By Kenneth Marcos 
In a world where every peso counts, a new Filipino-led project is helping make sure that climate funds are spent right — and the world is taking notice.
The Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) Project IMPACT has earned top honors at the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit held in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The initiative was awarded Best Climate and Environment Project among 20 global entries, highlighting the Philippines as a leading voice for transparency and accountability in climate finance.
Helping citizens track every peso of climate funds
Project IMPACT, short for Inclusive Monitoring and Participation for Accountability in Climate Transformation, is a digital tool that allows citizens to monitor government climate projects using simplified, easy-to-understand data. The system includes geo-tagged maps, social media features, and offline accessibility to ensure that even communities in far-flung areas can use it.
What sets it apart is its full feedback loop — citizens can report concerns and expect a response from the government. This makes the program not just a tracker but a platform for dialogue and action.
The project also builds on the existing Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system developed in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which ensures that climate adaptation and mitigation plans are reflected in both national and local budgets.
A global nod to local innovation
The recognition from OGP — a 75-nation partnership promoting open governance — puts the Philippines at the forefront of citizen-centered climate action. Out of 163 entries worldwide, only a few received thematic awards. Project IMPACT stood out for being designed by and for Filipinos, combining technology and civic participation to push for clean, honest, and effective governance.
“This recognition validates our goal to build trust between citizens, government, and civil society,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “We want every climate peso to be traceable, effective, and responsive to the people’s needs.”
Pilot run in vulnerable provinces
Starting in 2026, Project IMPACT will be piloted in four provinces identified as highly vulnerable to climate change under the National Adaptation Plan. The project is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).
The goal is to create a working model of open, transparent, and inclusive climate finance that can be scaled nationwide.
Whole-of-society approach to climate action
This milestone is aligned with Executive Order No. 31, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2023, which institutionalized the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP). The EO aims to embed transparency and citizen participation in all levels of governance.
Project IMPACT is a clear example of this mandate in action — using open data, digital tools, and public engagement to improve climate governance.
The CCC emphasized that the project’s success should inspire continued collaboration among national agencies, local governments, and the public. More than just an award, the recognition symbolizes a new social contract between the government and the people in addressing the climate crisis together.
A step forward, but work continues
While the award is a major achievement, the CCC reminded the public that it’s just the beginning. Making climate finance truly transparent and responsive will require ongoing participation, feedback, and vigilance from all sectors of society.
Through initiatives like Project IMPACT, the Philippines is showing that open government isn’t just about access to data — it’s about giving people the power to shape their future.
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