With one of the most extensive GEF portfolios, the Philippines offers a critical case for testing if major investments yield enduring environmental gains.

The Philippines is among the largest GEF recipients, with allocations in climate change, biodiversity, and a long-standing Small Grants Programme. The country portfolio evaluation reviewed 30 national projects, the Small Grants Programme, and selected regional initiatives—together about $145 million—through document review, interviews, workshops, and site visits.

GEF support has been highly relevant to national plans, contributing to global benefits in renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and marine resource management, though weak policy compliance and declining national trends threaten sustainability.

Projects faced long preparation times and unclear approval processes, while frequent changes in the Operational Focal Point and weak Agency coordination led to overlaps and competition.

The report recommends developing clearer country strategies and strengthening transparency and institutional arrangements, and the Council has asked the Secretariat to prepare proposals to this effect.