MANILA, 1 February 2021 — Model communities and organizations implementing proper waste segregation practices toward ecological solid waste management and sustainability will be featured in the 33rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Basura Ko, Responsibilidad Ko.” The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 4 February 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda. Joining the online conversation are representatives from the various sectors including Yza Nazal-Habunal, City Environment and Transportation Coordinator and Acting City Agriculturist of Navotas City; Anna Maria Gonzales, Sustainability and Planning Manager of Ayala Land Inc.; and Almira Muro of the E-waste Project of the University of the Philippines-Diliman to share their practices and promote proper segregation of waste at home, in establishments, and in the community. In previous episodes, the online series tackled different topics promoting ecological solid waste management and eco-friendly programs, reduction in the use of plastics, circular economy and minimizing wastes, and sustainable consumption and production as part of the country’s post-pandemic recovery. For this episode, Legarda and esteemed guests will call on Filipino households, businesses, and local government units to properly implement RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in their respective communities in support of the government’s thrust of building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive society during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

 

We welcome the announcement by US President Joe Biden that the US is rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change. This is a welcome development that comes on the heels of President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated call on all nations to act on the climate crisis with urgency as one united community under the Paris Agreement. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure the mobilization of finance flows towards the adaptation needs of our most vulnerable communities. We need such action to be faster and on a greater scale. And we need it to bring about effective solutions on the ground across the globe. More efforts should also be focused on ensuring the mobilization of the USD 100-billion annual funding target enshrined in the Paris Agreement for the adaptation and mitigation needs of developing countries. To ensure climate justice, developed countries must deliver on their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including support to developing economies leading to low-carbon and sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that health, economic stability, and nature are intertwined. It has shown to us the domino effect that is triggered when one element in this interconnected system is overturned. The resolute and urgent response to the pandemic demonstrated the remarkable capacity of human society to put the emergency brake on the “business-as-usual” mindset. It showed that we can act as one and radically change our ways and our systems to fight the scourge of a deadly virus for the greater good of all. The same unity, resolve, and sense of urgency should be applied in combating the climate emergency and pursuing low-carbon and sustainable development. See original post here: STATEMENT OF FINANCE SEC. CARLOS DOMINGUEZ III - Department of Finance (dof.gov.ph)  

Photo from the PowerPoint presentation of Deputy Speaker Legarda during the Second Regular Session of the 18th Congress. MANILA, 26 January 2021 — Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda strongly urged her fellow lawmakers in the Congress to protect and revive ecosystems in the country by pushing for laws to ban single-use plastics and manage segregation of waste, and aligning government programs to support nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis. In a privilege speech before the House plenary, Legarda lamented the worsening effects of climate change and economic shocks from the pandemic which set back the country in achieving goals on sustainable and resilient development. “Our planet has been sick for more than a century and a half, which started when we began to burn fossil fuels that released harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This altered our climate and brought about extreme weather events, increasing temperatures, and rising seas. But this planet we call home is not beyond saving,” Legarda stressed. In observance of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Legarda, a United Nations global climate champion, urged for rapid action from her fellow lawmakers to combat planetary threats and take this decade as an opportunity to deflect the catastrophic effects of climate change. “This decade is our last chance. I want this august chamber to express its full support to this global movement and join the global call for all nations and citizens across the world to protect and revive ecosystems for the sake of our environment, our Earth, and our future,” Legarda added. Legarda lauded the move of US President Joe Biden to rejoin the Paris Agreement, which according to Legarda, will certainly boost the pace and progress on global climate action and give more depth to ongoing climate discussions, such as the Global Commission on Adaptation’s Climate Adaptation Summit that conveys the need to accelerate and scale up climate efforts at the global and local levels. On plastic pollution, the three-term senator and now Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of proper waste segregation and research on alternatives to prevent more single-use plastics from causing threats to public health, the environment, and marine life and biodiversity. Plastic products also worsen global warming and climate change due to the amount of fossil fuels used in the production and transportation. Legarda earlier filed a bill that would regulate the importation, sale and use of single-use plastics, in addition to several bills pending in both chambers that ban and mandate an extended producer’s responsibility. “We used and discarded about 164 million pieces of sachets in 2019. All the more that we should ensure that we have the mechanisms in place for the proper segregation and disposal of waste. All the more that we need to research and find alternatives to these single-use plastics that harm our environment and health,” Legarda stressed. Following the massive devastation from three successive typhoons (Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses), Legarda renewed the call for more support for nature-based solutions, interventions, and policies to protect the ecosystems and resources back to their pristine state, including the Sierra Madre mountains, which act as a natural buffer from the rains and winds of these typhoons. With the successive battering and the environmental degradation, these ecosystems lost the ability to protect and safeguard the communities who depended on it, according to Legarda. “We still find ourselves at a juncture where global carbon emissions continue to rise, which spells greater danger for a country like ours that strives to do its best to address our risks as a highly climate vulnerable country,” said Legarda In response to this, Legarda will file a resolution urging all departments to assess every expenditure based on how much it will help restore ecosystems. “I am calling on all agencies of government, if you have not aligned your budgets towards ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions to the climate emergency, you are failing in your obligation.  If your structure and mandate is preventing you from complying with what is needed to face a climate emergency, let us work to change it,“ Legarda noted. She also urged her fellow lawmakers and local government units to perform the oversight and scale up climate financing by leveraging domestic budget to effectively implement and deliver the national climate change agenda, and pave the way for a broad, strong financing strategy. “In a crisis, do not throw your money away on hauling and tipping fees, or on the infrastructure that will be next to useless in 2030 if we fail in our task.  Social development that lessens our vulnerability to the coming threats, infrastructure that serves the people and not vehicles, and urban planning that creates green open spaces will make us withstand not just pandemics, but also climate-induced severe weather events.” Legarda added. Legarda also challenged the public, particularly the homemakers and millennials, to start climate action in their homes by reducing waste and practicing sustainability. “You can look at any land, backyard, waterway, or sidewalk and work on that.  Create soil from your own biodegradable wastes, take your protective and restorative claim on one square meter, then make it two, and continue hectare upon hectare until we have restored a thriving and living planet,” Legarda suggested. She also called on software developers to collaborate to launch an app that targets to identify and restore the health of ecosystems, similar to the UN Portal. “After ten years, I hope I will no longer have to plead with anybody and will only have to congratulate ourselves for a job well done.  We have to hand over a planet that lives and thrives under our loving care,” Legarda said. Echoing and sharing the advocacies of Legarda, Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, Chair of the House Committee on Climate Change and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago expressed their support and commitment in addressing and responding to the challenges of plastic pollution and climate crisis. “The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 may have been around for two decades already, yet, we still contribute to the seemingly insurmountable problem of managing solid waste. Our climate crisis too, continues to worsen. I hope that following the House of Representatives’ declaration of climate and environmental emergency, we will be able to cascade down environmental laws from the national government to the local government units, and be able to better manage our municipal solid wastes starting from the grassroots. Then perhaps, soon, we can truly celebrate Zero Waste Month every month of January. For the remainder of its month, in celebration of Zero Waste Month, I hope everyone will be reminded of the need to be mindful of the waste they create,” said Chatto. “We must commit to raise our voices to inspire active and meaningful participation from all sectors of society. We must dedicate raising our voices, to add to the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable peoples, and leave no one behind. For all these reasons, I dare say, challenge accepted. It is imperative to persist through these challenges, through raising our voices amid the pandemic and climate crisis. I strongly believe that we can build back better.  We must put people and planet first,” said Elago.

