MANILA, 25 September 2021 – In celebration of “Save Sierra Madre Day” tomorrow, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) highlights the importance of preserving our forests, as well as protecting, managing, and regenerating our country's natural resources.   September 26th of every year is observed as Save Sierra Madre Day by virtue of Proclamation No. 413 to remind Filipinos of the dangers which a lack of concern and action for the Sierra Madre Mountains may bring about. It commemorates the day in 2009 when Tropical Storm Ondoy brought heavy rains and massive flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, causing widespread deaths and destruction. The disaster was attributed to the continued deforestation, degradation, and destruction of the Sierra Madre Mountains.   The Sierra Madre plays an important role in meeting Metro Manila’s major water supply demands, as well as those of the immediate surrounding provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan.

MANILA, 24 September 2021 —  In celebration of World Bamboo Day last September 18, the 63rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” featured stories and good practices of bamboo propagation and utilization to promote greater support for the bamboo industry in the Philippines.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, featured guests including Atty. Dulce Punzalan, World Bamboo Ambassador and Climate Reality Leader; Dr. Cora Claudio, Convenor-Chair of the Climate Action & Sustainability Alliance or CASA; and Rica Villanueva Gadi, CEO of Bamboo Bootcamp.   “Ang isa sa matibay na kasangga para mapagaan ang epekto ng pagbabago ng ating klima ay ang kawayan. Bamboo provides a low-carbon alternative to materials including timber, cement, and steel. It draws natural nitrogen from the soil, and does not add any chemicals to it...Bamboo does not require replanting after harvesting, takes only five years to be harvested, is 100% biodegradable, and stores up to 600 tons of carbon per hectare, according to the ASEAN post” said Legarda.   "Sa usapin ng climate change, ang bamboo ay may kakayahang mag-absorb ng carbon mula sa hangin na siyang tinutukoy na isa sa mga pangunahing dahilan ng pag-init ng mundo or global warming leading to climate change. Ayon sa DENR, maliban sa pagiging carbon sink o sequesterer of carbon, ang bamboo ay nakakapagproduce din ng 35% more oxygen than other trees that are equivalent to their size," said Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, who co-hosted the episode.   Atty. Punzalan presented the different aspects of the creativity of bamboo for sustainable development. She introduced programs and activities spearheaded by their organization, including the Kawayan 7 Modern Bamboo Band, or “Kawayan para sa Kalikasan, Kabuhayan. Kaunlaran Kalusugan, Kasaysayan, Kultura at Kapayapaan.” The band creatively highlights the synergy of bamboo’s environmental and socio-economic impact, climate resilience and adaptability for sustainable development, indigenous and grassroots community empowerment, social inclusion and preservation of cultural heritage and peace.   “It is estimated that there are more than two billion hectares – that is nearly 5 billion acres – of deforested and degraded land around the world. We’ve heard about planting trees, yes, but it is time to plant bamboo. Bamboo is resilient and adaptable – with immense biodiversity. Bamboo can restore degraded land, mitigate climate change, and alleviate poverty. It is time to plant bamboo,” said Atty. Punzalan.   Dr. Claudio shared the different applications of bamboo in food, construction of houses, transport, furniture and fixtures, clothing, health products, creative arts, and bioenergy. She also highlighted the importance of natural capital accounting, and the reforestation and protection of bamboo plantations and livelihoods as part of our natural assets.   "There are a lot of challenges to do, but let's think hard, talk together, and act now with bamboo for a RICH––or Regenerative, Inclusive, Climate-smart, and Healthy––sustainable development in our blue planet," said Dr. Claudio.   Gadi introduced “Bamboo Bootcamp,” a non-profit that provides short-term training on the potentials of bamboo in the rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded lands, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction, development of sustainable bamboo-based industries, and establishment of livelihood for local communities. The Bootcamp site is found on the hills of Marilog District in Davao, in community with the Matigsalug, the original inhabitants of the Salug River (now called the Davao River).   “I’ve also made a transformation with bamboo. I’ve come from a BPO background, I’ve been in front of a computer for 16 hours a day, and now I spend my time in forest bathing, being able to balance both worlds and being able to offer sustainable livelihood in both sectors is also rewarding for myself,” said Gadi.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership with the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 21 September 2021 — “Kaalamang Klima,” a climate change webinar-workshop for the youth brought in partnership between the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center will be tomorrow, September 22 via Zoom and Facebook Live.   Open to interested participants aged 15-30 years old, Kaalamang Klima aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and deepen the understanding and appreciation of the youth on climate science and climate change, and drumbeat youth support for a second edition of the Klima Film Festival this year, which targets to mainstream the effects of climate change through films written and produced by the Filipino youth.   Climate experts Dr. Rodel Lasco, Executive Director of the OML Center; Dr. Emma E. Porio, Project Leader and Principal Investigator of Coastal Cities at Risk: Investing in Climate and Disaster Resilience (CCARPH), Ateneo de Manila University; and Dr. Noralene Uy, member, experts pool, National Resilience Council and Researcher and International Recovery Platform Secretariat, will deliver lectures on the basics and science of climate change and climate action.   CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera will deliver the welcome remarks, Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda will deliver the keynote message, and National Youth Commission Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Enriquez will deliver a Message of Support.   Ms. Lea Guerrero, Greenpeace Philippines Country Director, and Mr. Julio Galvez Tan, Center for Empowerment and Resource Development, Inc. Executive Director will give testimonies.   Participants who are not registered may tune in to Facebook Live through the Facebook Pages of the CCC at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl and OML Center at www.facebook.com/OMLopezCenter. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided after the webinar and upon completion of the post-webinar evaluation. 

