DENR mobilizing $278 million foreign-funded projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is mobilizing over $278 million worth of foreign-funded projects this year for biodiversity, climate change and environment programs to strengthen environmental resiliency and sustainability in local government units (LGUs).

During the recent High-level Discussion on the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga stressed the need to secure foreign funding to bridge financial gaps for successful program implementation.

“Through strategic partnerships with multilateral and bilateral institutions, we can address environmental issues efficiently and effectively,” she said.

Among the country’s strategic partners include Japan, Australia, the US, South Korea, and Canada, among others.

Loyzaga said the agency is collaborating with development partners, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the European Union (EU) to implement a circular economy approach with the Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Program.

Other foreign-funded projects include the Green Economy Program of the Philippines (GEPP) funded by the EU focusing on solid waste management and plastic waste reduction in 60 LGUs over five years as well as the Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Sea Region initiative, funded by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries which focuses on improving local governance in marine plastic management.

The DENR is also collaborating with the World Bank for ongoing studies on municipal solid waste plans, recycling systems, plastic circularity opportunities and strategies to combat plastic waste crisis.

It noted that the Philippines has also joined the Global Plastic Action Partnership through the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen its commitment against plastic pollution and has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with WEF for the Blue Carbon Action Partnership in a side event during the UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai.

“The establishment of the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) in the Philippines through the DENR will facilitate the inclusive, whole-of-society approach to developing a shared ambition for blue carbon, community resilience and inclusive development,” the DENR said.

The partnership would also unlock the Philippines’ potential to provide nature-based climate solutions for the rest of the world while supporting its programs for protected areas and preparing the country for participating in the new blue economy.

The department said these efforts will complement the DENR’s partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines Accelerating NDC through Circular Economy in Cities Project, which supports the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

“These initiatives demonstrate the DENR’s commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience while addressing pressing challenges. With effective implementation, they will contribute to an improved environment for all Filipinos,” Loyzaga added.

The environment chief also highlighted the importance of the partnership with other government agencies, emphasizing the need for a whole of government approach to accelerate LGU programs with global best practices in environmental management within the next five to six years.

Its partner agencies include the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).