The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expects $278 million (P15.5 billion) foreign-funded projects biodiversity and climate change programs to further strengthen environmental resiliency and sustainability in local government units (LGUs).
In a statement, DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga noted the need to secure foreign funding to bridge financial gaps in implementing environmental projects in the country.
“Through strategic partnerships with multilateral and bilateral institutions, we can address environmental issues efficiently and effectively,” Loyzaga said.
DENR said countries that provided the grants include Japan, Australia, United States, South Korea and Canada.
Loyzaga also highlighted the importance of the partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Finance, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and other agencies in a “whole of government” approach to accelerate LGU programs with global best practices in environmental management within the next five to six years.
The DENR is collaborating with development partners, including the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the European Union (EU) to implement a circular economy approach with the Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Program.
Loyzaga said other initiatives are the Green Economy Program of the Philippines funded by the EU which focuses on solid waste management and plastic waste reduction in sixty LGUs over five years; and the enhancement of marine litter management in Manila Bay.
The DENR has an ongoing collaboration with the World Bank on studies on municipal solid waste plans, recycling systems, plastic circularity opportunities and strategies to combat plastic waste crisis.