MANILA, 21 September 2021 — Bamboo advocates will gather virtually to share knowledge on and promote bamboo propagation and utilization to attain sustainable livelihoods on the 63rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Bamboo is Life!”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 23 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Atty. Dulce Punzalan, World Bamboo Ambassador and Climate Reality Leader; Dr. Cora Claudio, Convenor-Chair of the Climate Action & Sustainability Alliance; and Rica Villanueva Gadi, CEO of Bamboo Bootcamp.   Bamboo farming is a nature-based solution that can help in poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation.   According to the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, the local and global bamboo industry is aligned with 11 of 17 the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.   Propagating bamboos can further create green jobs and resilient enterprises, as well as provide sustainable livelihoods to millions of people in rural areas. Investing in bamboo will transform our people's lives at the grassroots and will pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our country.   The upcoming episode, which will be held in celebration of World Bamboo Day on September 18, will feature good practices and promote greater support for the bamboo industry in the Philippines.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 18 September 2021 — The Climate Change Commission welcomed the release of a Greenpeace report baring the link between plastics and fossil fuels and urged advocates to help raise awareness and public support for measures to address single-use plastics during a roundtable discussion titled "Unwrapping the Climate Crisis" held Thursday, September 16.   “We very much welcome this effort to give the Philippines and the world a clearer picture of the link between the industries of consumer goods and of fossil fuel, and how plans to expand plastic production—which is a major driver of climate change—directly threaten our communities, and could derail our work to achieve global climate commitments,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, who joined other climate, sustainability, and health experts during the roundtable discussion on Greenpeace’s report, ‘The Climate Emergency Unpacked: How Consumer Goods Companies are Fueling Big Oil's Plastic Expansion.’   “The CCC is taking urgent note of the report’s key findings and your recommendations,” Herrera emphasized, who highlighted the recent passage of the Single Use Plastics Regulation Act in the House of Representatives, and urged participants to help raise awareness and gather more public support for the measure.   “Concretely, this report also means the big consumer brands must address the matter of transparent reporting along with laudable initiatives they have started on redesigning packaging, zero waste, and plastic neutrality. As with the government requirement for companies now to adhere to sustainability reporting, we fully support mechanisms for full disclosure of GHG emissions of the overall supply chain," she added.     Greenpeace Philippines’ Zero Waste Campaigner Marian Ledesma presented the key findings and recommendations of the report during the discussion, which was co-presented by Greenpeace Philippines, Living Laudato Si’, Planetary Health Philippines, and Break Free From Plastic.   “The Philippines faces some of the harshest and most severe climate impacts annually. On top of that, our nation also struggles with plastic pollution. The plastic crisis is adding its own set of environmental, health, and social problems that Filipinos have to grapple with. We’re literally drowning in plastic, and it’s not manufacturers or big brands that are paying the price, but our own communities,” Ledesma said.   “Government can encourage the phase out of single-use plastic and adoption of reuse by legally binding legislation and policy measures,” Ledesma added, along with other recommendations from the report, including calling on governments to support a global treaty on plastic, work with communities most impacted by plastic production and pollution, and pursue a zero-waste economy.   In his response to the report, Dr. Renzo Guinto, Associate Professor of the Practice of Global Public Health and Inaugural Director of the Planetary and Global Health Program of St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine, called plastic a “symbol of the deterioration of our relationship with Mother Earth, of the deterioration of planetary health.”   “Plastic not only impacts the health of the environment, it certainly impacts the health of people as well,” Guinto emphasized, citing the 7 million deaths caused by air pollution annually, as well as the long-term of effects of the climate emergency on global nutrition.   “It’s quite alarming to hear the numbers. Unfortunately, we are still continuing to produce and consume a lot of plastic,” Guinto lamented.   Marinel Ubaldo, co-founder of the Youth Leaders for Environmental Action Federation, highlighted the urgency of addressing the intertwined problems.   “At the end of the day, the first ones to suffer are low-income communities...if we do not treat climate crisis as a crisis, then there will be more pandemics in the future,” Ubaldo said.   “For us to solve the climate crisis, we have to invest to more sustainable practices and products. We should normalize reuse systems,” she emphasized.   “Let’s remember that what is good for the planet is good for our people, our communities, our economy, and our industries,” Herrera said.   “This report is a clear call to action—and we hope it brings us all together and it will catalyze more decisive and more ambitious action to address plastic pollution,” she concluded.

MANILA, 17 September 2021 — In celebration of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day tomorrow, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) enjoins the public to undertake clean-up initiatives at home and within their communities to assess their plastic footprint and prevent plastic waste from polluting our environment.   The country celebrates International Coastal Clean-Up Day every 3rd Saturday of September, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 470, encouraging all people to be responsive in protecting and rehabilitating our environment.   Plastics remain as one of the most pressing environmental and climate issues in the world because only 9% of the more than 8.3 billion tons of plastics generated since the 1950s was recycled and 60% became plastic waste. As a petroleum product, plastics also contribute to global warming due to the release of greenhouse gases from its extraction to disposal.   The CCC expressed that the passage of House Bill 9147 or the Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act on third and final reading in the House of Representatives last July 28 is a welcome development to address the rising plastic consumption in the country, especially from online shopping and delivery. The bill seeks the gradual phase-out of single-use plastics, development of sustainable alternatives, and greater cooperation from the private sector to collect, recycle, and manage plastic waste.   The CCC said that through our clean-up activities at home, workplaces, or communities, we would be able to check our plastic footprint towards being more conscious in our decisions and actions to minimize plastic waste, recycle or upcycle, and supporting more eco-friendly alternatives products and packaging.   “As the country continues to contend with the crippling COVID-19 pandemic, the need to rethink our lifestyle has never been more urgent. Let us practice and promote sustainable consumption and production, and remove unnecessary single-use plastics in our daily life. We can instead use compostable and eco-friendly materials and ensure that the plastics we use can be segregated, reused or recycled, to prevent further harm to the environment and the climate,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Emmanuel M. de Guzman.