MANILA, 26 January 2021 — Labor officials and career experts will gather virtually to discuss job opportunities, including green skills training programs, in public and private sectors in times of pandemic on the 32nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Jobs Fair: May Trabaho Ka!.”   The episode, hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 28 January 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Secretary Silvestre H. Bello of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); David Bungallon, Executive Director of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD); Michael Edione Gayona of the TESDA Green Technology Center; and Maria Lourdes Ann “LA” Cruz, Global Human Resources Leader, to discuss job opportunities, share tips for jobseekers, and promote skills training courses that cater to the needs of a green economy.   In previous episodes, the online series tackled food gardening and saving seeds, permaculture, good nutrition and diet, planting native trees, practical sustainability, narrating risk to resilience stories through books, tree pest and disease management, reviving indigenous textiles and crafts, transforming waste into wages, championing sustainable urban mobility, food waste reduction and management, transforming food supply chain, responsible gardening, uniting against single-use plastic, and green innovations and technologies.   For this episode, Legarda and esteemed guests will share information on job opportunities, green skills, and key job competencies during this pandemic.   Due to lockdowns and stringent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, about 4.5 million Filipinos lost their sources of income and the unemployment rate jumped to 10.4 percent in 2020. As the economy opens gradually, the government is hopeful that the labor market will recover more resiliently.   According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 24 million new jobs would be created globally by 2030 if countries shift to a greener economy. Transitioning to a green economy spurs new innovative activities that create more jobs than traditional sectors.  In the long run, green jobs are not only beneficial on employment, but also on the economy and the environment. Green jobs help protect ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce energy, materials and water consumption; and minimize or avoid the generation of waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.   This episode will encourage the jobseekers and the Filipino youth to build careers especially in environmental sustainability and climate action.

Comparison of global warming trend from six different datasets. Photo from Berkeley Earth. MANILA, 23 January 2021 — Only greater and ambitious climate commitments from nations across the globe could halt the increasing trend of greenhouse gas emissions as 2020 was officially dubbed as one of the three warmest years on record, according to the consolidated datasets from various international climate monitoring centers. Despite the reduced economic activity across the globe due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the prevalence of the La Niña phenomenon expected to last until April of this year, climate change continues to accelerate with remarkable speed. The warmest six years have all been since 2015, with 2016, 2019 and 2020 as the top three, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO uses different datasets that combine meteorological and marine observations to produce a complete analysis of the atmosphere. All of these projections show that the average global temperature has continued to accelerate this past year. Scientists from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) also revealed that globally, 2020 was tied with the previous warmest year 2016. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere continue to rise at a rate of approximately 2.3 particles per million (ppm) a year in 2020, reaching a maximum of 413 ppm during May 2020. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) preliminary analysis also ranked 2020 as the warmest year. The annual anomaly of the global average surface temperature in 2020, including the average of the near-surface air temperature over land and sea surface temperature, was +0.47°C above the 1981-2010 average or +0.83°C above the 20th century average. On a longer time scale, global average surface temperatures have risen at a rate of about 0.75°C per century. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Merged Land Ocean Global Surface Temperature Analysis (NOAAGlobalTemp) names 2020 as the second-hottest year on record for the planet, as the average land and ocean surface temperature across the globe in 2020 was 0.98 of a degree Celsius above average — just 0.02 of a degree Celsius cooler than the 2016 record. Unlike NASA, NOAA uses a different baseline period (1901-2000) and methodology. The Met Office HadCRUT5 global temperature series shows that the average for 2020 as a whole was 1.28±0.08°C above pre-industrial levels, taken as the average over the period 1850-1900. This also concludes 2020 nominally the second warmest year in the dataset’s record. Lastly, the Berkeley Earth also concluded that 2020 was the second warmest year on Earth since 1850. The estimate of the global mean temperature in 2020 was slightly colder than 2016, but warmer than every other year that has been directly measured. The difference between 2020 and 2016 was also by 0.022 °C. The slight disagreement in the ranking reflects both the uncertainty in these estimations and the differences in how various research programs look at the Earth. Each uses a somewhat different selection of source data and different methods of interpolation and correcting for measurement errors. The small differences among these datasets are all within the margin of error for calculating the average global temperature, according to WMO. The temperature figures will be incorporated into the final WMO report on the State of the Climate in 2020 that will be issued in March 2021. It will also include information on all leading climate indicators and selected climate impacts, and updates on the provisional report issued in December 2020. The Paris Agreement seeks to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.  At 1.2 °C above the pre-industrial levels, the global average temperature in 2020 is already approaching the lower limit of temperature increase the Paris Agreement seeks to avert. There is at least a one in five chance of the average global temperature temporarily exceeding 1.5 °C by 2024, according to WMO. The Met Office annual global temperature forecast for 2021 suggests that this year will once again enter the series of the Earth’s hottest years, despite being influenced by the temporary cooling of La Niña, the effects of which are typically strongest in the second year of the event. Given these projections, the CCC warned that the Philippines would be severely impacted given our status as a developing and vulnerable country. These projections might mean more frequent and intense extreme weather disturbances like tropical cyclones which will impact our poorest communities. It can be remembered that in the last quarter of last year, the Philippines recorded almost ₱15 billion worth of damages in the agriculture sector due to three successive typhoons - Typhoons Quinta, Super Typhoon Rolly, and Typhoon Ulysses – which hit the island of Luzon in a span of a couple of weeks, affecting hundreds of thousands of farmers and fisherfolks. On infrastructure, almost ₱13 billion worth of damages were recorded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for Typhoon Ulysses alone. The impacts of climate change are felt across all sectors globally. The CCC emphasized the need to strengthen public-private partnerships in promoting climate-resilient investments, and in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation.

