Heritage trees in schoools provide various long-term benefits for the school, teachers, and the students.  Photo from the presentation of Mr. Nolito Roque Alvarez from Alabang Elementary School. MANILA, 4 October 2021 —  The 64th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” featured elementary schools that are stewards of heritage trees within their campuses, highlighting educational, social, cultural, historical, and aesthetic value of native landmark trees in our communities.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda gathered guests including Mr. Adolf P. Aguilar and Ms. Gina Rullamas from the Department of Education’s Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD); Ms. Jenelyn Alberto from Kaligayahan Elementary School (Division of Quezon City); Mr. Nolito Roque Alvarez from Alabang Elementary School (Division of Muntinlupa City); Mr. Rodolfo Cardinez Jr. from Carcarmay Elementary School (Division of La Union); and Ms. Freida Cawaling from Albasan Elementary School (Division of Aklan). Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Herrera joined as co-host.   Mr. Aguilar and Ms. Rullamas introduced the ‘Search for Heritage Trees in Public Schools,’ a program of DepEd BLSS-YFD that aims to revive the accounting and inventory of these living historical artifacts in all public schools nationwide and intensify the preservation of the country’s vast biodiversity.   “Sa nangyari sa pandemic ngayon na ‘yung mga learning spaces natin ay nasa tahanan na, it is a good opportunity for DepEd and for us educators to bring environmental education to homes and communities this time. Kaya ang YES-O, National Greening Program namin, Gulayan sa Paaralan sa DepEd, ay dito na namin dinadala ang advocacy at pag-create ng mga immediate actions for the environment. Ang YFD ay patuloy lamang sa pag-promote ng mga advocacies na ito para sa kalikasan,” said Mr. Aguilar   “Heritage trees act as a shield during natural phenomena. They also provide homes to wildlife and keep our planet cool. Heritage trees also provide clean air and water, wood for construction and energy, and food and medicine,” said Ms. Rullamas, enumerating the many benefits of heritage trees.   The guest DepEd teachers shared their school’s efforts in protecting and preserving their century-old native trees on their respective school campuses.   “Ang gusto naming mangyari ay hindi lang ito basta maging kwento, gusto namin na maranasan rin nila ‘yung mga na-experience namin noong bata pa kami na umaakyat kami sa puno at nae-enjoy naming kainin ang mga bunga nito. Mas magandang hindi lang siya nakikita sa libro at itinuturo lang through video presentation sa schools. As much as possible, we let our students experience kung gaano kasarap tumambay sa ilalim ng puno. Iba pa rin ‘yung first-hand na nae-experience nila kasi mas magiging malalim ang appreciation nila. Ipinapakita namin ‘yung historical significance ng puno at kung gaano kaganda at kabuti na mayroon pa ring naiiwan na mga ganitong puno sa paligid natin despite of the development and economic improvement natin. Sana po ay patuloy tayong umunlad pero huwag nating pabayaan ang kalikasan,” said Ms. Alberto.   “Let’s all be like a tree: Stay grounded or focus; Connected with your root, or don’t forget where you came from; Turn over a new leaf, don’t be stagnant, be brave to do new things; Bend before you break or be flexible; Enjoy your unique natural beauty, enjoy life and what you are; and Keep growing, improve yourself. A tree will always serve as our reminder while reaching for our goals in life,” said Mr. Alvarez.   “Our tree stands as a living monument for the victory of Carcarmay folks in their efforts to guard the tree from despoilers of nature. It serves as an inspiration for young people to nurture and love a tree. It encourages the youth to hold on to their strong beliefs, hopes, and aspirations and be resilient to any circumstances,” said Mr. Cardinez.   “The towering rare cluster century-old acacia trees have been certified by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Aklan and considered as one of the famous attractions in the Municipality of Numancia. Its roots hold and secure water underneath so that, in times of drought or when the water runs out, it can provide a much needed water supply to plants under it. Locals used it as a sustainable resource to increase the productivity of other cultivations. Acacia has also been used in medicines, baking ingredients, tools, and woodwork. By preserving our century-old trees, ecological value and diversity were observed towards promoting a sustainable way of living,” said Ms. Cawaling.   