environmental organizations, further strengthening its nationwide impact.
Each province under Project TRANSFORM has developed tailored programs to address local environmental and disaster resilience challenges. Bataan has prioritized land-use transparency, mangrove restoration, and air quality monitoring. Rizal is focused on water security, sustainable tourism, waste management, and greenhouse gas reduction. Lanao del Norte has aligned its initiatives with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP 2023-2028), launching programs such as Nature and Wealth (N&W), Kapaligiran Alagaan Para sa Kalusugan (KAPK), Taytayan Para sa Kalikasan (TPSK), and Landscape-2-Seascape (L2S).
According to Undersecretary Erni, the program is not just about policy-making but also about implementing practical solutions based on scientific data.
“Project TRANSFORM continues to work with the LGUs and their stakeholders in developing their respective investment portfolios and maximizing opportunities for collaboration based on science and local context,” Undersecretary Erni explained. “Through Project TRANSFORM, the DENR is able to focus complex science and policies, working with local communities and other stakeholder groups, producing actionable knowledge for all levels, transforming lives for the better.”
The Anvil Awards, presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), is the highest recognition in public relations, honoring outstanding programs and tools. Judged by top PR professionals and a distinguished multi-sectoral jury, the awards highlight initiatives that demonstrate excellence and impact.
Founded in 1957, the PRSP is a leading organization for public relations professionals from business, government, and non-profits. As a non-stock, non-profit group, it promotes ethical standards, professional development, and stronger ties between PR practitioners and the public. Through the Anvil Awards, PRSP continues to uphold excellence in the industry.