MANILA, 20 January 2021 — The Climate Change Commission invites all to join the online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS 2021) this 25th and 26th of January which aims to accelerate, innovate, and scale-up the world’s efforts in adapting to the inevitable effects of climate change. The online summit, to be attended by global leaders who have committed to address the climate crisis, will help calibrate the accelerated action initiated by the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) and leverage further support for the global movement for adaptation. This will serve as a platform for governments, development partners, the scientific community, international organizations, youth groups, representatives of civil society, and financing institutions to deliver resources and inspire change to help societies build back better and act as a vanguard contribution to the transitions required for a climate-resilient world, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference will also reflect on the progress in tackling extreme weather- and climate-related hazards, demonstrate how successful approaches can be scaled up, and present a roadmap leading to COP26. Further, participating heads of states will launch a comprehensive Adaptation Action Agenda with clear commitments to deliver concrete new endeavors and partnerships. A range of anchor and side events with CAS 2021 Action Themes shall also be held from around the world during the summit. House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda will be a panelist for the anchor event on Locally-Led Adaptation. Moreover, the summit will have a significant focus on securing new investments to ensure that millions of smallholder farmers can adapt to the stresses brought by climate change on food production. The GCA has called for major new funding for agricultural research, expanded access to farmer advisory services, as well as expanded access to risk management and financial services. The GCA was launched in 2018 with the mandate to encourage the development of measures to manage the effects of climate change through technology, planning and investment. The Philippines is represented by Deputy Speaker Legarda as a commissioner. Know more about the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 by visiting their website at https://www.cas2021.com/.

Kaingin site in Palawan. Kaingin means cutting and burning of trees and plant growth in an area for cultivation purposes. Photo from http://www.philchm.ph/deforestation/. MANILA, 19 January 2021 — “Ecosystems are the basis of all business, all livelihood, even health, wellness, and happiness. We ignore it to our peril and after having despoiled it, we need to restore it before we can go back to maintenance mode.  Every peso spent is either for destruction or restoration,” said House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda. Legarda made the statement in support of the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop biodiversity collapse. The UN Decade ends by 2030, which is the deadline of the Sustainable Development Goals and the year our scientists have declared as the closing of the window of opportunity to deflect the catastrophic effects of climate change. “For the past three decades, I have sounded the alarm that nature is in retreat, that we are in an existential crisis due to our increasingly warming planet, and that we need to radically change the way we measure progress and happiness. This decade is our last chance. Nature is finding it hard to catch up with our economic ambitions and societal behaviors,” Legarda said. “Why must we flatten limestone mountains and cement over our rich soil and verdant forests? Why must we take selfies with coffee drinks that use at least three single-use plastic products, as if it’s the cutest thing to do and which we will just eventually throw away, anyway? Why do we choose to burn fossil fuels already buried deep on the ground and not harness the potential of the limitless and renewable energy above ground?” Legarda added. Legarda said that she will be filing a resolution urging all departments to assess every expenditure based on how much it will help restore ecosystems. She also called on all agencies of government to align their budgets towards ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions to the climate emergency. Legarda also urged her fellow lawmakers to take the necessary measures of inquiry, oversight, and amendments in order for the government to address these threats with the authority and budgets needed. She also encouraged local government units to support social development that can withstand not just pandemics, but also climate-induced severe weather events. She also appealed to all homemakers of all genders and ages to lead climate action at home, as well as to millennials to venture into sustainable businesses and initiatives to help restore a living planet. “I hope after these ten years, I will no longer have to plead with anybody and will only have to congratulate ourselves for a job well done.  We have to hand over a planet that lives and thrives under our loving care,” Legarda concluded.

MANILA, 19 January 2021 — Young Filipino inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs will gather virtually to demonstrate innovative technologies in renewable energy, ecological solid waste management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation on the 31st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Young Innovators for a Sustainable Future.” The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 21 January 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda. Joining the online conversation are young innovators including Jovie Gil Montajes,  Founder of Light of Hope PH and Climate Reality Leader; Engr. Reijiel Gonzalez, Founder of Waste Cleantech and WAYSTE App, and Climate Reality Leader; Marie Sapuay,  Developer of Trash Panda; Glenn Ongpin, Co-founder and CEO of Cloop; and Wilvie Añora, Co-founder and Strategy head of AtoAni Biopack to discuss and promote their climate-friendly innovations. In previous episodes, the online series tackled food gardening and saving seeds, permaculture, good nutrition and diet, planting native trees, practical sustainability, narrating risk to resilience stories through books, tree pest and disease management, reviving indigenous textiles and crafts, transforming waste into wages, championing sustainable urban mobility, food waste reduction and management, transforming food supply chain, and responsible gardening. For this episode, Legarda and esteemed guests will discuss the essential role of innovation, and green and sustainable technologies to address specific environmental and climate change-related issues. This episode will recognize the young Filipino innovators behind climate-friendly technologies and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures in the areas of renewable energy, and ecological solid waste management, among other climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. 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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

The Climate Change Commission imposed a plastic ban in its office operations through Office Order No. 2020-010 entitled Office Waste Management System dated 24 January 2020. Disposable plastics, such as plastic straws, stirrers, utensils, food wrappers, grocery bags, instant food packaging, lids, drinking bottles and caps are prohibited within the CCC-CCO premises during the conduct of official meetings, conferences, and other activities.   MANILA, 15 January 2021 — During the 72nd Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Inaugural Meeting 2021 and Induction of 2021 MAP Board of Governors, Finance Secretary and Chairperson-designate of the Climate Change Commission Carlos G. Dominguez said that the CCC will be pushing for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics.   “While we are pursuing more sustainable practices during this pandemic, why not push ourselves even further by addressing our perennial problem on plastic pollution? Plastic waste clogs our waterways resulting in massive flooding. It kills marine life and threatens biodiversity, as well as causes global warming from the burning of fossil fuels to produce and transport these plastics. This will create more problems in the future, entailing more public costs and resources from us, if we don’t address this problem now,” Dominguez explained.   For the CCC, single-use plastics such as sachets, thin shopping bags, and plastic "labo" bags, are a waste, public health, and climate change problem.   The report “Plastic Exposed: How Waste Assessments and Brand Audits (WABA) are Helping Philippines Cities Fight Plastic Pollution” by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) found that Filipinos use around 59.7 billion pieces of sachets yearly. The report also stated that Filipinos use 20.6 billion pieces of shopping bags and 16.5 pieces of "labo" bags a year, approximately eight million tons of which end up in the ocean, impacting ecosystems and killing millions of sea birds, sea mammals, and fish.   The climate body views plastic pollution as a serious climate-related concern, with the production and distribution of single-use plastics linked to fossil fuel extraction and transport, and contributing to the world’s increasing greenhouse gas levels. The improper and inadequate disposal and management of single-use plastics also pollutes the environment and disrupts ecosystems, resulting in significant biodiversity loss.   The World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted the need for governments to ensure that waste management systems are well supported to deal with current and future plastic waste, especially with the significant increase in plastic pollution from home deliveries and medical waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   Chairperson Dominguez also noted that many local government units have already issued ordinances to regulate or ban single-use plastics, and government agencies have adopted national policies to support this, such as the National Solid Waste Management Commission Resolution No. 1363 directing the ban on unnecessary single-use plastics in national and local government agencies and units, and the CCC Resolution on Adopting a Circular Economy.   The DOF and CCC fully support legislative measures for a phase out of single-use plastics and for extended producer’s responsibility that will cover large-scale collection, sorting, and recycling or reusing of plastics. In the Senate, proponents include Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Chair Cynthia Villar; and Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Manny Pacquiao, Lito Lapid, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan; while in the House of Representatives, Speaker Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, and Committee on Ecology Chair Glona Labadlabad, have each filed their versions on banning single-use plastics and extended producer’s responsibility along with many other representatives, so that there are at least 38 bills pending.   Dominguez urged top corporations, many of which are producers and retailers of plastic-based products, to take the lead in the private sector for the anti-single use plastics initiative and not wait for incentives from the government.   “Corporations have the means and the responsibility to design a system where their products do not pollute our lands and seas and aggravate our problems on public health and climate change. They should not wait for any incentives from the government if it’s for the greater good and welfare of all Filipinos,” Dominguez concluded.