The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Rizal. Photo from the presentation of Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee and Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve. MANILA, 17 September 2021 — The 62nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” featured the stories of the Filipino youth who are at the forefront of generating broad public support for the campaign towards conservation of our nature and biodiversity.   The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, with co-host Atty. Ipat Luna, featured guests including Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee and Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve; Mark Edison Raquino, Research and Development Coordinator of DALUHAY; Tasha & Bella Tanjutco, Co-founders of Kids for Kids PH; and KM Reyes National Geographic Explorer and Co-Founder of Centre for Sustainability PH, Inc.   Dumaliang shared the environmental protection, education, and geotourism initiatives of the Masungi Georeserve, a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Rizal.   “As we all know, ang pangangalaga ng kalikasan doesn’t span for only 20 years. It’s a continuing lifetime journey. Hindi pwedeng kami lang ang nakakaintindi kung bakit dapat mahalin ang lugar na ito, kailangan na mas maraming tao pa ang matututong magmahal sa kanya. Ang gusto naming mangyari, nandito man kami o wala, kakayanin ng lugar na ito na mag-flourish,” said Dumaliang.   Raquino introduced Daluhay, a non-government environmental organization that promotes the preservation of indigenous culture and the importance of the health of the environment and the health of the people. Their programs and projects include Biodiversity Monitoring and Ethnobiology; Wildlife Rescue and Enforcement; and Intergenerational Dialogues.   "What we have been doing is the intergenerational dialogues. Binibigyan namin ng pagkakataon na mag-usap ang ating matatandang katutubo at ang mga kabataan, para mailipat yung mga importanteng bagay mula sa mga katutubong matanda at para mas mabigyan ng pagkakataon na magawa din ng mga kabataan natin yung mga kultura nila,” said Raquino.   The Tanjutco sisters introduced Kids for Kids PH, a youth-led empowerment organization that promotes culture, climate, and children’s rights.   “Over the course of 6 years, we’ve valued so many different advocacies, from environmental justice to social justice. What we really want for Kids for Kids is to create a platform where young people are able to step-up in the frontline and make a difference. Successfully we’ve been able to gather a community of young people and empower them to make a difference while they’re young. We've always emphasized that in everything we do, we should consider our people, as well as our environment,” said Tasha and Bella Tanjutco.   Reyes shared the projects of Centre for Sustainability PH, a women-led organization from Palawan conserving and protecting the country’s last remaining pristine rainforests in the country.   “The Centre for Sustainability is a women-led youth environmental organization from Palawan with a mission to conserve land. We protect our last remaining 3% of pristine rainforests through the establishment of protected areas because we see that policy is the only way to ensure the longevity and sustainability of our work. We can be passionate and spend a lot of time in the field that can change our hearts and minds, but for our work to have a legacy for our youth, there should be a policy as a backbone behind it,” said Reyes.   Legarda lauded the initiatives and projects presented by the guests in campaigning for meaningful youth engagement in environmental and climate action.   "I'm no longer a voice in the wilderness. When I was a young senator, when I did all my laws on environment, on children and women, on jobs, I thought I was a lonely voice in the wilderness. Ngayong pandemic at sinimulan ko itong Stories for a Better Normal with 62 episodes, narealize ko na ang dami kong kakampi at natututo ako sa inyo dahil ang trabaho ninyo ay on the ground,” Legarda concluded.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MAYNILA, ika-15 ng Setyembre 2021 – Magtitipon-tipon virtually ang ilan sa mga katangi-tanging young Filipino conservationists at climate advocates upang maitaguyod ang makahulugang pakikiisa ng mga kabataan sa usaping pang-kapaligiran at pang-klimang pagkilos ngayong ika-62 na episode ng seryeng ‘Stories for a Better Normal; Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” na may temang “Kampanya para sa Kalikasan.”   Ang online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto at pangunguna ng dating three-term Senator, na ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda, ay ipapalabas sa Huwebes, ika-16 ng Setyembre 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live sa facebook.com/CCCPhl at facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Dalawang masuwerteng viewers ang maaaring manalo ng mga tablet sa pamamagitan ng pag-tune in sa buong programa.   Kasama sa nasabing online na talakayan sina Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee at Co-founder ng Masungi Georeserve; Mark Edison Raquino, Research and Development Coordinator ng DALUHAY; at sina Tasha at Bella Tanjutco, Co-founders ng Kids for Kids PH upang mangampanya para sa agaran, at sama-samang pagkilos sa ngalan ng biodiversity conservation.   Ang Pilipinas ay isa sa 18 mega-biodiverse countries sa buong mundo, na tahanan ng two-thirds ng biodiversity sa daigdig, at mahigit-kumulang 70% to 80% ng mga plant at animal species sa mundo. Ang natatanging biodiversity ng bansa ay sinusuportahan ng malawak na samu’t saring mga ecosystems, landscapes at habitats na sadyang kapaki-pakinabang para sa mga Pilipino. Nagbibigay ang mga ito ng mga serbisyo tulad ng pagkain, tubig, enerhiya, gamot, biomass, carbon sequestration at climate regulation, crop pollination, kabilang na ang inspirasyong pang-kultura at espiritwal para sa ecotourism.   Gayumpaman, karamihan ay labis na nanganganib dahil sa mga gawain ng tao. Mayroong higit-kumulang 700 na ang endangered at threatened species sa Pilipinas, kung kaya nararapat na i-prioritize natin ang biodiversity conservation.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan, kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, at mga kasanayan sa pakiki-angkop sa klima, naglalayon ang “Stories for a Better Normal” na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino, mga pamilya at pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga paraan kung paano maisasakatuparan ang ‘better normal’ sa loob ng ating mga pamayanan.   Ang online na talakayan na ito ay na-organisa sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission, na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 14 September 2021 — Young Filipino conservationists and climate advocates will gather virtually to promote meaningful youth engagement in environmental and climate action on the 62nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Campaign For Nature.”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 16 September 2021, 10AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers will win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee and Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve; Mark Edison Raquino, Research and Development Coordinator of DALUHAY; and Tasha & Bella Tanjutco, Co-founders of Kids for Kids PH to campaign for an immediate, collective action for biodiversity conservation.   The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, accommodating two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity, and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. The country’s unique biodiversity supported by a large variety of ecosystems, landscapes and habitats benefit the Filipinos. Providing them food, water, energy sources, pharmaceuticals, biomass fuels, carbon sequestration and climate regulation, crop pollination, cultural and spiritual inspiration and ecotourism value.   However, most of these are now greatly threatened by human activities. There are at least 700 endangered and threatened species in the Philippines. Hence, the need to prioritize biodiversity conservation.   The upcoming episode will feature young Filipino conservationists and climate advocates who are at the forefront of generating broad public support for the Philippines’ campaign towards conservation of its nature and biodiversity.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities. This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 13 September 2021 —  The 61st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” featured the stories and narratives of people strengthening their efforts and implementing risk resiliency programs to address the impacts of climate change in their communities through the Cash-for-Work project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).   The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, with co-host Atty. Ipat Luna, was joined by guests, Asec. Rudy Encabo of DSWD; Jenny Gandaloza Ontok, President of the Muslim Women’s Rural Worker Association in Matalam, North Cotabato; Ma. Victoria P. Morelos, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) from Bulakan, Bulacan; Jayson Salenga, Site Manager of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands; and Jowey C. Celzo, MSWDO from Anda, Pangasinan.   