United Nations in Philippines

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines.

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Publication

26 March 2026

United Nations Philippines 2025 Annual Results Report - 2026 Prospects

The 2025 Annual Results Report of the United Nations in the Philippines outlines how the UN system supported national development priorities over the year under the 2024–2028 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.The report highlights key development results, investments, and partnerships across human capital, inclusive economic development, climate action, governance, and peace, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Philippine Development Plan priorities.It also documents how the UN is adapting its role as the Philippines moves toward upper middle‑income status, shifting from project delivery toward policy support, systems strengthening, and financing for scale.The report provides a consolidated overview of financial resources, joint programmes, and contributions from government, development partners, and the private sector, emphasizing coherence and results.Finally, the report outlines UN priorities for 2026, focusing on resilience, inclusion, climate action, and institutional reform, while reinforcing the UN’s long‑standing partnership with the Philippines.

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Story

23 June 2026

UNOCT addresses terrorist exploitation of new technologies

Advances in digital technology have helped accelerate development and create easier and faster ways to communicate. However, the accessibility of these technologies has also made it attractive to bad actors like terrorist and violent extremist groups. These tools can be used to help with radicalization, recruitment, coordinated attacks, and terrorism financing.To address increasing concerns over the use of technology for malicious purposes, the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) is working with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to strengthen the capacities of the Philippines to respond to these threats.As part of a two-year project called CT Tech+ funded by the European Union, in which the UN supports 9 partner states, UNOCT held a national workshop in Manila on 4 June, bringing together 21 officials from Philippine law enforcement agencies and private technology companies to foster collaboration and information sharing to help counter technology-facilitated terrorism.The activity focuses on an important stream of work under UNOCT’s Global Counter-Terrorism Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies: boosting public-private partnerships on the use of new and emerging technologies to counter terrorism. By promoting this whole-of-society approach, UNOCT helps partner states further strengthen their national counter-terrorism policies and strategies, as well as local law enforcement’s technological capabilities.The workshop, which was hosted by the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, and organized in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorism Council – Programme Management Center, served as a space to identify challenges, problems and opportunities for partnership, especially for harnessing innovative technological solutions for gathering digital data and evidence.A key component of the workshop was scenario-based exercises to help participants explore how law enforcement agencies and the private sector can jointly respond to terrorist exploitation of online spaces and tools, such as terrorist groups’ use of social “The CT Tech+ Initiative has been pivotal in enhancing our national capabilities against crime and terrorism in cyberspace. This, in turn, ensures our international commitment to a safe and secure cyberspace for all,” said Undersecretary Bernardo C. Florece, Jr., Executive Director of the Anti-Terrorism Council - Program Management Center.In addition to the sharing of resources and experiences, a critical session focused on how to ensure that law enforcement authorities’ adoption and use of digital tools is compliant with the Philippine Government’s obligations under international human rights law, particularly concerning the rights to privacy and freedom of expression. “Effective counterterrorism measures and the protection of human rights are complementary,” said Ms. Tristan Burnett, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission and UN Philippines Resident Coordinator ad interim. “Respect for human rights and standards is an essential component of an effective counter terrorism strategy, including by building public trust and confidence, allowing space for peaceful debates, and by assisting and protecting victims of terrorism, as well as the fundamental rights of those who are suspected of committing these attacks.”Best practices from the UNOCT handbook on establishing public-private partnerships to counter the use of new technologies for terrorism were shared to guide participants in establishing cooperation pathways between government agencies and private companies. UNOCT will provide the Philippine Government with a post-workshop report with recommendations on strengthening public-private partnerships for counter-terrorism efforts.The CT Tech+ workshop was co-organized with INTERPOL, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, and funded by the European Union.