A 6-hectare open dumpsite in Brgy. Sahud-Ulan, Tanza, Cavite was closed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for violating RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Photo from the Facebook Page of DENR.   MANILA, 15 January 2021 — Too much plastics now gravely spoiling the environment, and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda is calling for a strict regulation of plastic production and a strict implementation of the government’s single-use of plastics policy. “There must be a more stringent regulation on the use of plastic bags to curb pollution and mitigate the harmful effects of marine litter,” she said in a press statement. Legarda said there is now an urgent need to address the effects of plastic production and wastes which have significantly contributed to pollution, especially carbon emissions, and in destruction of marine life.  At present, there are 38 House bills and resolutions and seven Senate bills which are all seeking to regulate the use of plastics.  Among these is the proposed Single-Use Plastics Regulation and Management Act of 2019 under House Bill No. 635 which Legarda has already filed to strictly regulate the production, importation, sale, and use of plastic bags. It seeks to phase out single-use plastics and encourages the use of native reusable bags made of organic or recycled materials, and reusable containers made of glass or non-toxic and non-hazardous materials. “We have relied so much on the oceans for our existence – for food, for livelihood, for energy, and for recreation,” she said. “However, our throwaway culture and rapid population growth along with unsustainable marine practices such as overfishing, waste dumping, oil spills, among others, have seriously damaged marine habitats and life in the sea over the years,” she added. Legarda said single-use plastics continue to be a waste management problem in the country. Despite the negative effects of plastics, the majority of Filipinos are still dependent on the "sachet economy," a form of single-use plastic. The affordability, convenience, and strong market presence of sachets makes them easy choices for low-income households. In 2019, 164 million pieces of sachets were used and discarded in the Philippines. The average national per capita sachet consumption is 1.64 per day, but this increases to 6 in highly urbanized areas. “But this should be addressed, managed and improved”, she said. “The Earth will not just heal on its own without any effort on our part to stop marine pollution. It is our primary responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. Let us push for the use of numerous alternatives to non-biodegradable plastic bags like our baskets, bayong, eco-bags, paper bags, cloth bags or katsa, bags made of recycled tetrapacks, and many others,” Legarda said. “We just have to be innovative and resourceful in finding substitute packaging materials or containers. While there is time, let us prevent our oceans from choking on plastics we humans only use once,” she added. She said plastic products have exceedingly long lifetimes, such as ordinary beverages plastic bottles, of up to 450 years. Other forms of plastic disintegrate under the action of weather, sun and waves into tiny particles called microplastics which are eaten by fish, and that makes it very dangerous to humans, she said. Approximately eight million tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean, destroying marine ecosystems and negatively affecting the marine food chain. Plastics are also a climate-related concern as its production, refining, and manufacture is a source of greenhouse gas emissions as it uses fossil fuel in extraction and transport. Greenhouse gas emissions from the plastic lifecycle threaten the ability of the global community to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C. By 2050, the greenhouse gas emissions from plastic could reach over 56 gigatons, which is 10-13% of the entire remaining carbon budget. “The worsening issue of pollution further aggravated by natural hazards should serve as our wake-up call. The proposed bill also provides an ambitious yet comprehensive approach to solving our problem on single-use plastics, which involves actions from national and local governments, industries, business enterprises and consumers for the manufacturing, selling, use, recycling, and disposal of all single-use plastics in our country,” Legarda said. As of 2015, the solid waste diversion rate in Metro Manila is at 48 percent while outside Metro Manila the rate is at 46 percent. Legarda said the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law (RA 9003), of which she is the principal author, requires that at least 25 percent of all solid wastes from waste-disposal facilities are diverted or recovered through reuse, recycling, composting, and other resource-recovery activities. “Implementation of the law is key as we all try to strive for a zero-waste, plastic-free lifestyle. I hope for the support from the government and all sectors on this urgent policy,” she said.

 

Twenty-eight year-old Pag-asa, first-ever Philippine eagle bred and hatched in captivity died on Wednesday night. Pag-asa is a renowned figure in wildlife conservation fight in the Philippines. Photo from the Philippine Eagle Foundation.   MANILA, 12 January 2021 — Deputy Speaker and Lone District of Antique Representative Loren Legarda strongly called on law enforcement authorities to strengthen the implementation of wildlife-related laws and policies, and intensify the campaign to fight illegal wildlife trade to help prevent the possible emergence of another global pandemic through zoonotic diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based in the United States, zoonotic diseases (also known as zoonoses) such as COVID-19 are caused by harmful viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi which can cause many different types of illnesses in people and animals, ranging from mild to serious illness and even death. These diseases are transmitted to humans due to the close connection between people and animals, through: Direct contact: Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids of an infected animal. Indirect contact: Coming into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with germs. Examples include aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants, and soil, as well as pet food and water dishes. Vector-borne: Being bitten by a tick, or an insect like a mosquito or a flea. Foodborne: Eating or drinking something unsafe, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, undercooked meat or eggs, or raw fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal. Contaminated food can cause illness in people and animals, including pets. Waterborne: Drinking or coming in contact with water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected animal. Studies have shown that wild animals consumed as food have been suspected to be responsible for the COVID-19 virus. But despite considerable research progress on COVID-19, the direct animal origin (intermediate host) of the virus remains ambiguous. Legarda echoed the view of experts that the spread of the COVID-19 should serve as a wake-up call to everyone to stop the proliferation of illegal wildlife trade and consumption of exotic foods. The laws on Philippine wildlife protection and conservation must be strictly implemented, amid the escalating threats of biodiversity loss and the global pandemic due to zoonotic diseases. Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources and Protection Act defines and penalizes illegal wildlife trade. Under the law, unlawful trading, possession and transport of wildlife species, as well as their derivatives and by-products, are punishable by a jail term of up to two years and a fine of not more than P200,000. Legarda said that despite domestic laws and international trade regulations protecting the country’s wildlife, poaching and illegal trade continue. Difficulties in investigation, few successful arrests and prosecutions, and low penalties pose a challenge to efforts to curb wildlife trafficking in the country. "Anyone who has had a loved one die of this disease knows the pain deeply and we owe it to them to make sure we do everything in our power to reduce the chances of another outbreak from lackluster enforcement of wildlife laws," she stressed. As the country works around the clock to provide adequate responses to arrest the spread of COVID-19 virus, Legarda said the government should also lead in addressing economic challenges and jumpstart resilient solutions to build back better and prevent zoonotic diseases.