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, 29 September 2021 — To facilitate knowledge exchange and deepen the understanding and appreciation of the youth on climate science and climate change, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in partnership with the Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center spearheaded the Kaalamang Klima: A Climate Change Webinar-Workshop for the Youth held last September 22 via online platforms.   The webinar featured lectures from 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, on the basics and science of climate change and climate action.   "The climate is changing due to human activities--that is the conclusion of the IPCC report. It will be much worse in the future if we don't do anything about it. It is still in our hands, we can still do something about it, and therefore, we must do something about it. This is the challenge I leave with you, the youth, you are in the forefront of addressing the challenge of climate change," said Dr. Lasco.   “We are located in the Pacific ring of fire, but this region is also the most dynamic region. There's rising prosperity and also widening inequality, so we must contribute to constructing a resilient and sustainable future wherein everyone can claim their own space to be safe, to create, and to produce,” said Dr. Porio.   “I would like to invite the future generation to contribute in whatever you can to climate action through mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building. You can do action, but first and foremost, be a climate-literate person by joining a forum like this and understand the essential principle of the Earth’s climate system as well as climate and disaster risks,” said Dr. Uy.   To engage deeper with the youth, Ms. Lea Guerrero, Greenpeace Philippines Country Director, and Mr. Julio Galvez Tan, Center for Empowerment and Resource Development Executive Director, shared their experiences in raising climate awareness initiatives on the ground, and challenged the youth to take a more active role in addressing the climate crisis.   "We have excitement over the growing movement of youth during these days na kailangan na talaga nating umaksyon kasi maliit na yung window of opportunity to address the climate crisis. Ang pinakamahalagang solusyon is for us to stand in solidarity to mobilize, to join these actions, para makinig na ang mga korporasyon at mag-transform into green and just recovery para ma-address ang climate crisis," said Ms. Guerrero.   "My challenge to the youth: what will be your contribution to address the impacts of climate change for our fishers and farmers? How can we make the livelihoods of farmers and fishers resilient to climate change?  I'm urging you to act NOW,” said Mr. Tan.   Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, National Youth Commission Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Enriquez, and CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera also delivered their messages during the program.   "We've seen the effects of the old normal to nature, our planet, and our climate. Returning to the old ways of waste, pollution, and overconsumption should never be an option. We must seize the opportunity to responsibly manage our environment and to lead the way towards a resilient, green, and sustainable development,” said Deputy Speaker Legarda.   "Ngayon pa lang ay dapat tayong makialam at sumali sa usapin ng climate change. Dapat tayong humanap ng solusyon sa malaking problema na ito habang pwede pa itong bigyan ng lunas. Huwag nating hintaying lumubog ang ating paligid, masira ang kalikasan, mapaso ang ating mundo, at mamatay ang marami dahil sa climate change," said Usec. Enriquez.   "Climate change conversations should go far beyond rising temperatures, the 1.5-degree threshold, or the newest technologies. It also has a lot to do about understanding our history or how this came about, what is our responsibility as a sector, and the values that we have to uphold. Climate change understanding is formative, because at the end of the day, it is thinking beyond the present, thinking beyond oneself, and valuing the lives of others," said Herrera.   With more than 400 youth participated through Zoom and Facebook Live, the activity aims to tap youth support for the 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.

