Mr. Kruse, (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany);
Mr. Opitz (KfW Management Committee Member);
Undersecretary Joven;
Colleagues in government;
Partners in development;
Special guests, good afternoon.

The Philippines is a maritime nation. Our seas sustain our people, anchor our economy, and define who we are. Protecting them is both a national responsibility and a long-term investment in our future.

Thank you to KFW and all our partners for the support on the Marine Ecosystems for Blue Economy Development Program. This partnership reflects a shared conviction that environmental protection, climate resilience, and economic growth must advance together.

The reforms supported under this are expected to deliver concrete benefits to more than three million people—from fisherfolk and aquaculture operators to tourism workers across our coastal regions. By strengthening the foundations of the blue economy, we are securing livelihoods, raising incomes, and reinforcing a vital engine of national growth, today and for the future.

We are deeply grateful to the KFW for its renewed confidence in the Philippine Government and for its strong commitment to reestablishing our partnership.

Building on its past support through grants and technical assistance, it has contributed to key government initiatives of reducing red tape, strengthening digital systems, and advancing sustainable development.

To all our partners, the German embassy, your trust is deeply valued. The Philippine Government remains committed to being a reliable, reform-driven, and forward-looking partner.

Together, we will advance a climate-resilient blue economy that protects our marine ecosystems, empowers our communities, and secures a sustainable future for generations of Filipinos.

Maraming salamat. Danke. Thank you and good afternoon.