MANILA, 11 January 2021 — The discussion to promote environmental consciousness, sustainability, and climate-adaptive practices in the better normal continues next Thursday, January 14, 2021 with Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda hosting the online series “Stories for a Better Normal” aired via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   A partnership between the Climate Change Commission and Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation, the “Stories for a Better Normal” is a two-hour weekly online feature series that aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   For its 30th episode with the theme, “Reset, Restart, Renew,” Stories will welcome the new year with inspiring stories of climate action, environmental sustainability, and innovation.   Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of Plastic Credit Exchange, Inc. (PCEx); Earl Patrick Forlales, Co-Founder and CEO of Cubo Modular; and Chef Myke ‘Tatung’ Sarthou, bestselling author, culinary heritage advocate, and online cooking show host of Simpol will join the online conversation to discuss plastic credits, bamboo housing, and sustainable dining habits, respectively.   Amid the challenges of 2020 – the climate emergency, COVID-19 pandemic, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss, among others -- there are reasons to hope as we head into the new year. As the start of a new decade, the year 2021 is a turning point for global cooperation and enhanced climate action.   Moreover, the United Nations declares 2021-2030 as the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,” which challenges everyone to massively scale-up restoration efforts that breathe new life into our degraded ecosystems.   In the upcoming episode, Legarda and the guests will demonstrate practical ways to live in a more sustainable, climate-friendly way for us to start the year and the decade with a call to action at the individual and community levels.   For more information on “Stories for a Better Normal”, visit the official Facebook pages of Congresswoman Loren Legarda and the Climate Change Commission or through our YouTube channels (youtube.com/senatorlorenlegarda and youtube.com/cccphl).

Part of the 4,871 hectares of contiguous mangrove stand in the municipality of Del Carmen in Siargao. Photo from https://www.visitdelcarmen.com/. MANILA, 4 January 2020 – A report titled, “Financing the Earth’s Assets: The Case for Mangroves as a Nature-based Climate Solution” reveals that regeneration of mangrove forests around the world could result in an $11.8 billion return by 2040 if carbon markets reflected the true value of nature.   The report, issued by Earth Security in December 2020, makes a strong investment case for tapping the potential of mangroves in the fight against climate change. As a carbon asset, mangrove forests have the potential to unlock 380 million tCO2 of sequestration by 2040. Five key markets that were identified for mangroves are nature-based investment funds, blue bonds (a subset of the green and climate bonds market), insurance, carbon market investors, and philanthropy.   Long valued as a natural defense on the coastline, mangroves help communities reduce the impacts of climate change, specifically in slowing down global heating, shielding communities against extreme weather conditions, halting the extinction of biodiversity, and supporting local economies.   The report identifies 40 locations across the world to form the “Mangroves 40 Cities Network”, including Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. This network will support the regeneration of mangrove forests through different projects within the locations chosen for their proximity to existing mangroves. Siargao Islands in Surigao Del Norte is also recognized in the report as an example of best practices in local mangrove regeneration, with key insights from the Municipality of Del Carmen.   Earth Security also proposes the development of a Municipal Mangrove Bond Fund to finance nature-based adaptation and provide the opportunity to pool different levels of investment risks across developed and emerging markets, creating a product that is viable in global fixed income markets.   The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the findings of the report, as it puts emphasis on nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change. The CCC further supports the call for collaboration among cities and towns worldwide that are home to mangrove forests, to enable a financing and regulatory environment that will ensure the advancement of programs and policies that aim to build climate and disaster resilience in local communities. As countries continue the difficult work to recover from the economic setbacks caused by COVID-19 pandemic, both human and natural systems must be strengthened to lessen the environmental, humanitarian, and economic impacts of climate change.

Indigenous products exhibited during the National Arts and Crafts Fair 2018. Photo from the presentation of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda during the Stories For A Better Normal. MANILA, 23 December 2020 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) encourages the buying public to purchase locally-made and sustainable products over plastics to contribute to efforts to solve the climate crisis.   As the festive season nears, the CCC urges the public to reduce solid waste and the accumulation of unnecessary plastic packaging and excessive purchase of plastic products by buying only those made of sustainable materials, including the ones created by our indigenous peoples (IP) and local communities.   The climate agency stressed that purchasing these products not only boosts the local economy but also increase appreciation of our culture, heritage, and identity which have been passed down through generations.   Moreover, buying IP products ensures quality and promotes sustainability as most of these are made by hand with the absence of harmful chemicals that may pollute our lands and waters, if inappropriately disposed.   According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastics have been produced over the decades, and 6.3 billion metric tonnes has become plastic wastes.   Only 9% of this has been recycled, while about 12% has been incinerated, while the rest — 79% — are accumulating in landfills, dumps, or the natural environment, particularly our oceans. If the current trend continues, oceans are projected to carry more trash than fish by 2050.   A study by the Center for International Environmental Law states that current greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the plastic lifecycle threaten the ability of the global community to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C – the ask of the Paris Agreement. By 2050, the GHG emissions from plastic could reach over 56 gigatons—10-13 percent of the entire remaining carbon budget.   Our IPs are also among the most affected sectors by the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis. The CCC emphasized that purchasing their products contribute to strengthening their resilience to future shocks, and preserve their cultural wealth and indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices that we Filipinos can be proud of.   This holiday season, let us maximize this opportunity to bring pride and joy to our IP brothers and sisters as we ensure that our country’s path to sustainable development is inclusive and equitable.

