QUEZON CITY – Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao represented Cotabato City during the Project Launch and Ceremonial Signing of the Green and Resilient Cities (GRC) Project on August 25, marking the start of the six-year initiative aimed at advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient, and nature-positive urban development.

Cotabato City is one of only six cities in the Philippines selected to participate in the project, together with Caloocan, Quezon, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao. The GRC Project has a USD 13.3 million allocation from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), and UNDP Philippines.

Mayor Bruce also delivered a Statement of Support, highlighting Cotabato City’s realities as part of the Mindanao River Basin and the need to integrate climate resilience and environmental protection into the city’s continuing development and planning efforts.

“For Cotabato City, resilience must always have a human face. It is the family whose home no longer floods every time there is prolonged rain. It is the small business owner who does not lose a day’s income because a road becomes impassable,” Mayor Bruce said.

The Mayor emphasized that as Cotabato City continues to grow and plan for new infrastructure, mobility, housing, economic development, tourism, and public spaces, these developments must be accompanied by improved water management, biodiversity protection, flood mitigation, and stronger community preparedness for the impacts of climate change.

Through the signing of the GRC Project Document, Cotabato City reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the National Government, Bangsamoro Government, development partners, and other participating cities in advancing a greener, safer, and more climate-resilient Cotabato City.resilient Cotabato City.