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23 June 2026

UN Chief proposes 7-point climate plan; local actions already underway in the Philippines to strengthen energy security

The transition to locally produced renewable energy is key to both increasing energy security and combatting climate change. This was the key message of United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres, who today unveiled a seven-point global action plan to confront the escalating climate and energy crises, emphasising the urgent need to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels toward clean, resilient, and equitable energy systems.In a speech during London Climate Action Week, Guterres said the climate and energy crises share a common root—fossil fuel dependence—and require a coordinated global response.The foremost priority in the UN chief’s seven-point plan is the reduction of emissions, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, two of the primary contributors to global warming. Guterres launched a global call to action on methane that focuses on three key sectors: landfills and waste disposal, agriculture, and fossil fuels. He said cutting methane emissions, which break down in the atmosphere within two decades, will lead to a drop in global temperatures within a generation—unlike CO₂ emissions, which could stay in the atmosphere for hundreds of thousands of years. This call to action is complemented by the second point in the plan, which is a transition from investments in coal, oil, and gas to the expansion of renewable energy systems.The third item in the agenda covers the rapid rise in energy demand from artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Guterres proposed a new AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, which urges major technology companies to disclose the full environmental footprint of their operations and commit to powering data centres with 100% renewable energy by 2030. [Read UN University’s new report on the Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence]Underscoring the importance of fairness amid the transition to more sustainable forms of energy, the Secretary‑General called for a people‑centred approach that protects workers, supports developing countries, and ensures shared benefits.He stressed the need for coordinated international cooperation to address economic risks, maintain affordability, and create new opportunities in clean energy industries.Guterres also highlighted that amid the shift to cleaner energy, countries must scale up adaptation efforts to mitigate climate impacts that are already being felt worldwide.“We must do far more to protect people and communities from the here-and-now effects of climate chaos,” he said. “Because even at full speed, we cannot outrun climate change.” The UN chief recommended response measures such as integrating climate risks into national planning, expanding early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness, and significantly increasing funding for vulnerable countries.These initiatives require substantial increases in climate financing and financial support for developing nations. Guterres emphasized that meaningful progress depends on delivering existing funding commitments, mobilizing US$ 1.3 trillion annually by 2035, and reforming financial systems to unlock public and private investment in sustainable infrastructure and resilience.Finally, the Secretary‑General warned of rising disinformation that undermines climate action. He called for stronger efforts to protect scientific integrity, support journalists and researchers, and ensure universal access to accurate, evidence‑based information through resources such as the UN’s Global Initiative on Information Integrity on Climate Change.The Secretary-General's seven-point plan is already reflected in ongoing efforts in the Philippines, where the UN has been supporting a wide range of initiatives to strengthen energy security, expand clean energy access, and build climate resilience.From advancing offshore wind development and modernizing electricity grids to promoting solar‑powered housing, climate‑smart industries, and renewable energy in critical services, these initiatives reflect how global priorities are being translated into practical solutions on the ground.

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04 June 2026

LOOK BACK: The Philippines’ long history with the UN Security Council

The Philippines may not have secured a seat in the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, but the country has had a vibrant history with the body, having served as a non-permanent member a total of four times. The first time the Philippines became a member of the Security Council was in 1957. Carlos P. Romulo, who had served as President of the UN General Assembly in 1949, was the country’s first representative to the Council. He took up the role again from 1980 to 1981 when the Philippines won its third term as a non-permanent member. Romulo was President of the Security Council—a position that rotates among the members monthly—four times during his tenure. In a 1982 interview, he described the importance of the role: “[It’s] necessary to get the meeting of minds of the delegates to the Security Council before any decision is made. And I think that’s the duty of the President, to get them together on every issue that is of importance.” Among the matters Romulo tackled during his terms as President were territorial disputes in South Asia and the Middle East, and deliberations of countries’ applications for UN membership. Four other Filipinos have served as President of the Security Council: Jacinto Castel Borja, who represented the Philippines during its second term in the Security Council in 1963; Lauro L. Baja, Jr., who took on the role twice during the country’s fourth term from 2004 to 2005; and Delia Albert and Bayani Mercado, who each held presidency of the Council for one month, also during the Philippines’ fourth time to sit in the body. Notably, during Baja’s two rounds as Security Council President, he led deliberations and managed peacekeeping efforts in Haiti following an uprising against the sitting government ins 2004. Baja provided strategic direction to the Council on the deployment of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti and personally led a Security Council mission to the country in 2005 for a firsthand evaluation of the peace and security situation. Elections for five of the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council are held every year, with seats distributed across the five United Nations regional groups (African, Asia-Pacific, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and others). The Council also has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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Group Photograph of Security Council Members with Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Story

08 May 2026

United Nations Philippines presents results and prospects in dialogue with Member States

