Canada investing P1.2 billion in Philippines climate initiatives

MANILA, Philippines — Canada will provide over P1.2 billion (CA$30 million) in funding to the Philippines for various climate action and disaster resilience initiatives, the Canadian embassy announced yesterday.

The funds will support ecosystem restoration projects through natural capital accounting – the process of calculating the value of natural resources for better management and economic development – and assist local governments in enhancing their disaster resilience programs.

Ottawa is also eyeing partnerships for improved water resource management with the private sector.

“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,” Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said on Thursday.

“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,” Hartman said on July 10, during a forum in Westin Manila in Mandaluyong focused on solutions to problems posed by climate change.

Among those in attendance were Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.