Asec. Encabo introduced the DSWD’s Risk Resiliency Program through the Cash-for-Work modality, which aims to increase the adaptive capacities of the poor families in disaster-prone and affected communities.   "Ang Risk Resiliency Program through Cash-for-Work ang pangunahing programa ng DSWD na tumutugon sa pangangalaga at pagpapahalaga sa kalikasan. Kabilang sa mga gawaing kaakibat ng programang Cash-for-Work ay ang food farming, reforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, at iba pa. Hindi lamang ito isang programa na naglalayon na mabigyan ng pansamantalang trabaho o pagkakakitaan ang mga pamilya sa mga vulnerable na lugar, bagkus, ang mga programa at proyektong ito ay nagtuturo at nagsasanay kung paano makapaghahanda at makaiiwas ang mga komunidad sa sakuna na dulot ng pagbabago ng klima," said Asec. Encabo.   The featured communities shared how short-term income-generating interventions, through the Cash-for-Work project, has opened opportunities for them to be more resilient to the adverse effects of disasters and climate change through planting trees, mangrove reforestation, establishment of community food gardens, and exploring sustainable livelihood opportunities.   “Lumalaki at lumalawak po ang Muslim Women’s Rural Worker Association. Nagtatanim po kami ng turmeric, gabi, at iba’t ibang gulay at prutas. Pina-process po namin ito at ibinebenta ‘yung mga produkto sa market,” said Ontok.   “Ang amin pong proyekto ay ang Katuray Tree Planting. Base sa pag-aaral, ang Bulacan ay mataas na ang level ng chloride. Ito ay nakukuha sa pagtatapon ng mga plastic, mga likidong lumalabas sa mga pabrika, heavy metals, at iba pang chemicals. Ang layunin ng aming proyekto ay mapangalagaan ang kapaligiran at mapanatiling diverse sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng natural na pamamaraan. Ang pagtatanim ng puno at halaman na may kakayahang mag-absorb ng contaminant tulad ng heavy metal sa lupa at sa tubig ay tinatawag na phytoremediation. Ang puno ng Katuray ay isang katutubong puno o native tree sa Pilipinas. Napag-aralan at napatunayan na ang punong ito ay may potensyal sa phytoextraction. Kaya ang punong ito ang ginagamit sa rehabilitasyon at pagsasaayos ng mga nasira, polluted, o contaminated na lupa, gaya ng sa Bulacan,” said Morelos.   “Ang bayan ng Sasmuan ay located sa Manila Bay area, at base sa ating hazard map ay 897 hectares ng coastal barangays ang prone sa storm surge. Ang isa pang kinahaharap namin, dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, ay ang subsidence o pagbaba ng kalupaan. Dahil dito ay nabuo ang mga programa at inisyatibo para matugunan ang mga sakuna. Mayroon tayong IEC campaign, mangrove assessment, at mangrove planting,” said Salenga.   “Ang bayan ng Anda ang nag-iisang bayang isla ng Pangasinan. Dahil sa Cash-for-Work, lalo naming nabigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan – through coastal cleanups, mangrove planting, tree planting, at establishment ng aming vegetable gardens. Nagkaroon din kami ng karagdagang kaalaman, lalo na ang mga beneficiaries, tungkol sa climate change issues. Higit sa lahat, nagkaroon ng dagdag na kita ang mga workers,” said Celzo.   Legarda vows to further help and support the communities implementing the Cash-for-Work modality, which, aside from an additional source of livelihood and a measure to adapt to the impacts climate change, can also improve mental health especially of those people affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.   "Itong Cash-for-Work program ay dapat i-institutionalize natin, so we grow our own food. At ang pagtatanim at pagiging plantita ay hindi lang para sa kalusugan natin, sa pagkain, kung hindi maging sa emotional at mental health din natin," Legarda emphasized.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

Photo from the website of Global Center on Adaptation. https://gca.org/news/global-leaders-on-cop26-climate-emergency-demands-policy-shift-to-adaptation/. MANILA, 10 September 2021 — House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda echoed the call of global climate leaders to accelerate action for climate change adaptation for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties or COP26, during the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) High-Level Dialogue: “An Adaptation Acceleration Imperative for COP26” held Monday, September 6.   The dialogue of the GCA—an international initiative to raise the profile of adaptation and accelerate solutions—concluded with the adoption of a Communiqué, which called on countries to prioritize adaptation as much as the mitigation of carbon emissions.   “The world must accelerate and scale up its effort to stay within 1.5°C warming. In parallel, adaptation is urgent. Adaptation has not benefited from the same attention, resources, or level of action on the ground as mitigation, leaving communities worldwide exposed to a climate emergency unfolding faster than predicted. Adaptation can no longer go under-prioritized,” the Communiqué noted.   “Countries are ready for new ambition on adaptation, and they are ready for much scaled up financing for adaptation too. For this, solutions already out there need to be shared and put into place,” said 8th UN Secretary General and GCA CEO Ban Ki-moon.   Legarda, who serves as GCA Board Member, welcomed the dialogue outcome, pointing to the need for concrete ways forward to “constantly raise ambition” in combating the global climate emergency. Legarda has pushed for a clear and concrete delivery plan for the USD 100 billion yearly financing committed under the Paris Agreement—through aggregate and individual public contributions from all developed nations yearly, over and above overseas development assistance; public and private mobilization of financing to reach at least $500 billion in 50:50 balanced flows for the period 2020-24; setting in place debt and grant proportions for developed countries, with a shift to grants for adaptation; and transparency in implementation through annual independent tracking.   “Every country must have adequate information on local climate risks and hazards in order to identify fit-for-purpose, responsive, and community-based adaptation such as multi-hazard early warning systems, flood prevention measures, and nature-based solutions,” Legarda said.   “Through this, we should estimate the total amount of funding these measures would require, and how much is available and still to be sourced from domestic and foreign funding mechanisms,” she added.   The Communiqué also outlined several steps to accelerate adaptation, including constantly raising ambition year-on-year, rebuilding confidence in climate finance through clear delivery on the annual USD 100 billion commitment, mainstreaming adaptation, and promoting partnerships, among others.   “With every additional warming, the larger the challenges and the changes in our climate—and consequently, the greater level of financing needed. But to even allow global warming past this threshold, knowing full well that we have the capacity to limit it, is simply wrong,” Legarda noted.   “Leading up to COP26, we must maximize our partnership by bridging governments and communities together in order to ensure that we deliver on ambition and financing this crucial decade,” Legarda concluded.

MANILA, 07 September 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) stresses the importance of literacy in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the quality of life, in celebration of International Literacy Day tomorrow.   September 8th is declared as International Literacy Day by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more sustainable society.   This year’s theme, “Literacy for a human-centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide,” is an opportunity to reimagine the future of literacy teaching and learning, within and beyond the context of the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted the learning of children, young people and adults at an unprecedented scale. It has also magnified the pre-existing inequalities in access to meaningful literacy learning opportunities.   Even in times of global crisis, we must exert efforts to find alternative ways to ensure the continuity of learning. The rapid shift to online learning also highlights the persistent digital divide in terms of connectivity and the ability to engage with technology, as well as disparities in other services such as access to electricity in remote areas.   The CCC said that the current pandemic should be a reminder of the critical importance of literacy. It is an integral part of education and lifelong learning premised on humanism as defined by the Sustainable Development Goal 4. Therefore, literacy is crucial to a human-centered recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.   Aside from recovery, literacy is also important in understanding the fundamental relationship between climate and human life and the many ways in which climate has always played a role in human health. The CCC said that all sectors of society must have a good understanding of climate science to be better prepared to respond to its unprecedented impacts (Adaptation), and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Mitigation).   Technology-enabled literacy learning must be inclusive and meaningful to contribute to building a solid foundation for a human-centered recovery from pandemic and climate crisis, leaving no one behind.

