U.S. releases grants to 11 organizations

MANILA – The United States awarded local civil society organizations some P240 million ($4.3 million) in grants to help them address the unique climate challenges faced by local communities across the Philippines.  

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson joined Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna and Gerry Roxas Foundation Executive Director Glen de Castro announced that the 11 grants  will support efforts to conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife, and implement natural climate solutions.   

The recipient organizations are BaiAni Foundation, CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Diliman Science Research Foundation, Impl. Project Philippines, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Mabuwaya Foundation, Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, Tanggol Kalikasan, University of Santo Tomas Research and Endowment Foundation, and Xavier Agricultural Extension Services Foundation.  

The grants were provided under United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Investing in Sustainability and Partnership for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems Project (INSPIRE). 

The Mabuwaya Foundation plans to use their grant to protect the intact forests of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Cagayan by addressing illegal logging and conversion of forest lands for agricultural use.  While Xavier Agricultural Extension Service Foundation’s grant will strengthen community-based initiatives to restore and protect the mangrove forests and other marine ecosystems in Zamboanga Sibugay province.  

Carlson affirmed civil society organizations’ critical role in translating conservation agreements into actions. “Through these grants, we are advancing sustainable local solutions that will help communities address the unique climate challenges they face. These grants contribute to our shared goal of a more resilient future where both people and nature thrive,” she said. 

“We are one with USAID and INSPIRE in the quest for an increased and a more meaningful participation and engagement of all sectors (of society). DENR is grateful for the continued partnership and we look forward to deepening our engagement as we work toward creating a more equitable world for all,” Cuna said.  

For more than six decades, USAID has partnered with the Philippine government and local organizations to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.  Since 2021, USAID has provided more than P620 million ($11.7 million) to civil society organizations to amplify their efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and uplifting the lives of Filipino communities. (Mindanao Examiner)