THE GOVERNMENT of Canada is investing more than PhP 1 billion in grant financing to promote integrated climate action and disaster resilience in the Philippines.
During the Philippines-Canada Partnership Forum held on July 10 at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City, the Embassy of Canada highlighted its portfolio of over CAD$30 million (approx. PhP 1.2 billion) dedicated to funding initiatives on climate adaptation and resilience.
“Canada’s substantial contributions to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in the Philippines are a fitting example of the growing breadth and depth of Canada’s bilateral partnership with the Philippines,” said Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines David Hartman.
Close to 200 government leaders, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and members of the diplomatic community attended the forum to discuss solutions to the growing threats posed by natural disasters and climate change.
“Canada is working with Canadian, local, and international organizations to unlock financing for climate adaptation, and implement locally-led nature-based solutions in vulnerable communities,” Ambassador Hartman added.
The grant financing also supports ecosystem restoration, including through natural capital accounting, and assisting local governments to assess, plan for, and implement disaster resilience and climate adaptation measures. The financing also seeks to improve integrated water resource management in partnership with the private sector.
“Canada’s investments target the needs of communities across the three main island regions while tackling the differential impacts of climate change on vulnerable and marginalized populations, including women, girls, and Indigenous Peoples,” Ambassador Hartman explained.
By working with national and local governments and coordinating with other development actors, these initiatives seek to contribute to the priorities and objectives set by the Government of the Philippines, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
