Germany and the Philippines toughened their joint stance against climate change Monday with the signing of a $42.2-million implementation agreement on projects related to this global problem.
The agreement called for technical and financial support by the German Development Cooperation-Deutsche Gesellshaft fur Internationale Zusammennarbeit (GIZ), which is responsible for several projects and programs in the country designed to secure natural resources as a basis for livelihood generation, enhancement of employment opportunities and promote renewable energy.
During a briefing in Makati City, presidential assistant for climate change Elisea G. Gozun said the “partnership has already identified programs that will be covered under this initiative.”
Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, vice chair of the Climate Change Commission, said that the GIZ is providing the needed support for local initiatives designed to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“Through the years, the Philippines and Germany have been undertaking joint projects designed to capacitate people and institutions with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of Filipinos,” she said.
The program was later on expanded to include projects that will address problems in climate change, she added.
Sering noted the Philippines’ long history of cooperation with the German government, which reached its 41st year on September 7, 2012.
The International Climate Change Initiative projects in the country are developed and implemented with key government agencies through the Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The academe, non-government and civil society organizations are also actively involved in the projects.
The projects in the Philippines directly contribute to securing natural resources as a basis for local livelihoods as well as awareness raising, skills and capacity development for climate protection and adaptation and to the enhancement of employment opportunities and investments in renewable energies.
