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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG, German group sign agreement to boost PH urban development

DILG, German group sign agreement to boost PH urban development

Published Sep 2, 2025 11:39 am  |  Updated Sep 2, 2025 01:28 pm
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would push for the implementation of a five-year  program aimed at empowering Philippine localities attain sustainable, climate-smart urban development in the midst of environmental challenges. 
In a statement, the DILG said the signing of the Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon and Resilient Cities (Urban-Act) Project in the Philippines marks the  step toward climate-resilient urban growth in the country.
Funded by the International Climate Initiative through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Urban-Act forms part of a broader regional initiative spanning India, Thailand, China and Indonesia.
The project focuses on enhancing the capacities of Philippine cities to mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation  into urban planning.  
It also promotes stronger policy coherence by integrating national climate policies into local strategies, ensuring tangible, community-level impact.  
Represented by Assistant Secretary for Local Government Atty. Jesi Howard Lanete, the DILG thanked the German government for its enduring support to the Philippines. 
“Your support strengthens our shared goal of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities,” Lanete said.
“Today, we turn another page of a new chapter of resilience. Together, we will invest in green projects, renewable energy, and climate care to ensure a future that is safe for all generations to come,” he added.
German Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine government for its proactive role in championing climate resiliency.  
Similarly, GIZ Philippines Country Director Immanuel Gebhardt called the MOU a key milestone for the Urban-Act project.
As the main project partner, the DILG will oversee project management, ensure operational  feasibility, financial accountability, deploy experts; and provide office support.  
The DILG disclosed that key national government agency partners include the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).  
They will contribute to policy updates and development, technical services, cross-sectoral collaboration, and incentive frameworks to accelerate urban climate action.
“Antipolo City (Rizal), Bacolod City (Negros Occidental), and Tagbilaran City (Bohol) have been identified as pilot areas where climate-responsive urban development plans will be crafted and tested,’’ the DILG noted.
The DILG pointed out that the Urban-Act supports the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and advances  the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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