Makati city: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch a five-year initiative aimed at empowering Philippine cities for sustainable, climate-smart urban development amidst increasing environmental challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Assistant Secretary for Local Government Jesi Howard Lanete and German Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, officiated the signing of the MOU at a ceremony held in Alfaland, Makati Place, Makati City. The "Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon and Resilient Cities (Urban-Act) Project" marks a pivotal step in enhancing urban climate resilience across the nation.

The collaboration underscores the national government's dedication to nurturing climate-resilient communities in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision for a future-ready, inclusive, and sustainable Bagong Pilipinas, which prioritizes innovation and resilient governance.

Urban-Act aligns with the Philippines' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and supports the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and is part of a wider regional initiative involving India, Thailand, China, and Indonesia.

The project aims to strengthen the capacities of Philippine cities to integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into urban planning. It seeks to enhance policy coherence by aligning national climate policies with local strategies for tangible community-level impact.

As the primary project partner, the DILG will manage project operations, ensure financial accountability, deploy experts, and provide office support. Collaborating national government agencies include the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which will contribute to policy development, technical services, cross-sectoral collaboration, and frameworks to accelerate urban climate action.

Pilot areas for developing and testing climate-responsive urban development plans include Antipolo City (Rizal), Bacolod City (Negros Occidental), and Tagbilaran City (Bohol).