Philippines and Germany collaborate towards climate resilient cities through Urban-Act Project
The Project “Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon & Resilient Cities (Urban-Act)” was launched as the latest development cooperation initiative between the German and Philippine governments through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on 30 April 2024.
Urban-Act is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), funded through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) fund, and implemented by a consortium led by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with Clean Air Asia and the Institute for Climate and Resilient Cities in the Philippines. At the regional level, the Project is operationalised in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC). Urban-Act aims to support the transformation of cities towards low-carbon and resilient urban development in India, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and the Philippines. In the country, the Project focuses its interventions in the city governments of Antipolo, Bacolod, and Tagbilaran, and works towards achieving four key outcomes: 1) Improved institutional environments for climate-sensitive urban development, 2) Evidence-based and inclusive climate-sensitive spatial and urban planning, 3) Project concepts for urban climate action investments identified, and 4) Enhanced knowledge through regional learning exchanges.
“The launching of the Urban-Act Project today is the beginning of collaborative efforts to transform cities towards low carbon and resilient urban development. This is the realization of the vision of creating cities that despite economic growth maintains positive regard to ecological and environmental impact,” emphasised by DILG Undersecretary Marlon Iringan in his statement of support to the joint initiative.
“Celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relationship between the Philippine and German governments means deeper collaboration across different sectors, and supporting the Philippines in its fight against climate change remains a clear priority for the German government,” said German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Mathias Kruse in his remarks at the launch.
The event was opened by Prof. Ma. Sheila Napalang, Director of the Office of Research and Publication of the University of the Philippines-School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP-SURP). Key partner agencies gave statements of support for the Project, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) through Undersecretary Henry Yap, the Department of Foreign Affairs through Director Jose Garcia, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through a video from Undersecretary Timothy John Batan.
Representing the local government partners of Urban-Act, speeches in appreciation of the project were also given by Mayor Alfredo Benitez, Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, and Mayor Casimiro Ynares III of the cities of Bacolod, Tagbilaran, and Antipolo, respectively. A Workshop with national and local government agencies followed the launch, wherein the priorities of the Project for the three years were shaped in further detail.