WFP Philippines: Launch of Climate and Food Security Analysis – 2020. Access the factsheet through this link: https://www.wfp.org/publications/wfp-philippines-launch-climate-and-food-security-analysis-2020 MANILA, 22 December 2020 —The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined various government agencies, experts from different industries, advocates for climate resilience, and members of the academe to launch, “Climate Change and Food Security Analysis,” a research initiative created by the World Food Programme (WFP) to determine the impacts of climate change to food security, nutrition and livelihood in the Philippines and to identify the appropriate solutions.   The virtual event featured Mr. Mats Persson, OIC and Deputy Country Director, World Food Programme; Mr. Stephen Weise, Managing Director, Alliance of Biodiversity and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); the Office of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, head of the Zero Hunger Task Force in the Office of the President; Director Alicia Ilagan, Department of Agriculture; Director Restituto Macuto, Sustainable Livelihood Program and National Program Manager of EPAHP NPMO, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Executive Director, National Nutrition Council; and Mr. Jerome Ilagan, Chief of Policy Research and Development Division, Climate Change Commission (CCC).   The virtual event was held to formally launch the Climate Change and Food Security Analysis, including the introduction of its objectives, time, and expected outputs. Likewise, the event aimed to generate interest in the study by making the argument for climate change and its impact on food security in vulnerable communities.   The report reveals that aside from conflict, climate change is one of the main drivers of global hunger. Climate change impacts are also undermining agricultural production. Particularly vulnerable are smallholder farmers living in the earth’s more fragile environments. More than 80% of the world’s most food-insecure people are being hit by extreme weather such as drought and flooding, as well as by other stresses such as pest infestation and land degradation. Changes in climate are affecting the production of staple crops—wheat, rice and maize—in both tropical and temperate regions. This situation is set to worsen as temperature increases and becomes more extreme, and rainfall becomes more unpredictable.   In his opening statement, Mr. Persson said, “Climate variability and extreme weather events are among the key drivers behind the recent increase in global hunger and one of the leading causes of severe food crisis. To fill in the undeniable gap between climate change and food insecurity, WFP forged a partnership with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture and initiated a research study of the Philippines Climate and Food Security Analysis.”   Dr. Weise said, “It is evident that the climate is impacting food security in ways and in intensity we have not experienced before. Just this year, for example, the Philippines had to bear the brunt of multiple typhoons that took lives, and caused damage and losses worth billions of pesos in the agriculture sector. If anything, this is a signal for organizations like ours to work closely together along with national authorities and institutions to build greater resilience in the food systems of the Philippines.”   In 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 101 which created the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger (IATFZH). This aims to put an end to the hunger problem in the country by 2030. The WFP has extended its support of this Task Force and its initiatives to help the country achieve its goals.   Mr. Ilagan commended the Climate and Food Security Analysis as it is consistent with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. On the promise of food security, he expects that the results of the analysis will lead to a complementary and anticipatory adaptation mechanism that is founded on scientific drivers presented in partnership with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and local experts.   He added that, “The National Panel of Technical Experts from the Climate Change Commission can also share their views on how to do multi-scenario, multi-hazard impact projections; inasmuch as the productivity of the sector lies not only on the natural hazards but the complementary implications of other growth drivers such as land use, land industry optimization and incentives, green jobs creation, and the building of people's movements so that they could start investing consistently with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act.”   Although the launch of the Philippines Climate and Food Security Analysis was delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis, attendees of the virtual event have stated that this should not impact the goal of the study. Likewise, they hope that the pandemic will provide additional aspects for critical analysis on food security and climate change.   This virtual event was organized by WFP in partnership with the CIAT, with the participation of the Zero Hunger Task Force.

