The importance of science-based, community-driven collaboration in improving people’s lives to boost climate resilience was highlighted in the recent GovMedia Awards 2025 in Singapore as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) bagged another award for Project TRANSFORM.
Project TRANSFORM, or the Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement, clinched the Stakeholder Engagement of the Year Award for the Environment in the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center.
A flagship program of the DENR, Project TRANSFORM aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for a whole-of-society approach toward disaster and climate resilience through inclusive and sustainable ecosystems.
DENR Undersecretary Marilou Erni, overall lead of Project TRANSFORM said “Project TRANSFORM is more than a program―it is a paradigm shift.”
“It shows that resilience begins with partnership, thrives through science, and grows through community action,” she said.
Erni added that the program actively involves both public and private sectors to ensure sustainable climate investments with a positive and direct impact on the beneficiary communities.
Launched in 2023 after a multi-stakeholder consultation, Project TRANSFORM addresses environmental challenges at the community level.
Lead implementing partners include the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Resilience Council, First Philippine Holdings Corp., Philippine Business for Social Progress, Peace and Equity Foundation and Zuellig Family Foundation. DENR News
The initiative has been launched in the provinces of Bataan and Rizal, Ormoc City in Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Iloilo City,and the National Capital Region, with projects or programs enhancing disaster preparedness and building local capacities.
To date, it has engaged a total of 24 local government units (LGUs) across the country, institutionalizing cross-sector partnerships towards sustainable ecosystems and disaster-resilient communities.
Erni received the award on behalf of the DENR during the ceremony held on June 19. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the project’s lead implementing partners from the business sector, academe, civil society,non-government organizations, as well as the women and youth sectors.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards honors outstanding innovations, emerging trends and best practices in public sector governance throughout the Asia Pacific region. One winner is declared for each of the 23 categories, with awards distributed on a country-level basis. DENR News