MANILA, 7 September 2021 — The 61st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the stories and narratives of people strengthening their efforts and implementing risk resiliency programs to address the impacts of climate change in their communities through the Cash-for-Work project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 9 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Ma. Victoria P. Morelos, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) from Bulakan, Bulacan; Jayson Salenga, Site Manager of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands; Jowey C. Celzo, MSWDO from Anda, Pangasinan; and    Jenny Gandaloza Ontok, President of the Muslim Women’s Rural Worker Association in Matalam, North Cotabato.   The DSWD implements the Risk Resiliency Program through the Cash-for-Work modality to increase the adaptive capacities of the poor families in disaster-prone and affected communities.   Cash-for-Work under the Risk Resiliency Program is a short-term intervention to provide temporary employment to distressed/ displaced individuals by participating in preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities.   The upcoming episode will feature stories of how short-term income generating interventions, through the Cash-for-Work project, have opened up opportunities for disaster-stricken communities to be more resilient to the adverse effects of disasters and climate change.   The episode shall also promote practical measures to build community resilience such as planting trees, mangrove reforestation, establishment of community food gardens, and exploring sustainable livelihood opportunities.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, “Stories for a Better Normal” aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 06 September 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasizes the direct relationship between air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, in celebration of International Day of Clean Air for blue skies tomorrow.   September 7th of every year is declared as the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies through United Nations Resolution 74/212 adopted in December 2019 to promote actions to improve air quality, bearing in mind that clean air is important for people's health and livelihood.   This year’s theme, “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet” emphasizes the health aspects of air pollution, in the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s observance focuses on prioritizing the need for healthy air for all, while keeping the conversation broad enough to encompass other critical issues such as climate change, human and planetary health, and the Sustainable Development Goals.   Аir pollution is among the greatest environmental risks to human health. Estimated millions of premature deaths across the world are attributed to indoor and outdoor air pollution.   Particularly in developing countries, air pollution disproportionately affects women, children, and the elderly, especially in low-income populations as they are often exposed to high levels of ambient air pollution, and indoor air pollution from cooking and heating with wood fuel and kerosene.   However, air pollution is also one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally.   Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are among those pollutants most linked with both health effects and near-term warming of the planet. SLCPs persist in the atmosphere for as little as few days or up to a few decades, so reducing them can have an almost immediate health and climate benefits.   In the face of global challenges like climate change, air pollution, social and economic inequalities, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the CCC said that ensuring cleaner air is imperative in our goal to build back better.   The climate body acknowledges that improving air quality can enhance climate change mitigation, and that climate change mitigation efforts can improve air quality. It means that many actions and policies that reduce air pollution also reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.   These same measures can be leveraged to put greater ambition in the implementation and enhancement of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) or national climate targets. The benefits of cleaner air may thus incentivize actions that complement the motivation to help achieve the worldwide goal to limit global temperature rise to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius, humanity's survival threshold.

Programang pang-solid waste management ng Parañaque upang mabawasan ang problema sa kalat at plastic pollution.  Litrato mula sa presentasyon ni Engr. Ma. Teresa Quioge, Supervising Environmental Specialist mula sa City Environment and Natural Resources Office of Parañaque. MAYNILA, ika-6 ng  Setyembre 2021 —  Alinsunod sa pagdiriwang natin ng National Clean-Up Month ngayong Setyembre, sa ika-60 na episode ng seryeng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” itinampok ang ilang mga programa ng ating local governments at pribadong sector upang makatulong sa pagbabawas ng paggamit ng single-use plastics at makaiwas sa plastic pollution. Kasama rin ang pagtalakay sa bagong pasang House Bill 39147 o ang Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Act sa kamara.   Ang Stories for a Better Normal ay hango sa konsepto ng dating three-term Senator, ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda, at katuwang si Atty. Ipat Luna bilang co-host. Tampok sa episode ang mga panauhing sina Engr. Ma. Teresa Quiogue, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist mula sa Parañaque City Environment & Natural Resources Office; Mr. Vincent Alon, Muntinlupa City Head of Solid Waste Management Research & Training Division; Mr. Saar Herman, Chief Technology Officer ng Green Antz Builders, Inc.; at si Ms. Mharee Lynn Guillena mula sa National Clean Up Day Coalition Philippines.   "Huwag na tayong maghintay na matapos ang pandemic bago tayo sumunod sa warning o alarm ng ating planeta. Nakikita natin ang epekto nito sa ating mga buhay at kabuhayan, at sinasabi na ng mga eksperto sa agham na lalala pa ito,” iginiit ni Atty Ipat Luna.   Ibinahagi ng City Environment & Natural Resources Office ng Parañaque ang kanilang best practices at solid waste management programs kasama na rito ang deployment ng Bantay Kalikasan; CENRO at ng City MRF Operations; “Zero Plastics Sa Landfill” Project; “Upcycling” Livelihood Project; Plastic Ordinance Implementation; at Order Ni M.R.S.   “Waste management is a shared responsibility. Ito po ay hindi responsibilidad lang ng gobyerno, let us all be responsible sa sari-sarili nating waste,” sabi ni Quiogue.   Ibinahagi din ng local government ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ang kanilang mga solid waste management programs, tulad ng Bring-Your-Own-Bag (BYOB) Program.   “’Yung mga programang para sa ikabubuti at ikaaayos ng kalikasan, hindi na dapat natin itong pagtalunan, bagkus ay dapat natin itong pagtulungan,” sabi ni Alon.   Ipinakilala ni Mr. Saar Herman ang Green Antz building at housing solutions na nag-i integrate ng mga eco-friendly practices at green technologies sa kanilang mga produkto at mga serbisyo. Katambal nila rito ang private sector at mga local governments upang labanan ang plastic pollution at mabawasan ang mga basurang napupunta sa mga landfills, sa pamamagitan ng pag set-up ng isang recycling facility na syang magpo-process ng biodegradable wastes para maging composts, at plastics para maging eco-bricks.   “Dahil nga ang climate change ay tunay na nagbabadya at totoong agarang panganib sa kapakanan nating lahat, talaga ngang makatutulong kung gagawin nating lahat ang ating makakaya para harapin at matugunan ito, tulad ng pagbabawal natin sa plastic at mga basura. Sa isang bansa na tulad ng Pilipinas, kinakailangang maunawaan ang lawak ng bantang kinakatawan ng climate change at kung ano ang kinakailangan para tayo'y magtulungan at magkaisa,” sabi ni Herman.   Ibinahagi ni Ms. Mharee Lynn Guillena ang kanilang mga pagkilos sa mga usaping ukol sa ocean garbage at water waste na suportado ng grassroots campaigns. Bukod pa sa mga cleanup, nagko-kolekta din sila ng single-use plastics para lang mai-convert ang mga ito sa eco-bricks, pati narin ang pag o-organisa ng mga eco-brick workshops at online webinars.   “Huwag nating pabayaang wasakin, pagharian, at patayin tayo ng mga plastics. Magkaisa tayong lahat at pagwagian ang laban sa plastics,” sabi ni Guillena.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang Stories for a Better Normal na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino at pamayanan sa mga hamon ng climate change at ng pandemya, tungo sa buhay na maka-kalikasan at sustainable sa ilalim ng ‘better normal’.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang mula sa ugnayan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng CCC, na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education at Philippine Information Agency, at ng civil society organizations na Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation.

