The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have reaffirmed their commitment to building climate and disaster resilience through the Upscaling Plans for Resilient Urban Governance (UPSURGE) Project during a coordination meeting held on March 21, 2025, at the DILG-NCR Matino Room in North Avenue, Quezon City.

Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, along with representatives from the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) headed by Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta and Assistant Chief Maria Jasmin D. Diaz, met with UNDP Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme Manager Ms. Jacqueline Miel Soliguin and NCR Regional Coordinator Mr. Morito Francisco to review past accomplishments and move forward with their collaborative efforts.

“Our partnership with UNDP has been instrumental in advancing climate and disaster resilience initiatives across Metro Manila,” said RD Agustin. 

During the meeting, Ms. Soliguin briefly discussed the program’s achievements and challenges from previous commitments while outlining UNDP’s goals for the year ahead. A central focus will be positioning Metro Manila as an investment capital that can serve as a model for other LGUs across the country, particularly in vulnerable provinces.

The meeting also featured a presentation by LGCDD Project Evaluation Officer III Tracey Jayne L. Molina on the joint accomplishments achieved under the UPSURGE Project, showcasing its tangible impact within the first two (2) implementing years of the project.

Moving forward, both organizations aim to bridge funding gaps, enhance technical assistance, and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that climate and disaster resilience is not just a priority, but a reality for LGUs.

Launched in 2023, DILG-NCR’s UPSURGE Project aims to strengthen risk governance in the region by mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into the local development planning process. The said project is made possible with the support of the Australian Government and the UNDP, along with its consortium partners for the SHIELD Programme.