In line with its commitment to transparency and accountability, the United Nations in the Philippines presented its key 2025 achievements, as well as its 2026 priorities and ongoing work, in a dialogue with representatives of Member States. The meeting, held on 6 May, was attended by 44 missions, including 23 ambassadors. The dialogue provided a snapshot of key results of United Nations work in the Philippines in support of national sustainable development priorities in the areas of human capital development, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and environmental sustainability. United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Mr. Arnaud Peral, shared that despite global funding challenges and constraints, the United Nations’ work in the country remained impactful and at scale. In 2025, the delivery reached US$189 million, representing a 40 percent increase compared to the previous year. This was only possible through diversified support from partners, as well as strong trust and collaboration with the Government.“In the Philippines, the United Nations is upgrading its work; we call this UN 2.0,” said Mr. Peral. “Our focus is increasingly on systems transformation, moving beyond individual projects toward integrated, policy-driven, and investment-ready solutions. This means combining governance, climate, social protection, legal frameworks, and financing approaches to respond to complex and interlinked challenges.” A continued emphasis on demand-driven and scaled solutions has strengthened the implementation of the Philippines 2024-2028 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which serves as the blueprint for joint action between the United Nations and the Philippines.“We will continue to partner with the United Nations, with a specific focus on programmes aligned with national priorities, scaling initiatives that demonstrate clear and measurable impact, and projects that ensure development reaches all regions of the country,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria.

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Representatives from UN member states and heads of UN agencies in the Philippines stand in a semi-circle inside a horseshoe table

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01 May 2026

UN and Philippine Government review joint 2025 results, set strategic priorities for 2026

The United Nations and the Government of the Philippines convened the 3rd Joint Steering Committee meeting to review progress under the 2024–2028 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), assess achievements in 2025, and agree on strategic priorities for the remainder of 2026. The Committee, co-chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, is the highest-level mechanism for ensuring Government-United Nations alignment in the areas of human capital development, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and climate action. Reviewing progress in a challenging global context Despite global challenges and shocks, the partners highlighted strong progress and joint action in 2025, during which the UN system continued providing reliable support across priority areas, reinforcing national efforts toward sustainable development and the country’s imminent transition to upper-middle-income status. United Nations Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral emphasized the importance of adaptability and systematic approaches in support of the Government’s development objectives. “Even in an increasingly complex and constrained global environment, our partnership with the Government of the Philippines has remained strong and result-focused. We are committed to delivering demand-driven, integrated, forward-looking solutions that support national priorities and help build resilience for the future.” The Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro underscored the deliberate shift toward a more strategic and results-driven partnership model anchored on national ownership, accountability, and measurable impact. “Our modernized partnership model continues to advance development that reaches all regions of the Philippines and be truly felt by the Filipino people. This is how we translate the principle of “leaving no one behind” into real outcomes.” United Nations–Philippines cooperation has delivered a range of results in 2025 [see United Nations Philippines Annual Report], among them expanded immunization coverage, advances in maternal health policy, strengthened inclusive education systems, and continued progress in governance, peacebuilding and resilience, including in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), energy transition and other areas. Partners highlighted the Philippines’ leadership in responding to emerging crises, including decisive actions to address recent energy and economic shocks, while advancing domestic reforms and advocating for global peace and the strengthening of the rules-based multilateral system. Shaping priorities for 2026 During the session, the United Nations presented the 2026 Joint Work Plans, outlining the currently planned portfolio of work aligned with the Philippine Development Plan and evolving national needs. Discussions focused on scaling integrated, system-wide solutions to address interconnected challenges, with emphasis on: strengthening shock-responsive social protection and human capital systems,accelerating economic transformation, decent work, and innovation, particularly for vulnerable sectors and MSMEs,Advancing energy transition, disaster resilience, and environmental sustainability, including implementation of national climate commitments;Enhancing governance and digital transformation engagement, and unwavering support for the peace process and transition in BARMM. Participants also reaffirmed commitment for further strengthening coordination mechanisms and increasing operational efficiency to streamline services and improve delivery. Reaffirming a strong and evolving partnership Government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that cooperation with the United Nations continues to deliver impact at scale, grounded in national ownership, accountability, and innovation. The Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development Arsenio M. Balisacan said: “The Government of the Philippines remains firmly committed to ensuring that the United Nations-Philippines Cooperation Framework delivers tangible outcomes that support our national priorities and improve the lives of our people, and we are looking forward to the United Nations and our partners to continue providing strategic and high-impact support.” The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to drive efficiencies for greater impact, mobilize partnerships and financing, and deepen collaboration as the Philippines advances its transition to an upper-middle-income country. “As the landscape is changing, the United Nations must demonstrate agility toward integrated policy, financing, and institutional solutions that are demand- and Filipino-driven, and responsive to shocks of today and tomorrow,” Mr. Peral said. “We are fully committed to this, for the benefit of everyone in the Philippines.” Press contacts United Nations:Maria Jorica Pamintuan, +63 917 896 619, maria.pamintuan@un.orgThe Philippines:DEPDev Public Relations: depdevpr@depdev.gov.phDepartment of Foreign Affairs: Mark Jason Aludino, Foreign Service Officer, unio.div1@dfa.gov.ph

