HOWDOWETALK TRANSFORM?
executive summary
Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities) is DENR’s initiative to address critical environmental and socio-economic challenges in the Philippines. It also responds to pressing issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, and disaster vulnerability. The project aims to integrate environmental sustainability with disaster resilience and local governance through a science-based, collaborative approach. Project TRANSFORM aims to harmonize environmental sustainability with socio-economic development. Its key components include biodiversity conservation, greenhouse gas accounting, financial literacy, disaster management, and nature-based solutions.
The project has already achieved significant progress across its pilot and expansion sites, including Ormoc City, Bataan, and Quezon City. Initiatives such as solid waste management, integrated coastal programs, renewable energy development, and mangrove reforestation have demonstrated its potential to create lasting impacts. These efforts support the broader goal of building resilient communities, protecting ecosystems, and empowering local governments to take the lead in sustainable development.
Project TRANSFORM represents a call to action for all sectors of society to work together in addressing the complex environmental and socio-economic challenges of our time. By fostering partnerships and promoting science-based solutions, it paves the way for a sustainable and disaster-resilient Philippines.
PROJECTTRANSFORM
Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities) is a stakeholder partnership model that promotes local governments to take part in environment and natural resources management. Aligned with different development goals such as the Sendai Framework, Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, and the Paris Agreement, it aims to achieve environmental sustainability and resilience alongside socio-economic development through the creation of long-term strategies that involve close consultations and partnerships between DENR and the LGU.
c o m p o n e n t s
Biodiversity
Biodiversity emphasizes the vital role of data collecting, seen through biodiversity profiling and organizing a species invenotory.
Greenhouse Gases Accounting (GHGs)
This aids to take note of how much an area contributes to greenhouse gasses that causes warming and climate change.
Financial Literacy
The establishment of a financial system to assess projects and their funding, as well as learn basic bookkeeping processes.
Disaster Management
The creation of plans and projects centered on disaster preparedness and response, promotion of earthquake awareness, climate scenario analysis and protocols.
Nature-based Solutions
The ideation and implementation of carbon policies that promotes forest growth for animals to thrive in natural habitats.
CURRENTPROGRESS launched so far in:
Malimono, San Francisco, and Burgos in Surigao del Norte
Ormoc City in Leyte
Quezon City
Limay, Mariveles, and Orion in Bataan
CURRENTPROGRESS ormoc city, leyte
As Ormoc City was the pilot site for the project, Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared that through Project TRANSFORM, the DENR boosted the city’s localized sustainability and resilience program to offer higher-level solutions to raising ecological integrity and improving socio-economic conditions for the city and surrounding municipalities.
key projects
For Ormoc City, one of the project’s core objectives is to promote the adoption of low-carbon, carbon-free, and highly efficient transportation and industrial technologies to improve air quality for Ormoc's residents.
CURRENTPROGRESS bataan
Launched on May 9, 2023, Project TRANSFORM offered Bataan a wholeof-society approach to building resilience and sustainability.
key projects
Barangay Resilience Bingo Scorecard (BRBS) was established as an incentive program that aims to measure the resiliency and strength of every barangay against climate and disaster risks.
1Bataan Base Map is a geodatabase that helps the province accurately identify all land classifications such as public lands alienable and disposable, protected areas, national parks, water conservation areas, ancestral domains and other idle lands.
CURRENTPROGRESS quezon city
Partnered with DENR for Project TRANSFORM on April 23, 2024, the department welcomed the city’s 14-point agenda centered on environmental protection and climate action. The project will aid in strengthening Quezon City’s existing climate actions alongside the components of biodiversity and greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, financial literacy, disaster management, and nature-based solutions
TRANSFORMINGIMPORTANCE: WHYDOESITMATTER?
Building Resilient Communities
Project TRANSFORM helps communities prepare for and mitigate disasters, reducing risks to lives, homes, and livelihoods.
Environmental Sustainability
The program protects ecosystems, ensuring food, water, and energy security, which is essential for daily life and economic stability.
Empowering Local Governments
It strengthens LGUs' capacity to implement effective environmental and socio-economic governance.
Science-Based and Collaborative Approach
The initiative uses data-driven, inclusive strategies developed through partnerships with stakeholders and scientific assessments.
YOURROLEMATTERSTOO
Every step you take contributes to the collective goal of building a better future. Project TRANSFORM is more than an initiative; it’s a movement to safeguard our environment and protect generations to come.
Let’s work together to ensure a Philippines that is sustainable, resilient, and thriving. Take action today—be the change, lead the transformation.
TRANSFORMINGIT BIGGER,ANDBETTER: RECOMMENDATIONS
Over the years, the DENR has been responsible in enacting changes to better embody their mandates. Through Project TRANSFORM, these projects and initiatives were given life.
Solid Waste Management
A systematic, comprehensive and ecological waste management program is developed through the passage of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, where it focuses on having proper waste segregation, recycling, and disposal to mitigate the impact of pollution in the country.
Integrated Coastal Management
There is a need to emphasize towards various coastal and marine management efforts aimed towards the preservation of marine ecosystems and having support for sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Through RA 7586, also known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) mechanics that would protect the nation’s coastal and marine wealth are implemented.
Coral Conservation Project
As it aims to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems, habitat and vulnerability assessments are conducted in order to create and manage a database of coral reef ecosystems. This in turn would be one of the foundations in establishing protection measures such as monitoring sites, patrols, etc.
Renewable Energy Development
Sustainability through the use of clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power in order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Various initiatives must be ideated to incorporate the use of renewable types of energy such as hydro, solar and wind have been making significant strides in the country.
BEACATALYSTFOR TRANSFORMATION
The time to act is now. Project TRANSFORM invites individuals, organizations, and local governments to join hands in creating a disasterresilient and environmentally sustainable Philippines.
Support Local Initiatives
Participate in community projects such as mangrove reforestation, waste management drives, and renewable energy campaigns. Small actions create big impacts.
Advocate for Policies
Encourage policymakers to adopt and fund science-based strategies that align with the goals of Project TRANSFORM. Raise your voice for stronger environmental governance.
Educate and Inspire
Spread awareness about the importance of biodiversity, disaster preparedness, and sustainable practices. Empower others to take part in this shared responsibility.
Collaborate with Stakeholders
Work with LGUs, NGOs, and private sector partners to implement transformative solutions in your community. Together, we can achieve greater reach and impact.