The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Federal Republic of Germany are stepping up efforts to strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity protection through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project.

The initiative seeks to translate the Philippines' climate and biodiversity commitments into concrete programs at the local level while helping communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

During the 2nd National Technical Working Group Conference, representatives from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), development partners, and implementing organizations reviewed the project's progress and discussed ways to improve coordination and implementation.

CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje said the project has entered a crucial phase following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s issuance of a special authority authorizing its full implementation.

"We are united by a common purpose: turning our climate and biodiversity commitments into lasting action for people, communities, and ecosystems," Borje said.

The TRANSCEND Project focuses on key areas such as biodiversity conservation, urban ecosystem-based adaptation, energy efficiency for micro, small, and medium enterprises, sustainable transport and climate governance.

Over the past year, participating LGUs have begun integrating national climate and biodiversity goals into their local development plans, marking the project's shift from planning to implementation.

On the sidelines of the 64th Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, Germany, Philippine officials from the CCC and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources met with representatives of Germany's International Climate Initiative (IKI) to discuss the project's progress.

The talks focused on strengthening climate financing for LGUs through mechanisms such as the People's Survival Fund, Green Climate Fund, and Global Environment Facility, while advancing the country's Nationally Determined Contributions, biodiversity conservation, and adaptation programs.