German State Secretary Visit Reaffirms Strong Development Partnership with the Philippines
German Parliamentary State Secretary Johann Saathoff from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ) recently visited the Philippines. He met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda, Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria to affirm Germany’s continued support in the country.
Mr. Saathoff explored possible future areas of cooperation for Germany in the Philippines and was able to visit projects implemented by GIZ in Iloilo and Guimaras related to sustainability and climate protection. He was joined by representatives from BMZ, ADB, GIZ, and KfW Development Bank; and the Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in Manila Mr. Mathias Kruse, and GIZ Country Director Immanuel Gebhardt. The delegation engaged with local leaders in Iloilo City and Guimaras to spotlight transformative partnerships driving environmental action on the ground.
In Iloilo City, discussions highlighted how international cooperation translates into tangible results. From the successful rehabilitation of the Iloilo River to the city’s growing active mobility network, Iloilo continues to position itself as a model for sustainable urban development. Its coastal and mangrove protection initiatives further reinforce its leadership in ecosystem restoration — recently earning recognition from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a “Role Model City” for nature-based solutions.
The exchange underscored a shared ambition: building climate-resilient cities that integrate environmental protection, public health, and people-centered mobility. Even within a short visit, the dialogue strengthened collaboration and opened new pathways for innovation.
In Guimaras, the delegation visited the Integrated Waste Management Facility in San Lorenzo, where Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava and Congressman JC Rahman A. Nava welcomed the German partners. The visit showcased the strong results of cooperation under GIZ’s flagship 3RproMar Project.
Through 3RproMar, Germany supports marine protection by reducing plastic leakage, strengthening waste management systems, and safeguarding coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. Governor Nava emphasized that protecting marine resources is not only an environmental priority, but also an economic imperative — sustaining fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods for local communities.
From river rehabilitation to marine protection, the visit demonstrated how the Philippine–German partnership continues to deliver concrete solutions for climate resilience, circular economy, and sustainable development — turning shared commitments into measurable impact.