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Press Release

08 June 2026

Statement of Solidarity by the United Nations in the Philippines

The United Nations in the Philippines extends its deepest sympathies to the people of Mindanao and other affected areas following the devastating earthquake on 8 June. We mourn the loss of lives and the suffering endured by families and communities due to widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time.The United Nations commends national and local authorities for their swift response. Together with the government and partners, we are assessing the earthquake’s impact and remain ready to support response and recovery efforts. We commend the courage and dedication of first responders, medical personnel, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to save lives and provide relief.In moments of crisis, unity and compassion are our greatest strengths. The United Nations reaffirms its commitment to help build back stronger, safer, and even more resilient communities. Press contactsGeneral inquiries: Maria Jorica Pamintuan, +63 917 896 6191, maria.pamintuan@un.orgMelissa Correa, +63 917 882 3414, melissa.correa@un.org

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Press Release

28 May 2026

Strengthening inclusive governance in BARMM through public infrastructure

The European Union (EU), Spain, the Bangsamoro Government and UNOPS, have formally inaugurated two key examples of public infrastructure development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Refurbishment works for key facilities within the Bangsamoro Parliament complex in Cotabato City have been completed, alongside the construction of the School of Living Tradition in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA).

The upgraded Parliament improves institutional working spaces and aims to support more responsive and people-centered governance by enhancing parliamentary operations. While the new construction in Upi will serve as a dedicated hub for learning, dialogue, training, and engagement with indigenous communities and regional institutions.

“This public infrastructure support reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive governance, improve access to public institutions and services, and support culturally sensitive development” said Peter Browne, UNOPS Country Representative to the Philippines. “Designed and implemented by a majority of women engineers, these buildings have also provided opportunities to train hundreds of local workers with new skills aligned to world class standards” he added.The school construction is a first of its kind octagonal structure, taking inspiration from local traditions, to create a unique example of architectural design in Bangsamoro.The Parliament, the direct result of decades of peace negotiations, holds deep symbolic, cultural, and political weight, and its building, designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, is a tangible monument to a hard-fought peace process.These achievements have been possible thanks to the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, funded by the EU with additional support from AECID (the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation), and implemented by UNOPS, and follow recent announcements of award winning infrastructure completed as part of the same initiative.The inauguration and handover activities reflect continuing support to the Bangsamoro transition and commitment to strengthening resilient institutions, inclusive governance, and meaningful community participation in support of the Bangsamoro peace and development agenda. (END) Notes to the editors: Press contact detailsJose D. Santos IIIUNOPS Communications AssistantEmail: josesa@unops.org Yadhu AcharyaUNOPS Communications and Partnerships Officer for South East Asia and the Pacific.Email: yadhua@unops.org About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org. About SUBATRASupport to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) is a five-year programme funded by the European Union, with co-funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), through an agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, with a value of EUR 26 million.SUBATRA contributes to a smooth and timely undertaking of the transition through capacity building of the three branches of the Bangsamoro Government and civil society organizations. This will promote an enabling good governance environment and support the efficient implementation of policies set up by the transition plan, focusing on capacities critical for the sound functioning of interim institutions. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace (OPAPP) are part of the project as partner agencies. AECID, UNOPS, and Particip, support SUBATRA as implementing agencies.