In photo: Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman (fourth from left), Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Jane Elago(fifth from left), and Zamboanga City 2nd District Representative Mannix Dalipe (sixth from left). MANILA, 29 September 2021 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the approval by the House of Representatives of its budget for Fiscal Year 2022 amounting to a little over Php 145 million. “As Vice Chair of Committee on Appropriations, it is my distinct honor and privilege to sponsor the budget proposal of the Climate Change Commission for Fiscal Year 2022,” said Zamboanga City 2nd District Representative Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe during the budget deliberation last Thursday, September 23. The approved CCC budget for 2022 was 3.37% lower than the agency’s budget for the current year which amounted to Php 150.47 million pesos, for the delivery of capacity building initiatives of the Commission, monitoring and evaluation, and production of information, education, and communication materials. Representative Dalipe expressed his view that the budget of the climate body is insufficient, and that the agency would welcome any additional support or funding to effectively and properly implement additional programs on climate change. “Madam Speaker, we hope that the House of Representatives will exhaust all means to fund the six million cut from the original proposed budget of the CCC to fund very important projects – capacity building [and] information education, specially at the grassroots level. ‘Yun po ‘yung kinakailangan para hindi lang iilan ‘yung nag-uusap tungkol sa planetary emergency o sa usaping pang-klima, kung hindi para matiyak natin na ‘yung tao mismo, ‘yung humahawak ng kapangyarihan [at] gumagalaw sa kanilang mga komunidad [ay capacitated] para [matiyak] na magiging matagumpay lahat ng pinapatupad natin na climate mitigation and adaptation strategies,” Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Jane Elago appealed during her interpelation. CCC Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman expressed appreciation to Rep. Dalipe for the sponsorship of the agency’s budget. “The Climate Change Commission deeply thanks Rep. Mannix Dalipe (2nd District, Zamboanga City) for his successful sponsorship of its agency budget for 2022, with a motion for augmentation from Rep Sarah Elago, at today’s House plenary.  The budget allocation for CCC is P145 million, representing 0.004% of the total national government budget of P3.351 trillion,” he said. The Climate Change Commission is the lead policy-making body of the government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate government programs and ensure mainstreaming of climate change in national, local, and sectoral development plans towards a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines. To know more about the CCC, visit its social media handles, www. facebook.com/CCCPhl, www.instagram.com/CCCphl and on Twitter at @CCCPhl, or visit its website at climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 28 September 2021 – The Climate Change Commission welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-China Mangrove Eco-corridor and called for stronger cooperation on climate action across different sectors and across countries in the region during the NGO Forum, one of eight parallel forums of the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 15), held in Kunming, China on Monday, September 27.   Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, who participated virtually and gave the sub-forum’s opening address, said the Philippines “welcomes and lauds the establishment of an ASEAN-China Mangrove Eco-Corridor.”   “Mangroves form a “first line of defense” that protects our inland and coastal communities especially during typhoons. In terms of climate mitigation, mangrove ecosystems also have immense carbon sequestration potential, compared to many forest ecosystems,” Herrera explained.   “As long as mangrove restoration activities align with science to use the proper native species, site selection, and nursery management, and engages in a transparent manner with stakeholders, these are no-regrets, high-impact measures that benefit any community,” she added, noting that mangroves in China, India, Mexico, the US, and Vietnam avert as much as 57 billion USD in flooding damages per year.   In his opening address, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs and Global Climate Action Initiative Co-chair Xie Zhenhua also emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions, which “rely on the power of nature to address climate risks through ecological conservation, restoration, and management.” Xie likewise emphasized the important role of the region in mangrove conservation.   “The ASEAN-China region, with coverage of more than a third of the world’s mangrove areas, or over 4.3 million hectares, is the largest mangrove forest area in the world,” Xie said. He lamented, however, that difficulties in conservation persist because of continued conversion of mangrove forests to aquaculture ponds, agricultural expansion, and charcoal production, among others.   While noting that China and ASEAN member-states are all developing countries that face challenges in balancing economic development and mangrove conservation, he emphasized that the region has been actively cooperating on the issue for several years through dialogues, exchanges, experience-sharing, and collaboration.   “Such regional cooperation can play a crucial role in global mangrove and marine biodiversity conservation, sustaining the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the achievement of regional sustainable development,” Xie said.   The parallel forum was hosted by the Global Climate Action Initiative, the ASEAN-China Centre, and the China Environmental Protection, and was organized by the Global Environmental Institute, the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology Foundation, and the Mangrove Conservation Foundation.   ASEAN-China Centre Secretary General Chen Dehai and Dr. Chen Guangchen, Researcher of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, gave the forum’s keynote speeches. This was followed by a roundtable discussion on the status and conservation gap of ASEAN-China mangroves, with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau's Director Datu Tungko Saikol sharing ongoing efforts of the government on mangrove conservation and rehabilitation and identifying gaps that hinder effective implementation of the country's initiatives; case study discussions on community-based conservation in Myanmar, mangrove protection practices in Indonesia, and the work of NGOs in China on mangrove protection.   