MANILA, Philippines — Several local government units nationwide are commending the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' flagship program, Project TRANSFORM , a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to empower communities to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development.
“The ultimate gratification," said Torres-Gomez, "is not only seeing the environmental, social and economic improvement in the lives of our constituents, but being recognized by the DENR as a successful case study for LGU-based climate action that can be replicated across the nation.” Project TRANSFORM's pilot testing areas include towns like Del Carmen, Burgos, Malimono and San Francisco, which were severely damaged by super typhoon "Odette," demonstrating how important the project is in helping communities who are at risk.
Ynares sees the project as a paradigm for nationwide change, encouraging sustainable practices and community involvement. The project's scope is broad, including land, air and sea domains. The DENR chief highlighted the innovative inventory of public lands, which serves as a model for natural capital asset accounting systems.
Yulo-Loyzaga noted their significance, saying, "As the first line of defense, barangays also serve as the primary platform for outcomes in the vision of securing community resilience as stated in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan and the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change." Recognizing their contributions is critical to establishing resilient communities and accomplishing sustainable development objectives.
Marcos also stressed how economic agenda and climate change objectives may coexist, adding, “The economic agenda cannot and will not ever be incompatible with our climate change agenda.