Solid waste management program of the City of Parañaque to reduce waste and plastic pollution in the city. Photo from the presentation of Engr. Ma. Teresa Quiogue, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist from the City Environment & Natural Resources Office of Parañaque. MANILA, 03 September 2021 —  In celebration of the National Clean-Up Month this September, the 60th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” featured local governments’ and private sector’s initiatives to help reduce single-use plastics and prevent plastic pollution. This was also in time for the passage of House Bill 9147 or the Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Act in the third and final reading in the House of Representatives. The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, with co-host Atty. Ipat Luna, featured guests including Engr. Ma. Teresa Quiogue, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist from the City Environment & Natural Resources Office of Parañaque; Mr. Vincent Alon, Head of Solid Waste Management Research & Training Division of the local government of Muntinlupa City; Mr. Saar Herman, Chief Technology Officer of Green Antz Builders, Inc.; and Ms. Mharee Lynn Guillena from the National Clean Up Day Coalition Philippines. "Huwag na tayong maghintay na matapos ang pandemic bago tayo sumunod sa warning o alarm ng ating planeta. Nakikita natin ang epekto nito sa ating mga buhay at kabuhayan, at sinasabi na ng mga eksperto sa agham na lalala pa ito,” Atty. Luna emphasized. The City Environment & Natural Resources Office of Parañaque shared their best practices and solid waste management programs including the deployment of Bantay Kalikasan; CENRO and City MRF Operations; “Zero Plastics Sa Landfill” Project; “Upcycling” Livelihood Project; Plastic Ordinance Implementation; and Order Ni M.R.S. “Waste management is a shared responsibility. Ito po ay hindi responsibilidad lang ng gobyerno, let us all be responsible sa sari-sarili nating waste,” said Engr. Quiogue.   The local government of Muntinlupa City also shared its solid waste management programs, including the Bring-Your-Own-Bag (BYOB) Program. “’Yung mga programang para sa ikabubuti at ikaaayos ng kalikasan, hindi na dapat natin itong pagtalunan, bagkus ay dapat natin itong pagtulungan,” said Mr. Alon. Mr. Herman introduced Green Antz Builders, an organization that provides building and housing solutions that integrate eco-friendly practices and green technologies in its products and services. They partnered with the private sector and local governments to combat plastic pollution and reduce the waste going to landfills through setting up a recycling facility that would process biodegradable wastes to composts, and plastics to eco-bricks. “Since climate change is such an imminent and immediate danger to our well-being, it will be very helpful if we can put up as many resources to try to tackle it, like the prevention of plastic and wastes as part of prevention of the effects of climate change. But definitely, in a place like the Philippines, we need the entire system to understand the amount of threat that this represents and the amount of help needed to work together,” said Mr. Herman. Ms. Guillena shared their advocacy of promoting and creating awareness in taking action on issues with ocean garbage and water waste, as well as green programs and grassroots campaigns. Apart from cleanup programs, they also collect single- use plastics to convert them into eco-bricks, as well as organize eco-bricks workshops and online webinars. “Let us not allow plastics to rule us, destroy us, and kill us. Let us all unite and win this war against plastics,” said Ms. Guillena. As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities. This online discussion is organized in a partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 02 September 2021 — The Climate Change Commission stresses the need to strengthen science policy research to help Filipinos tackle the twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change as the country observes the 19th Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) from September 1 to 30.   The 19th DPRM’s theme, “Reset and Rebuild for a Better Philippines in the Post-Pandemic World”, echoes the imperative to rebuild from the crippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and create a better Philippines, and the needed shift from business-as-usual paradigms and practices to place equal importance on economic, social, and environmental well-being and sustainability through science- and evidence-based policy research.   Science policy research is critical in crafting effective strategies and pathways to addressing the pandemic and the climate crisis, both of which pose great threats to the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.   For years, policy research has played an important contribution to climate change policy development. As climate change continues to pose risks to human health, ecosystems, social and cultural systems, and economic growth, timely and useful climate information is critical to help policymakers and leaders make informed decisions. Policy research and climate projections also enable nations to prepare and avert the adverse effects of climate change way ahead. The same must be undertaken now to enable Filipinos to bounce back better from the COVID-19 pandemic.   Given this, and in observance of the DPRM, the CCC calls on all government agencies and local government units to anchor the development and implementation of policies and programs on scientific policy research. It also encourages all policymakers and decision-makers to always heed the call of science and aim for the creation of an informed and inclusive recovery plan to swiftly rebuild the country into a post-pandemic nation that is equitable, sustainable, and resilient.   The CCC likewise calls on the public to voice out stronger support for the research sector as it seeks to build sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience at both the local and national levels.   Proclamation No. 246, series of 2002 declared September of every year as Development Policy Research Month, with the goal of cultivating a strong culture of research and use of data and evidence among the country’s national and local decision-makers in policymaking and program planning, along with raising the public’s grasp of important socioeconomic issues. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) leads the coordination of all programmed activities for the entire month.