In their addresses, both Xie and Herrera emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation not just across countries in the region, but across all sectors.   “Ecosystem conservation and addressing climate change require cooperation of all sectors of society, including central and local governments at all levels, as well as businesses, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions,” Xie said.   “One government, one region alone cannot implement the interventions needed and succeed. We will need to sustain and strengthen public-private partnerships, and tap civil society, academia, and other development partners so that our plans can be realized by more individuals and communities,” Herrera said, citing as a primary example, the work of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity as pivotal to the region’s whole-of-community approach to the cross-cutting issues of biodiversity loss and climate change.           Herrera also expressed hope that cooperation through the eco-corridor initiative will carry over to the other shared issues in the region.   “Cooperation on this front can help our region and China move towards a resilient recovery from the global pandemic,” she said.   “We hope this initiative will also strengthen and intensify ASEAN-China cooperation on the many other areas of concerns in the region, and bring about similar solutions to growing problems like plastic pollution, marine litter, and solid waste management,” Herrera concluded.

MANILA, 28 September 2021 — In celebration of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste tomorrow, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) urges the public to practice sustainable food management to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food loss and waste.   September 29 is designated as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste through UN Resolution 74/209, which aims to highlight the food loss and waste problem and their possible solutions. The observance also put the spotlight on the promotion of global efforts towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal 12 or the Responsible Consumption and Production.   Food loss refers to the portion of food that is lost from harvest, but not reaching the retail level. Food waste refers to the portion of a product that is discarded at the consumer or retail level.   The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that globally, around 14 percent of food produced is lost between harvest and retail. An estimated 17 percent of total global food production is wasted in retail and at the consumption level (11 percent in households, 5 percent in the food service, and 2 percent in retail). The food that is lost and wasted accounts for 38 percent of total energy usage in the global food system.   Disposing food loss and waste in landfills emits GHGs, which contribute to climate change. Food loss and waste can also negatively impact the food supply, and influence the cost of food.   This year’s theme, “Stop Food Loss and waste, for the people, for the planet,” calls for the prioritization of action and move ahead with innovation to reduce food loss and waste towards the transformation of the food systems.   The CCC emphasizes that this move will significantly reduce GHG emissions, and will contribute to food security and nutrition, lowering pressure on water and land resources, and can increase productivity and economic growth.   With this, the Commission urges all to save food and reduce food waste by practicing to:                                                                                      1.    Adopt a healthier, more sustainable diet; 2.    Buy only what you can consume; 3.    Bring home leftovers or share large dishes at restaurants (depending on the COVID-19 status); 4.    Refrigerate your leftovers or use it as an ingredient in another meal; 5.    Compost your food waste; 6.    Support local food producers; and 7.    Donate food that would otherwise be wasted.   The CCC said that the COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call to transform and rebalance the way our food is produced and consumed. These little changes to our habits – wasting less, eating better and adopting a sustainable lifestyle – if started today, can make a huge impact in setting our communities and the world free from hunger.

MANILA, 28 September 2021 — The 64th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature Department of Education (DepEd) teachers and Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD) officers to showcase public schools that exert efforts in preserving Heritage Trees.   The online conversation, conceptualized by DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 30 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl, facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, and facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Mr. Adolf P. Aguilar and Ms. Gina Rullamas of DepEd BLSS-YFD, Ms. Jenelyn Alberto from Kaligayahan Elementary School (Division of Quezon City), Mr. Nolito Roque Alvarez from Alabang Elementary School (Division of Muntinlupa City), Mr. Rodolfo Cardinez Jr. from Carcarmay Elementary School (Division of La Union), and Ms. Freida Cawaling from Albasan Elementary School (Division of Aklan).   Despite the important role biodiversity is playing, particularly in supporting current and future human health, well-being, economic prosperity, and ecological balance, it is still being destroyed at an unprecedented and accelerating rate.   Heritage trees, which are characterized as healthy native or endemic, rare, threatened, and endangered with a minimum girth of 100 centimeters with scientific, rarity, historical, cultural, social, educational, and aesthetic significance, are now recognized as key resources that sustain broad and unique assemblages of species. But these trees are threatened by urban development, natural hazards, and vandalism, among others.   With this, the DepEd Office of Undersecretary for Administration through BLSS-YFD spearheaded the ‘Search for Heritage Trees in Public Schools’ to revive the accounting and inventory of these living historical artifacts in all public schools nationwide as one of its initiatives on intensifying the preservation of the country’s vast 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.