Photo: Atom Araullo, former CCC Secretary Lucille Sering, Angel Locsin, Alcala, Cagayan Mayor Tin Antonio, and Kim Atienza during the livestream of Now What? Climate Action #NowPH. MANILA, 22 December 2020 — At the “Now What? Climate Action #NowPH” dialogue, moderated by award-winning Journalist Atom Araullo and former Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Lucille Sering, Filipino celebrities and climate change advocates gathered to raise awareness on climate change and pushed for meaningful actions to address the worsening effects of the climate crisis.   The dialogue featured celebrity climate advocates, such as Angel Locsin, Kim Atienza, Antoinette Taus, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Ria Atayde, and Jun Sabayton, as well as Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Herrera, Mayor Tin Antonio of Alcala, Cagayan, Dr. Selva Ramachandran of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Typhoon Ulysses survivor Danie Nacena joining the discussion.   "Meron tayong nakikitang trend. Kahit na hindi sya nakikita on an event-to-event basis, talagang merong trend na it's getting more extreme, it's getting more frequent, and it's getting more devastating itong mga extreme weather events na ito," said Araullo, who, for the past years, has made documentaries that shed light on critical environmental and climate change issues.   Former Secretary Sering shared how the Climate Change Act, which created the Commission, was passed in response to the severe flooding caused by Ondoy in 2009.   “Ang nangyari during my time, nag-start kami gawin ang batas at na-create ang Climate Change Commission dahil sa Bagyong Ondoy. Na-create ‘yong batas in a matter of two months dahil tumama ang Ondoy sa Metro Manila at ang mga politicians, congressmen, at senador, lahat sila na-experience kung gaano kahirap ang Ondoy,” said Sering.   “Doon kasi sa lugar ng Cagayan lalo na po sa lugar ni Mayor Tin Antonio sa Alcala, dahil na rin sa pag-create ng Climate Change Commission at saka ‘yong DRR Act, gumawa po kami ng intensive geo-hazard mapping. We also came up with a project that actually involve a lot of experts na prinoject ng mangyayari ‘yong nangyayari sa kanila ngayon,” added Sering.   The online dialogue discussed how Filipinos have increasingly become vulnerable to climate change in this pandemic. The panelists also shared their personal climate stories, as well as actions to bring relief and support the resilience of many vulnerable Filipinos.   "Ipinaliwanag po sa amin na ang pagbaha sa Cagayan ay may maraming factors. Una, ang Alcala ay bottleneck. Mula sa 400-meter wide na channel ng Cagayan River, kumikipot ito ng 150 meters sa aming bayan. Isa pang dahilan ay ‘yung pagputol ng mga punong-kahoy, hindi lang dahil sa illegal logging, kundi dahil rin sa agrikultura, partikular ‘yung yellow corn farming na ginagamitan ng herbicide or spray. Pinapatay po nun lahat ng punong-kahoy. It weakens the soil kaya kapag nandyan na ‘yung baha, humahalo po ‘yung sediment sa tubig-baha at pumupunta sa mga streams, sa mga rivers. Nakita po ‘yun mismo ng mga tao nitong nagdaang pagbaha sa Alcala nitong Nobyembre dahil yung tubig baha, nung nawala na, ang naiwan po ay napakataas na putik,” said Mayor Tinio.   "The way forward is clear. For Alcala, we rely on our scientists for a study to be done and we have a plan in place. Climate change is not just disaster risk reduction, it’s really mitigation and adaptation. We have the support of our constituents because this a matter of survival already," added Mayor Antonio whose town in Alcala was among the areas submerged in floodwaters when Typhoon Ulysses hit the country in mid-November.   “Hindi madali na mabaha ng ilang beses, hindi madali na hindi namin alam kung kailan ang susunod na mararanasan namin ulit ang bagyo. Pero sana hindi lang kami ang tutugon sa ganitong klaseng problema. Kasi kung kami lang dito sa Marikina, sinusubukan namin e, pero kung yung mga ibang lugar ay patuloy pa rin sa ways na makakasira sa kalikasan, walang mangyayari," said Danie Naceno.   Kuya Kim meanwhile shared how he, as a weather anchor, reported on storms and typhoons becoming more extreme throughout the years.   "Napakalugi nating mga Pilipino, kasi we contribute so little to the warming of the environment and to worsening of the climate, and yet, we are at the receiving end. And I experienced it personally as a weather man. Noong 2014, ang mga bagyo noon ay hindi ganito kalakas, at nakita ko through the years na palakas nang palakas ang mga bagyo at pa-extreme nang pa-extreme. Dati hanggang signal number 3 lang tayo, ngayon meron nang super typhoon na. Dati rati, ang bagyo pagdating ng December mahina na ‘yan, pero ngayon baliktad. Nakita ko through the years na ang mga report ko ay pabigat na nang pabigat," said Atienza, as he recalled his 15 years of service as a resident weather anchor of ABS-CBN.   Angel Locsin also shared her relief efforts and encounters with typhoon-displaced communities, particularly of one resident whom she met in several instances due to being recurrently displaced and affected by these extreme weather events.   “Mayroon kaming organization ng mga actors, at ang tawag po dito ay “Aktor.” We recently held a relief mission sa Marikina, at may isang rare moment doon na may nakausap akong isang evacuee na parang magkababata kami kung makipag-usap siya sa akin. Ayun pala, nagkita na kami ten years ago nung bagyong Ondoy sa Rizal, then bagyo sa Quezon City, at ngayon sa Marikina nung Ulysses. Mapapaisip ka talaga na paulit-ulit ‘yung nangyayari. Relief, rescue, and evacuation protocol is a thing na kailangan talaga nila if they need help, pero kung may magagawa naman tayo na long-term solution para maiwasang mangyari ito, bakit hindi natin gawin?" said Locsin.   "I think kailangan natin ng isang unified, concrete and scientific approach na magiging fully implemented to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and damage to properties. Kaya I'm here because gusto ko ring matutunan kung ano ba talaga yung mga tamang paraan, hakbang and I think panahon na para pag-usapan natin at bigyan natin ng tamang atensyon ang climate change katulad ng mga ibang issues na pinag-uusapan natin ngayon," added Locsin.   During the second panel discussion, Commissioner Herrera shared the existing policies and initiatives of the government to amplify climate action, including the efforts to finalize and submit the Philippine Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).   "Noong 2017 na naging parte ang Pilipinas ng Paris Agreement, tuloy-tuloy ang pag-uusap among stakeholders sa gobyerno, sa private sector, kasama ang mga local governments, ang academe para bumuo ng NDC o commitment ng bansa natin para mag-decarbonize. Ito ang goal natin bilang isang bansa, hindi lang ng gobyerno, kundi tinatawag na whole-of-nation approach, para makita natin kung saan tayo pwedeng mag-avoid ng tuloy-tuloy na pagtaas ng ating carbon emissions," said Herrera.   Taus, founder of the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA), and National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) shared three major actions needed to drive climate action.   “Kapag sinabing what can we truly do right now, we really need three major actions. So nag-uumpisa po ‘yan sa systemic change, policy change, and of course we need to declare climate emergency. Declaring climate emergency across the world, which is what our youth is asking for, is so vital kasi once mag-declare ng climate emergency lahat ng actions na kasunod nito ay dikit-dikit at tuloy-tuloy na po ‘yan,” said Taus.   “Kapag pinag-usapan natin ang coal plant hindi lang environment ang naapektuhan niyan kundi pati ang mga community themselves. So speak out and say that we do not want another coal plant. Kailangan na nating itigil ang business-as-usual kasi hindi na natin pwedeng ipagkaila na nagbabago na ang mundo, nagbabago ang mga laws internationally, nagbabago na rin po ang mga policies totally,” added Taus.   On the last panel, celebrity advocates highlighted the importance of using their own platforms to stir interest and conversation on most critical issues like climate change and spark individual and collective contributions from your market audience and followers.   "Given the platform that we have, and since we have people who are here to listen to us, why not use it for educating and enlightening others than just using it for entertainment? We are influencers no matter how small that circle is. Basta pag-usapan natin 'yong mga kailangang pag-usapan. Again, kapag napag-uusapan, these issues come to light, and when things come to light nahahanapan ng solusyon," said Atayde.   “If you can do it amongst your friends, and those who know you, and when they start asking questions about it, give answers and spread stories with good factual research background. Let's spread the factual information na dapat marinig ng mga tao. It doesn't have to be big, and doesn't have to be a government level, it doesn't have to be your whole barangay, it could be just you and your friends, gathering together talking about it and discussing the issue at hand or the concern that needs to be known in these times. Then sila, they'll do it in their own time and baka they will spread the word also. It's also a good thing that we will do our part as a community member and as a citizen of this country," said Curtis-Smith, a Sustainable Development Goals’ advocate and World Vision Ambassador.   "Sa simula ay kakaunti pa lang ‘yung nagbibigay talaga ng boses kasi syempre pag ganito yung topic, medyo nakakakaba rin at saka laging sinasabi na 'hindi ka mabibigyan ng project, ng ibang mga produkto, kasi may mga produkto na minsan ini-endorse mo ay nakakasira pala sa kalikasan. So parang ang hirap din bilang aktor, bilang isang nag-a-advocate kung paano mo iba-balance iyon," said Jun Sabayton, who is part of ‘Coal-Free Philippines’, an environmental campaign dedicated to raise awareness on the detrimental continued use of coal to generate electricity and advocates for the use of renewable energy in the country.   "While we are facing a pandemic, last month alone, we experienced the strongest typhoon recorded in the world this year—that is Typhoon Rolly, leaving thousands of Filipinos homeless. The damage brought about by typhoon Rolly added by destruction caused by Typhoon Ulysses was over 20 billion peso worth of damage - 12.9 billion for infrastracture and 7.3 billion in the agriculture sector. These figures continues to soar as a result of assessment of both public and private sectors that are still coming in," said Dr. Selva Ramachandran.   "As we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we now have the opportunity to push the hard reset button on our relationship with the environment, root cause of this pandemic, by pursuing a green recovery and aligning with our development plans and the NDC. We can do so in a way that does not only protect the environment, but on which also brings other concrete benefits, including the creation of new green jobs and reduction of inequalities, while fostering more resilient communities,” added  Dr. Ramachandran.   The “Now What? Climate Action #NowPH” was made in collaboration with FYT, YesPinoy Foundation, and MediSure Plus as part of #NowPH (Not On Our Watch Philippines) campaign, a youth-led climate movement, which aims to inspire climate action and promote sustainable solutions in the communities to help save the planet and attain climate justice for all.   Watch the replay of the online discussion through this link: https://web.facebook.com/watchparty/389657182094917

