German Embassy, GIZ, and government partners unveil Center of Excellence in Climate Information and Services Marker in PAGASA

Verteter:innen des South-South Centre of Excellence (SSCoE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Atmospheric und Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Office sitzen an Konferenztischen und schauen in die Kamera.

The South-South Centre of Excellence (SSCoE) in Climate Information and Services (CIS) marker at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Office was officially unveiled on January 17. The event was attended by officials from the Philippine and German governments, and the ASEAN University Network, the University of the Philippines Los Baños Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management (UPLB-INREM), UP Manila National Institutes of Health (UP NIH), Isabela State University (ISU) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and PAGASA Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Marcelino Villafuerte II, along with the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy Manila Mathias Kruse and the Deputy Director General of Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) Inka Gnittke led the unveiling of the marker.

In his message, Secretary Solidum emphasized the use of CIS as a critical element in the promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability, to ensure Philippines’ victory over disasters.

Mr. Kruse highlighted 70 years of German-Philippines diplomatic relations and its science-based approach in addressing the ill effects of climate change. Inka Gnittke on one hand shared the support of Germany to the Philippines focusing on climate-resilient, low-carbon, and biodiversity-friendly society, which addresses the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, in integrated projects.

BMUV Policy Officer Nina Alsen pinpointed the contribution of a solid knowledge base in understanding the effects of climate change to facilitate informed decisions including among Local Government Units, to develop precautionary actions, and enhance preparedness for more resilient communities. Alsen highlighted the use of CIS to create the foundation for the right priorities set by Local Chief Executives, in planning for development and adaptation measures and investments.

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol, DENR Director Elenida Basug, Assistant Secretary/Deputy Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission Romell Antonio Cuenca, GIZ Cluster Coordinator of Climate Action and Disaster Risk Management and Principal Advisor of the SSCIS Project Nicole Kranz, and GIZ Country Director Immanuel Gebhardt also graced the occasion.