By Kenneth Marcos 
In a conference hall in Mindanao, local officials, planners, and development partners leaned in as discussions turned to a shared concern: how communities can better withstand rising heat, stronger storms, and growing climate risks. The message from national leaders was clear—real climate action must reach the ground, and local governments must be strong enough to carry it.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) said robust governance and stronger local government unit (LGU) capacities are vital to the success of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts between the Philippines and Germany. The statement was made during the Mindanao Partners’ Forum and Landscape Workshop, held with support from GIZ Philippines and Pacific Island partners under the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development, or TRANSCEND, Project.
The meeting reviewed agency accomplishments under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for 2023 to 2024 and aligned next steps for the development of the NAP Gender Action Plan. It also served as a venue for national agencies, LGUs, and partners to assess what is working on the ground and what gaps still need to be addressed.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, in his welcome remarks, stressed that climate action is a shared responsibility. He said strong cooperation across government levels and sectors is needed to turn national policies into real benefits for communities.
Borje said climate programs succeed only when they are reflected in local investment plans and development priorities. He emphasized that biodiversity should be treated as vital infrastructure and that climate action must be integrated into everyday development planning, not treated as a separate agenda.
He pointed out that Mindanao faces some of the highest projected temperature increases in the country, making it highly vulnerable to climate impacts. At the same time, he described the region as rich in solutions, with forests, watersheds, and coastal ecosystems that protect cities and support farming and fishing livelihoods.
Borje said the TRANSCEND Project aims to connect and strengthen efforts already happening in communities, rather than add another layer of requirements. He explained that while national frameworks provide direction, the success of climate action depends on feasibility and ownership at the local level.
He also highlighted the important role of development partners in building climate resilience. According to Borje, support should focus on helping LGUs manage complex challenges, such as aligning climate goals with biodiversity protection, livelihood development, and financing.
“The real measure of success,” he said, “is whether local governments are left stronger and more capable after the project ends.”
The Mindanao forum showcased ongoing and planned initiatives across the region. These include ecosystem restoration, sustainable land use planning, climate-smart livelihoods, and institutional capacity-building for LGUs. Local stakeholders shared their experiences and concerns to help ensure that projects reflect actual needs and conditions on the ground.
The series of partners’ forums and landscape workshops under TRANSCEND is designed to promote consultation, coordination, and knowledge sharing among government agencies, LGUs, communities, and development partners. These engagements aim to build trust and speed up climate and biodiversity action across key landscapes in the Philippines.
The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It said lasting climate resilience can only be achieved through sustained cooperation among national agencies, LGUs, communities, and international partners.
As climate risks continue to grow, the discussions in Mindanao underscored a simple truth: policies alone are not enough. Empowered local governments, supported by strong partnerships, remain the backbone of a climate-resilient and sustainable Philippines.
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