MANILA, 21 December 2020 — Local governments of partner cities under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI) showcased exemplary climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) practices at the Cities’ Initiatives for CCAM webinar, held during the 13th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.   The webinar, which was co-organized by the CCC and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project, focused on recognizing the replicable CCAM initiatives of cities to encourage more local government units to pursue efforts geared towards building and increasing climate resilience within communities. The event was streamed live via the Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission (CCC).   “The participation of local governments and their involvement and leadership are very important in adaptation and mitigation. This has been emphasized because while national policy covers the general framework of our country, including those that are passed by Congress or issued by the Executive Branch of the government, it is important that our local communities, including the CSOs and private organizations, are involved in this endeavor,” said Congressman Edgardo Chatto, Representative of 1st District of Bohol and Chair of the House Committee on Climate Change in his message.   “The local governments are the frontliners in climate action. We call on our local leaders to recognize the prevailing climate emergency and address the risks in their communities. We enjoin you to revisit and enhance your strategies and plans for reducing disaster risk and adapting to climate change informed by the latest science and risk assessment,” said CCC Secretary Emmanuel M. de Guzman in his message.   Four partner cities, which include General Santos City, Legazpi City, Tagbilaran City, and Zamboanga City, presented their ongoing efforts and plans for climate change adaptation and mitigation, such as low-emission development strategies and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in development planning. These LGUs also delivered a statement of their commitment to continue their efforts on climate change adaptation and mitigation, as part of their strategies to adapt to a sustainable future.   General Santos City’s adaptation and mitigation plans include the passing of a City Land Use Plan (CLUP), which includes climate and disaster risk and hazard mapping of areas, identifying the major greenhouse gas producers in the city for inventory to make way for future interventions; and replacement of old mercury lights with the more environment-friendly LED lights.   “In line with the celebration of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, let it be known that the local government unit of General Santos City would like to profess our commitment towards ‘Adapting for a Sustainable Future’ by ensuring that not only do we engage in more and impactful climate change adaptation and mitigation projects and initiatives, but to also commit to engaging our youth, the private sector, and more partners in our efforts versus global warming,” said General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera.   Legazpi City shared that they continuously work to implement CCAM actions, such as entity- and community-level greenhouse gas inventory to formulate policies and programs on emission reduction and sequestration; greenhouse gas management planning; Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) for 2019-2028, which helps them develop local policies, projects, programs, and activities geared towards addressing climate change; Alay Lakad Tanim Kahoy Para Sa Puso, dubbed as the Legazpi City Arbor Day, which is an annual activity every February 14 to promote health through walking and love for the environment by planting trees; random emission testing of public utility and private vehicles; and waste reduction initiatives through the establishment of disposal facilities, sustainable composting facilities, clean energy for agriculture support facilities, and septage treatment facilities.   “Local governments have a critical role to play in climate change adaptation and mitigation. This is a challenging feat, but we can neither afford to have second thoughts nor have a pit stop. The right time to start is now, and let us continue our little steps. The small ripples of change that we do in our areas of responsibility should create bigger waves of transformation. Together, we can achieve what we are all dreaming for,” said Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal.   Tagbilaran City is a coastal city prone to hydrometeorological hazards, such as flooding, storm surge, typhoons, and rain-induced landslides. Some of the CCAM initiatives they shared are the formulation of their LCCAP, conduct of greenhouse gas inventory and management plan, installation of solar panels, mangrove planting, regular coastal cleanup, use of permeable materials in open spaces, rainwater harvesting, and ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene.   “As the mayor of Tagbilaran City, I respond to the global call to action to combat climate change and commit to showing leadership in the city by advocating for climate action consistent with science. I will work to increase awareness of the threat that climate change poses to the health and well-being of communities, especially to children,” said Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap II.   Zamboanga City reduces its environmental impact and mitigate climate change through the following initiatives: GHG emission reduction strategies; energy conservation program; rehabilitation of streetlights project with non-hazardous and eco-friendly LED bulbs; waste-to-value as alternative technologies for residual waste; establishment of the transfer station and material recovery facilities; waterfront and heritage walk development; climate-resilient school buildings; and watershed/mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation projects.   “The Environment Code of the City of Zamboanga highlights the determination of the city LGU to pursue sustainable development and to protect the right of the people to a balanced ecology; and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, by advancing development while preserving the quality of the environment free from any disturbance, such as but not limited to the adverse impacts of climate change,” said Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco.   The USAID’s SURGE Project works with CDI cities to strengthen their climate change mitigation through GHG reduction. Since 2019, the project has been supporting the cities of Tagbilaran and Zamboanga in formulating their GHG Management Plan, and the cities of General Santos and Legazpi in developing their GHG Inventory Reports. These cities were also assisted in accounting the GHG reduction potentials for their projects and programs.   Watch the replay of this event via:  https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl/videos/369882760955399 

MANILA, 21 December 2020 — To further provide capacity building on accessing the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), the Climate Change Commission conducted a virtual PSF Clinic on 18 December 2020 for planning and investment officers from 61 local governments across the country.   Speakers during the PSF Clinic included Dr. Antonio L. Fernandez, Senior Technical Expert of CCC, Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, Professor Emeritus of Statistics and Environmental Science at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and member of the National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE), and Ms. Jean Paula Regulano, Development Management Officer of the CCC-PSF Unit, to share knowledge on how to develop adaptation projects for funding under the PSF.   Dr. Fernandez shared climate change impacts and adaptation interventions related to infrastructure, based on anticipatory planning for building new structures, or maintaining those existing, so that they are resilient to climate impacts.   “As you go through the process of trying to understand what kind of proposals you want to submit, you have to look at it from the strategy, the preparedness of your system alone, the commitment of your local government officials, [and if] people are also welcoming of the idea,” said Dr. Fernandez.   Dr. Lansigan discussed innovative adaptation measures in climate risk management in agriculture, which include Adaptive Planting Calendar, and Weather Index-Based Crop Insurance (WIBI).   “The PSF calls for the implementation of innovative measures which can be explored in collaboration with other stakeholders in the community, province, or region. This also involves collaboration among the LGUs, the academe, particularly state universities and colleges across your area, national government agencies, and non-government organizations operating in your community,” said Dr. Lansigan.   Ms. Regulano tackled population dynamics as multipliers of climate vulnerability,  which meant that local demography must be understood well.   “When you revisit your plans, or you intend to enhance and implement it, we need to also consider the needs of our population in consideration of our perceived impacts of climate change. We can start by getting away with some of the business-as-usual tricks such as perspectives in vulnerability that are superficial, overly general, and deterministic; the ‘impact-first’ approach that you have to wait for something to happen before you act on it; and the static perspective in the inputs of vulnerability. Your factors of vulnerability are not constant, it’s consistently evolving, same as how climate change, temperature, rainfall, or stimulus is evolving more rapidly,” said Regulano.   The PSF Clinic aims to expand the coverage and reach to localities that are unable to access capacity building workshops and/or seminars on PSF due to the current pandemic. It also addresses misconceptions, provides clarifications, and bridge gaps in the  data or information needed to understand climate and disaster risks and vulnerabilities; programs, projects, and activities that can be proposed for PSF funding; reference documents that maybe submitted to justify the proposed climate change adaptation intervention; and project proposal development.   “We hope that this undertaking will foster a fruitful partnership with your localities and organizations, and establish channels of support and communication. As the world faces the catastrophic impacts of climate change alongside COVID-19, it is high time that we put forth timely climate actions on the ground, enabling us to recuperate and rebuild with a resilient future in mind,” said Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, CCC Deputy Executive Director and Head of the PSF Unit.