Through its “Mainstreaming climate change in biodiversity planning and conservation in the Philippines” project in partnership with the World Agroforestry Center, USAID is promoting environmental citizenship to influence biodiversity policy formulation. This was recently demonstrated in a USAID‐supported forum participated by more than 100 participants, aged 16 to 60, from different provinces who learned and shared their experiences and views about biodiversity. Results showed that most of the participants knew some (66%) or little (21%) about biodiversity but were nevertheless concerned about biodiversity issues (83%). To ensure protection of biodiversity areas, the participants expressed preference for education and promotion of biodiversity issues to the public and school children (75%), incorporation of biodiversity concerns in all planning activities (64%), and better law enforcement (54%). The results of the activity were included in the Philippine Government’s presentation in the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in October 2012.

USAID’s partnership with the private sector is helping the Philippines achieve its development objectives. Working with One Meralco Foundation, USAID, through its Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Rural Electrification (AMORE) project, provided electricity using renewable energy to six schools in the remote coastal community of Isla Verde in Batangas. The electrification, using sustainable solar energy, is expected to improve education standard and learning capacity in the area. The turnover ceremony on May 26 was attended by USAID Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman, Philippine Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro and other local officials.

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of illness in the Philippines, killing more than 27 Filipino children under five each day, and poor sanitation costs the Philippine economy nearly $2 billion each year. To help address the problem, USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele inaugurated a septage treatment facility in San Fernando City, La Union on March 26 jointly constructed by USAID, the city government and Rotary International. The facility will treat the waste from all the septic tanks in the city, ensuring its 180,000 residents a cleaner, healthier environment. USAID and San Fernando City share a strong link in environmental protection, having worked together on a number of environmental programs, including the construction of a sanitary landfill and the development and implementation of the city’s Solid Waste Management Program.