More information at: subatra.org

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Press Release

25 May 2026

EU, UNOPS & IDLO Launch 20th Justice Zone in La Union, Philippines

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION - The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), in partnership with the European Union (EU) through the EU-GOJUST Programme, has officially launched the City of San Fernando, La Union as the 20th Justice Zone in the Philippines.The event represents a major milestone in the country’s justice sector reform, bringing the nation to nearly two-thirds of its Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 target of establishing 30 operational Justice Zones nationwide, now covering approximately 12% of the national population.As the regional and administrative capital, San Fernando City has integrated the Justice Zone framework into its vision of a “People’s City,” linking it directly to its landmark Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Code of 2025 and its ongoing partnership with the Commission on Human Rights to be designated as a formal human rights city.“The establishment of Justice Zones is a recognition that the effective and efficient administration of justice requires the active communication, cooperation, and coordination among the five pillars of the criminal justice system. This initiative also advances the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027, which envisions a judiciary that is efficient, technology-driven, and people-centred,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.He further highlighted the critical role of development partners, noting: “Last year, the Governance in Justice (GOJUST) Programme of the European Union, our development partner in the establishment of Justice Zones, conducted a study on the impact of the Justice Zone model... which showed that 85% of stakeholders perceived that the Justice Zones in their respective localities have meaningfully contributed to the resolution of justice issues in their areas. We in the JSCC hope to bring this brand and level of justice services to your locality, where institutions do not work in silos, but in partnership with each other.” Critical interventions for the zone’s first year will prioritise addressing complex regional challenges–such as cyber scams and human trafficking–by establishing a dedicated Anti-Trafficking Desk and a Cyber Crime Task Force. The first-year roadmap also includes upgrading information technology infrastructure to support video conferencing for delayed litigation, constructing accessible facilities for vulnerable groups, and creating cost-sharing rehabilitation and after-care programs to reduce post-ligitation recidivism. “As development partners, we are proud to help bring justice services closer to the local community in an inclusive and sustainable manner. Alongside national, regional, and local institutions, EU-GOJUST has demonstrated proven success through establishing zones, and we look forward to furthering this work over the weeks and months ahead,” said Peter Browne, UNOPS Country Representative for the Philippines.The establishment of the San Fernando City Justice Zone reflects an increasingly collaborative funding ecosystem, combining resources from the Philippine National Government, local government unit budget allocations, and technical expertise from the European Union to build public confidence in the local judicial system. The launch event was attended by national and local leaders, including Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato, DILG Undersecretary Jon Paulo Salvahan, La Union Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, and San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto, alongside regional judges, prosecutors, law enforcement commanders, and development partners from EU-GOJUST and the Australian Embassy’s FAIR Justice Program. (END) Press contact detailsMaria Louella TinioEU-GOJUST PMS Senior Assistant for Knowledge ManagementEmail: marialouellat@unops.org Yadhu AcharyaUNOPS Communications and Partnerships Officer for South East Asia and the Pacific.Email: yadhua@unops.org About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org. About EU-GOJUSTWith a total grant of EUR 16.5M over a period of 39 months, the EU’s GOJUST programme supports the Government of the Republic of the Philippines’ efforts to improve access to justice for all Filipinos, and thus, contribute to inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.EU-GOJUST works with the Philippine Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to develop more responsive and accountable justice services in the country. Through a grants facility, the Programme also works with universities and civil society organizations in improving access to justice for women, LGBTQI+, indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups.

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Press Release

06 May 2026

UN supports Philippines to strengthen energy security and accelerate energy transition

As global energy markets remain volatile amid geopolitical tensions, climate change and economic uncertainty, the United Nations system is supporting the Philippines to strengthen its energy security while accelerating a just and sustainable energy transition, according to a new analysis published by the UN in the Philippines.

The article, Energy security: Nine ways the UN is supporting the Philippines, outlines how 11 United Nations agencies, funds and programmes are working with the Government, development partners and stakeholders across the country to help ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all Filipinos while reducing vulnerability to global shocks.

Energy security has become a defining development challenge for the Philippines. The country remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, exposing households and businesses to global price spikes, supply disruptions and inflationary pressures. At the same time, climate change is increasing extreme weather risks that threaten energy infrastructure and undermine long-term growth.