MANILA, 02 September 2021 — The Climate Change Commission highlighted the important role of the private sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement during a workshop on corporate governance and environmental impact and risk management held on August 27.   Citing the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera noted that “there’s a need to reduce GHG emissions in order to limit further global warming and also to mitigate impacts of climate change that are expected to become more severe and more frequent, and in some cases, irreversible.”   “We may actually breach the 1.5˚Celsius limit—which we consider as our climate threshold for survival—within 20 years, unless we reduce our GHG emissions at a rapid, immediate, and widespread scale,” she noted in her discussion on expectations from the private sector in connection with the country’s GHG emissions reduction targets.   The workshop is the fourth session of the Corporate Governance and Sustainability Workshop Series organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).   Other resource speakers included Michael Salvatico, S&P Global Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance Business Development for Asia-Pacific, who discussed what investors track in companies regarding GHG emissions; GRI Country Manager Katreena Pillejera, who discussed GRI standards and provided an overview of GHG emissions calculation; Jo Ann Eala, BPI Vice President for Sustainable Development Finance; and Arlene Tan-Bantoto and Maria Christine Garcia of Nestle Philippines, who shared company "Net Zero" initiatives. The workshop was moderated by Lany Harijanti, ASEAN Regional Program Manager of GRI.      As part of its work towards achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5˚C, the Philippines submitted its NDC this year, which, Herrera explained, communicates “a 75% GHG emission reduction and avoidance for the period 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy.”   Herrera emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in achieving this NDC, especially through mobilizing investments and conducting GHG emissions inventories, which can help government develop better climate actions and business models.   “The NDC promotes the full engagement of the private sector in the achievement of our emissions reduction target, recognizing your role as the country’s main engine of economic growth and transformation. We see major areas of partnership, primarily in mobilizing climate investments and the conduct of GHG inventories,” Herrera said.   Herrera also highlighted the key role of the private sector in building momentum especially in the shift towards renewable energy.   “Publicly-listed companies have a critical role in sustaining this momentum and further enabling the transformation, for the energy sector, and across all sectors,” she noted. “Through this workshop, we hope that companies would further see the value of sustainability reporting, not just from a business perspective, but also in terms of their potential to contribute to our country’s goals on sustainability and resilience, as embodied in our NDC and other national plans,” Herrera concluded.

MANILA, 01 September 2021 — The Climate Change Commission joined Watsons Philippines’ 1st Do Good Webinar, which highlighted the need to shift towards sustainability amid a worsening climate crisis.   “The world today is in an emergency,” said Watsons Public Relations and Sustainability Director Viki Encarnacion during the webinar, which is part of the retailer’s Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great Sustainability Campaign.   “Climate change is not just an issue for the future, it’s an urgent issue today. And we need everyone’s help in making responsible, sustainable choices,” she added.   “Zooming out from the day-to-day concerns and threats of COVID, and refocusing on the extreme weather conditions that we experience and also see around the world, it is clear that runaway climate change is already here. We’ve seen the devastating droughts, wildfires, heatwaves, and also flooding and landslides across the U.S., in Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific and the Philippines,” said Commissioner Rachel Herrera, who presented sustainability frameworks and measures on behalf of the CCC.   “We are already feeling climate impacts all over the world. By word of the world’s scientists, many of these impacts are already irreversible due to the planet’s rapid warming,” Herrera added.   “As climate scientists have pointed out, we have a goal to limit warming to 1.5˚C goal, which can only be achieved if we do a massive shift to sustainability in consumption,” she emphasized.   During her discussion, Herrera highlighted the importance of collective movement towards sustainability, and of individual actions that add up, including reducing food waste, reducing plastic use, and repairing and refilling instead of buying new, among others.   “We have all contributed to global warming and even environmental degradation; but in the same way, we are all part or stakeholders in the solution,” she added.   “The problem is too enormous, and we need everyone to get involved,” Encarnacion added. For its part, Watsons also highlighted its commitments under its sustainability vision.   “With this current crisis, we place full support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals set up a few years ago. As the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, we feel a strong sense of responsibility to help create a better world through our global operations,” Encarnacion said.   “We also aim to fight climate change with forest protection and clean ocean initiatives, and to reduce our environmental footprint,” she added.   Watsons’ commitment, according to Encarnacion, includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, reducing electricity intensity by 30%, and targeting to offset 2,250 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

MAYNILA, ika-31 ng Agosto 2021 — Sa ika-59 na episode ng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways”, itinampok ang patuloy na pagkilos ng local government units at national government agencies upang maisulong ang konsepto ng sustainable urban mobility sa Metro Manila.   Ang online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto ng dating three-term Senator, at ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda, ay dinaluhan ng mga panauhin na sina Mayor Joy Belmonte ng Quezon City; Robert Anthony Siy III, Transport Head mula Pasig City; Brian Geli, Information Officer mula San Juan City; Atty. Odilon Luis Pasaraba, Assistant Secretary mula Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Eldon Joshua Dionisio, Senior Transportation Development Officer mula Department of Transportation (DOTr); Michael Salalima, Head Executive Assistant mula Office of the Chairman ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); at Aldrin Pelicano, Founder ng MNL Moves. Kabilang din sa mga dumalo si Red Constantino, Executive Director ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), biliang co-host ng programa.   “Sinimulan natin ang mobility discussions early last year and it's taking only a few months, a year to produce a revolution that's underway, kasi ang mode natin ay tulong-tulong. Huwag kalimutan ang bayanihan, huwag kalimutang mangarap. Pero ang pangarap ay hindi mangyayari kung hindi natin ito inasikaso, at ‘pag hindi tayo nakialam,” sabi ni Red Constantino.   Ang mga local government units ng Quezon City, Pasig City, at San Juan City ay nag-present ng kani-kaniyang mga stratehiya sa pagbibigay ng active mobility at non-motorized mainstream modes ng transportasyon sa nakararami na hindi lamang safe at functional, kundi efficient at environmentally-sustainable rin.   “Mayroon tayong core values para sa active transport at sustainable mobility program: Kailangan ito ay comprehensive, climate-smart, equitable, convenient, at accessible. Sa loob ng programang ito; mayroon tayong bicycle lane network o ang QC bike lanes; mayroon tayong isinasaayos na mga pathways o GORA lane upang maisulong ang walkability at pedestrianization; mayroon tayong  electric transport; at mayroon ding integrated at planned city bus system na libre para sa lahat ng gustong sumakay sa ating bus – hindi lamang para sa mga residente ng Quezon City, kundi para na rin sa lahat ng may pakay sa Quezon City na nangangailangang sumakay gamit ang aming transport system,” sabi ni Mayor Belmonte.   “Ang Pasig Transport Office ay nagde-develop at nag o-operate ng mga transportation solutions na naglalayong ma-improve ang mobility at maitaguyod ang iba't-ibang sustainable forms ng transportasyon sa buong lungsod. Inihahatid nito ang sustainable transportation agenda ng Lungsod ng Pasig para sa walking, cycling, at mass public transport,” sabi ni Siy.   “Noong nakaraang taon, nagsimula kami ng walang bike lanes. Pero noong June 3, 2020, World Bike Day, nangako kaming mag-bigay ng  ligtas at praktikal na bike lanes di lamang para sa mga San Juaneños, kundi para na rin sa lahat ng dumadaan sa aming lungsod. Mula 0 hanggang 5 kilometro noong aming mobility awards, na ngayo’y 8.8 kilometro ng bike lanes. Ang Lungsod ng San Juan ay napaka-liit, kami'y umaabot lamang ng mahigit-kumulang 5.94 square kilometers sa lawak, kaya medyo maikli at maliit lang ang aming bike lanes. Gayunpaman, nangangako kaming makapag-bigay ng healthier at mas sustainable na mobility para sa lahat ng taga Metro Manila, lalung-lalo na sa mga San Juaneños,” sabi ni Geli.   Ibinahagi ni Aldrin Pelicano ang resulta ng volunteer pedestrian at bicycle count, na kilala din bilang Metro Manila Counts.   “Ngayon, higit pa noong una, kailangan gawing permanenteng bahagi ng programa ng MMDA, katulong ng LGUs, ang pagbibilang. Kapag sila'y nagbilang, kapag nakuha nila ang bilang ng mga taong nagbibisikleta, mas madali ang paggawa ng karagdagang investment. Ito ang objective ng Metro Manila Counts, ang makapag-simula ng mga pag-uusap para maisulong ang policy at infrastructure improvements,” sabi ni Pelicano.   Ibinahagi ng mga representatives mula sa national government agencies ang kani-kanilang pananaw at nagpahayag ng suporta sa nai-presentang mga stratehiya sa pagsasagawa ng bicycle masterplans.   "Masaya naming maibabahagi na 457 Local Government Units (LGUs) sa baseline na 1059 LGUs o 43% ay nakapag-designate na ng specific units, offices, o personnel na itinalaga para sa pagpapatupad ng mga active transport initiatives sa kani-kanilang areas of jurisdiction. Ito ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa tamang direksyon dahil nabibigyan nito ang mga LGUs ng kinakailangang institutional capacity para masuportahan at maitaguyod ang active transport sa mga darating na taon,” sabi ni Atty. Pasaraba.   “Malugod na susuportahan ng DOTr ang mga movements at initiatives na ito. Nais naming kilalanin na ang movement na makapag-tataguyod ng active transportation na nakapaloob sa buong transportation system ay isang whole government and society approach. Na sadya talagang makatutulong ang initiatives ng LGUs, lalung-lalo na ang establishment ng mga bike lane networks. Totoong nakadaragdag-tulong ito sa intercity bike lane network na itinayo't ginawa ng DPWH, kasama ng DOTr, sa pamamagitan ng Bayanihan 2 Law. Ito ang nakapagbibigay ng last-mile connectivity at accessibility sa ating bike commuters papunta at pabalik sa kani-kanyang mga bahay,” sabi ni Dionisio.   “Sa amin po sa MMDA, kasama ng iba pang mga government agencies - DOTr, DPWH, at DILG, ito ay isang whole government approach at ang ginagawa namin ngayon ay suportahan ang iba’t-ibang initiatives ng mga local government units sa usapin ng pagkakaroon nila ng bike lane networks sa inner roads ng kani-kanilang locality,” sabi ni Salalima.   Noong nakaraang taon, hinikayat ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda ang mga miyembro ng Metro Manila Council at national government agencies concerned na ideklara ang cycling bilang essential mode of transportation at sikaping makagawa ng dedicated at protected bike lanes na magdudugtong sa mga lungsod ng Metro Manila.   Para lalo pang maitaguyod ang sustainable urban mobility sa Metro Manila, hinikayat ni Deputy Speaker Legarda ang mga panauhing LGUs at NGAs na magtanim ng mga native trees sa nakalaang mga green spaces sa mga lungsod.   “Hindi lamang mga protected at permanent bike lanes ang kailamgang maging bahagi ng ating adbokasiya, kundi pati narin ang mga green spaces na akma sa mga lungsod ng Metro Manila, at ng Pilipinas. Huwag magtanim ng mga imported species, ng mga exotic na mahirap i-maintain, dapat ay ‘yung mga punong mabubuhay sa matinding dumi ng hangin at tindi ng ulan," sabi ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang Stories for a Better Normal na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino at pamayanan sa mga hamon ng climate change at ng pandemya, tungo sa buhay na maka-kalikasan at sustainable sa ilalim ng ‘better normal’.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni dating three-term Senator na ngayo'y Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission na binigyang-suporta ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at ng Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 31 August 2021 —  Representatives from the public and private sectors will gather virtually to promote the regulation of single-use plastics as well as the strict implementation of ecological solid waste management on the 60th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Time to Clean Up!” The episode is organized in celebration of the National Clean Up Month.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 2 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Mr. Vincent Alon, Head of Solid Waste Management Research & Training Division of the local government of Muntinlupa City; Mr. Saar Herman, Chief Technology Officer of Green Antz Builders, Inc.; and Ms. Mharee Lynn Guillena of the National Clean Up Day Coalition.   The month of September is declared as the National Clean-Up Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 244, while the Presidential Proclamation No. 470 designates the 3rd Saturday of September, 18 September, as National Clean-Up Day, both of which act as a campaign to encourage communities to be responsive in cleaning and protecting the environment.   The Philippines is known for its rich marine ecosystems but is also one of the major sources of plastic trash in the world, contributing almost three million metric tons of plastic wastes and 500,000 metric tons of plastic waste leakage per year.   Single-use plastic does not only pose pollution problems, its production and incineration contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, hence, to climate change.   According to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Filipinos use 59.7 billion pieces of sachets, 17.5 billion pieces of shopping bags, 16.5 billion pieces of plastic labo bag, and 1.1 billion diapers yearly.   The COVID-19 pandemic has even magnified the problem on single-use plastics as people needed to ensure safety standards that will minimize contamination and further spread of the virus. This has led to utilizing easily disposable items, such as those used for food and other deliveries.   The upcoming episode will feature local government and private sector initiatives to help reduce single-use plastics and promote ways on how to prevent plastic pollution in everyday life, following the passage of the House Bill 9147 or the Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Act in the third and final reading in the House of Representatives. The episode is also a way to urgently call for the passage of its counterpart measure in the Senate.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.