MAYNILA, ika-28 ng Setyembre 2021 – Magtitipon-tipon virtually ang ilan sa mga guro at Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD) officers mula sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) upang ibida ang mga pampublikong paaralan na nangangalaga ng mga Heritage Tree sa ika-64 na episode ng seryeng ‘Stories for a Better Normal’: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways”.   Ang online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto ng DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) at pangungunahan ng three-term Senator, at ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda, ay ipapalabas sa Huwebes, ika-30 ng Setyembre 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live sa facebook.com/CCCPhl, facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, at facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH. Dalawang masuwerteng manonood ang maaaring manalo ng mga tablet sa pamamagitan ng pag-tune in sa buong programa.   Kasama sa naturang online na talakayan sina Mr. Adolf P. Aguilar at Ms. Gina Rullamas ng DepEd BLSS-YFD; Ms. Jenelyn Alberto mula sa Kaligayahan Elementary School (Division of Quezon City); Mr. Nolito Roque Alvarez mula sa Alabang Elementary School (Division of La Union); at Ms. Freida Cawaling mula sa Albasan Elementary School (Division of Aklan).   Sa kabila ng mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng biodiversity, partikular sa pagsuporta sa kasalukuyan at hinaharap na kalusugan ng tao, kapakanan, kaunlaran sa ekonomiya, at ecological balance, ito’y nasisira pa rin sa isang hindi pa naaabot-gunitang pangyayari at bumibilis na antas.   Ang mga heritage tree, na kilala sa kanilang katutubong kalusugan, pagiging natatangi, threatened, at endangered na may minimum girth na 100 centimeters na may katangi-tangi, makasaysayan, pangkultura, panlipunan, pang-edukasyon, pang-agham at aesthetic significance, ay ngayo’y kinikilala bilang pangunahing yaman na kumakatawan sa malawak at kakaibang pagtitipon ng mga species. Ngunit ang mga punong ito ay nanganganib dahil sa urbanisasyon, natural hazards at vandalism, maliban sa iba pang mga alalahanin.   Kaugnay nito, pinangunahan ng DepEd Office of Undersecretary for Administration sa tulong ng BLSS-YFD ang ‘Search for Heritage Trees in Public Schools’ upang muling buhayin ang pagkilala at pagsisinop ng mga nabubuhay at makasaysayang mga artifacts sa lahat ng mga pampublikong paaralan sa buong bansa bilang isa sa mga hakbangin sa pagpapaigting ng pangangalaga sa biodiversity ng ating bansa.   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, 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.   More importantly, the mountain range has long acted as one of Luzon’s most reliable buffer areas against typhoons that originate from the Pacific Ocean, reducing the wind speeds of potentially destructive storms.   However, Sierra Madre is becoming increasingly vulnerable as extractive activities like illegal logging, illegal mining, road construction, and land conversion to agricultural use and population areas continue to diminish its forests and ecosystems.   With this, the CCC urges everyone to be more conscious of our connection and relationship with nature, which includes learning how to consume only what we need, caring for the forests and trees, and opposing projects that might destruct the Sierra Madre.   The CCC encourages all sectors of the society to participate in activities geared toward the conservation of the Sierra Madre Mountains, which include tree planting activities, beautification and cleanliness of our forests and parks, garbage segregation and efficient waste management, and conserving water and energy.

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.