“The Philippines’ energy future cannot be separated from global developments, but it is precisely in this context that multilateral cooperation becomes an advantage,” said Arnaud Peral, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. “Through our collective expertise and presence on the ground, the UN is supporting the country to diversify its energy mix, protect consumers from volatility, and accelerate the transition to clean, resilient and inclusive energy systems.”

Coordinated UN support across the energy sector
The article highlights nine interlinked areas where the UN system is delivering added value through coordinated action.

These include policy and regulatory support, helping national agencies align energy planning, climate commitments and development priorities, including through long-term energy roadmaps consistent with the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution and sustainable development goals.

UN agencies are also supporting the scale-up of renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal and other clean energy sources, to reduce import dependence while unlocking investment, innovation and decent jobs.

Strengthening power grids, energy infrastructure and system resilience is another priority, particularly in disaster‑prone areas. The UN is supporting efforts to climate‑proof energy facilities and improve planning so that power supply can be restored quickly after typhoons, floods and earthquakes.

Ensuring equitable energy access remains central to UN engagement. This includes supporting off-grid and decentralized energy solutions for remote islands, rural communities and underserved populations, contributing to poverty reduction, improved health services and inclusive growth.

The UN is also helping mobilize sustainable energy finance, supporting access to concessional funding, private capital and innovative financing mechanisms to make clean energy investments viable and affordable.

Recognizing the interconnections between energy, food, water and climate, UN agencies are promoting integrated approaches that reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation and avoid trade‑offs between development goals.

Other areas of support include data and evidence-based planning, strengthening national energy statistics and modelling; capacity-building and skills development to prepare the workforce for a low-carbon economy; and regional and global cooperation, ensuring the Philippines benefits from international best practices, technology transfer and policy dialogue.

“What the UN brings is not just individual projects, but a system-wide approach that connects energy security with climate action, economic resilience and social inclusion,” Mr Peral said. “This is essential for a country facing both development opportunities and increasing climate risks.”

Delivering impact through partnership
The UN’s energy work in the Philippines supports the country’s development priorities and complements national efforts to lower electricity costs, reduce emissions and improve competitiveness. By working across agencies, the UN is able to provide technical advice, convening power, financing support and on‑the‑ground implementation in a coherent and coordinated manner.

More information available
Journalists and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the full article, Energy security: Nine ways the UN is supporting the Philippines, for detailed examples, agency contributions and case studies:
https://philippines.un.org/en/313794-energy-security-nine-ways-un-supporting-philippinesMedia contact:Maria Jorica Pamintuan - maria.pamintuan@un.org

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Press Release

29 April 2026

Better access to government services for island communities in the Philippines

The European Union, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Government, has successfully handed over Office of the Chief Minister buildings in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi through the SUBATRA Programme, implemented by UNOPS.The new facilities represent a key milestone in advancing decentralized and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in geographically isolated and underserved island provinces.“Through our infrastructure expertise, we are proud to support work to help bring the government closer to communities. Designed and implemented by a majority of women engineers, these award-winning buildings have been recognized as leading examples of sustainable and culturally sensitive development. And in the process, hundreds of local workers have learned new skills following world class standards“, said Peter Browne, Country Representative of UNOPS in the Philippines.The new offices aim to strengthen the interface between the Bangsamoro Government and its constituents, and enhance government coordination, public engagement, and service delivery.The turnover of these offices underscores a shared commitment among partners to ensure that governance is not only institutionalized, but also accessible and felt across all communities in BARMM. END Press contact details
Jose D. Santos III
UNOPS Communications Assistant
Email: josesa@unops.orgYadhu Acharya
UNOPS Communications and Partnerships Offi cer for South East Asia and the Pacifi c.
Email: yadhua@unops.org
About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.About SUBATRASupport to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) is a fi ve-year programme funded by the European Union, with co-funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), through an agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, with a value of EUR 26 million.
SUBATRA contributes to a smooth and timely undertaking of the transition through capacity building of the three branches of the Bangsamoro Government and civil society organizations. This will promote an enabling good governance environment and support the effi cient implementation of policies set up by the transition plan, focusing on capacities critical for the sound functioning of interim institutions.
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the Offi ce of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace (OPAPP) are part of the project as partner agencies. AECID, UNOPS, and Particip, support SUBATRA as implementing agencies. More information at: subatra.org

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