Philippines and Singapore Sign Article 6.2 Implementation Agreement at ASEAN Climate Week

Quezon City — The Philippines and Singapore signed the Philippines–Singapore Implementation Agreement (IA) on 30 April 2026 under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, establishing a bilateral framework for high‑integrity climate cooperation and the transfer of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).

The signing, held during ASEAN Climate Week, was led by Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Minister Grace Fu of Singapore’s Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment.

The Agreement enables the joint authorization of mitigation activities, the authorization and transfer of ITMOs, and the establishment of governance and transparency systems aligned with the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also creates a Joint Committee to oversee implementation and maintain a pre‑approved list of carbon crediting programs and methodologies.

Secretary Cuna emphasized that the IA “reflects the strength of a partnership built on trust, transparency, and shared ambition” and positions the Philippines to attract new climate investments in renewable energy, waste management, methane reduction, nature‑based solutions, and climate‑smart agriculture.

Minister Fu highlighted "the deep collaboration between our two countries - Singapore and the Philippines, channeling climate finance towards impactful projects in the Philippines and unlocking new opportunities in carbon markets for businesses and local communities." This Agreement can lead the way for ASEAN in building a low-carbon future that delivers tangible benefits across the region.

Strategic Benefits for the Philippines

Secretary Cuna underscored four major national gains:

1.Readiness and Institutional Commitment

The agreement signals that the Philippines is prepared to participate in high-integrity carbon markets, backed by strong governance and transparency systems.

2.New Streams of Green Investment

The IA positions the Philippines to access this demand and channel climate finance into priority sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, methane reduction, nature-based solutions, and climate-smart agriculture.

3. Regional Competitiveness

By joining Singapore’s growing network of Article 6.2 agreements, the Philippines strengthens its standing as a competitive destination for carbon market investments in Southeast Asia.

4. Direct Benefits for Filipino Communities

Revenues from authorized ITMOs can support reforestation, forest protection, renewable energy deployment, community-based mitigation initiatives, and local resilience infrastructure - delivering tangible development gains for vulnerable provinces.

A Model for ASEAN

The IA offers a replicable model for ASEAN member states, demonstrating how bilateral trust and technical rigor can create a credible regional hub for carbon markets.  As Undersecretary Analiza Teh noted, the Agreement “shows that regional cooperation on carbon markets is not theoretical” and provides a pathway for harmonized approaches and strengthened transparency across the region.

Following the signing, both governments will initiate the following:

Activate the Joint Committee

Establish and integrate national registries for ITMO tracking

Opening the formal project authorization process for mitigation activities.

These steps will enable project developers, private sector partners, and local communities to begin participating in Article 6.2-aligned activities between the Philippines and Singapore.