Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje meets with His Excellency Ahmed Saad N. Al-Homidi, Qatar's Ambassador to the Philippines, to explore avenues for collaboration in transformative climate action.   MANILA, PHILIPPINES | 5 October 2023 — The Philippines and the State of Qatar have pledged to leverage each other's strengths and expertise in building the skills and capacities of key stakeholders, including local communities, to adapt to and mitigate climate change and its impacts. Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje expressed thanks to His Excellency Ahmed Saad N. Al- Homidi, the State of Qatar's Ambassador to the Philippines, for Qatar’s continuing support to the Philippines over the years. Borje recognized Qatar’s partnership with the Philippines, citing that continued support, including climate change initiatives, would be an important dimension of bolstered, mature and modern bilateral relations. “We are working closely with Qatar in line with President Marcos' vision to address the climate crisis through collaboration with the international community. Qatar's expertise and support can greatly benefit the Philippines to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Borje said. Highlighted in the discussions were potential areas of cooperation between the two countries, and the need to establish a formal cooperation agreement focusing on technical assistance and policy development, particularly in areas under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The CCC extended an official invitation to Qatar to become a member of the contact group “Empowering Nurtured Alliance for Climate Action and Transformation,” or ENACT. It is the CCC’s coordination mechanism with development partners and embassies to facilitate regular dialogue and enhance the exchange of ideas and best practices between the two nations on climate-related issues. Ambassador Al-Homidi emphasized Qatar's long-standing relationship with the Philippines and conveyed their willingness to further cooperate in achieving the country's climate agenda. “The Philippines is a very important country for Qatar, and we want to explore engagement opportunities to make the bilateral relationship stronger. Our countries are working on signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will benefit both of us and serve as a catalyst for more bilateral partnerships,” Ambassador Al-Homidi said. The Philippines and the State of Qatar affirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships and working together towards transformative climate action. For more information on the Climate Change Commission’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, NRC Executive Director Silvestre Z. Barrameda, Jr., and Samantha Bacaron, NRC Program Officer signed the Memorandum of Agreement between the two agencies for the Philippine Resilience Awards 2023: Category for Women.   MANILA, 27 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC), together with the National Resilience Council (NRC), formalized its commitment to gender-responsive climate action in the Philippines through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the 2023 Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA): Category for Women. The PRA, a collaborative initiative by the CCC, NRC, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, SM Cares, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Women International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WINDRR)-Philippines, celebrates and acknowledges the outstanding resilience-building efforts of local women leaders across the country. Envisioned as an annual event, the PRA aims to honor and document best practices in Gender and Climate Action. The call for nominations for the 2023 PRA Awards was initiated on 22 August 2023, and concluded on 23 September 2023, garnering a total of 62 nominations. Guided by Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, the CCC has been steadfast in incorporating a gender-sensitive, pro-children, and pro-poor approach into the design and implementation of the government’s climate change efforts, plans, and programs. In his remarks, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the vital role women play in climate action. “For our climate action to be truly reflective of the various needs of our communities, and truly make these initiatives transformative, we need women, we need them to be part of leadership, of decision-making, and of the critical mass that will move our nation towards greater climate resilience,” Borje said. Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera underscored the importance of collaboration among agencies to achieve climate goals. She said, “We recognize that achieving resilience requires massive transformation in our individual and societal behavior, enabled by an environment that fully embraces and practices sustainable and resilience-building initiatives, and we know that we need help from partner agencies and organizations to accelerate actions within our sectors and communities.” In parallel, the NRC, mandated to strengthen disaster resilience across the country, recognizes the pressing need to reinforce gender mainstreaming in climate change and disaster resilience work through the PRA. “Through the establishment of a network of resilience champions, this partnership empowers others to embark on similar journeys. It nurtures mentorship, fostering a culture of knowledge and experience that is shared and the inspiration of resilience is kept alive,” said NRC Executive Director Silvestre Z. Barrameda, Jr. To showcase the first Philippine Resilience Award for Local Women Leaders, the CCC and NRC will spearhead a learning session with the 2023 PRA awardees in November 2023 as part of the 16th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. Both the CCC and NRC affirmed their commitment to expand the partnership beyond the PRA, working towards strengthening institutions and local governments to advance gender equality and climate resilience in the Philippines. “Our ultimate goal, after all, is to uplift the lives, livelihoods, and the future of every Filipino. Importante at mahalaga na ang partisipasyon ng bawat Pilipina ay maipasok natin sa mga ginagawa nating aksyon,” Borje added. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje addressing the real estate and housing industry stakeholders at the 50th Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Association Inc. National Convention and House Expo   PASAY CITY, 27 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the critical impact of climate change on the real estate and housing industry at the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Association Inc.’s (CREBA) 50th National Convention and House Expo. In his address to industry stakeholders, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje commended the remarkable achievements of CREBA over the past five decades and emphasized the organization's fundamental role in driving social and economic growth in the Philippines. However, Borje also highlighted the climate challenges facing the Philippines. Typhoons alone have caused significant losses and damages amounting to Php673.30 billion, affecting the lives, livelihoods, and future of millions of Filipinos. “Adequate housing means having a safe, secure, and affordable place to live with access to basic services. Therefore, measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation must consider this fundamental human right,” he emphasized. Borje outlined several government initiatives aimed at climate-smart adaptation and mitigation, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and Green Jobs. Likewise, he stressed the importance of incorporating climate-smart standards in buildings and construction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “We must decarbonize the building and construction sectors, reduce the waste they generate, and build with less. Collaboration throughout the building sector's lifecycle, involving everyone from architects and designers to contractors and operators, is vital to the success of these efforts,” he added. Borje called for collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector in addressing climate change. He urged CREBA members and industry stakeholders to prioritize the development of climate-resilient and green communities to protect people and properties from the impacts of climate change, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Every brick we lay, every beam we set, carries the hopes and dreams of our nation. As leading figures in the real estate sector, you possess both the influence and the responsibility to mold a brighter, eco-conscious future. Let us pledge to shape a greener, more sustainable tomorrow for every Filipino,” Borje concluded. The National Adaptation Plan serves as a long-term support mechanism to enhance community resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts, while the Nationally Determined Contribution reflects the Philippines' commitment to progressive climate change mitigation, fostering low-carbon, sustainable, and climate-resilient development. Through Green Jobs, the CCC and other government agencies incentivize environmentally friendly practices within businesses, contributing to job creation and green investments. CREBA convened the Golden Jubilee National Convention and House Expo to celebrate its 50th founding anniversary. The event aimed to reaffirm CREBA members' commitment to drive land and housing development as a catalyst for economic and social progress. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera with the students of Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC)   DAVAO, 18 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) congratulated students and parents at the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus’s (PSHS-SMC) 35th Recognition Day Program, and encouraged them to take an active role in addressing the critical issue of climate change. In her address, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera shared a comprehensive overview of climate change, highlighting its profound impacts on both local and global scales. She shared poignant examples, including Davao’s own experience. It is a region historically unaffected by floods and typhoons, but in 2012, it was not spared from the wrath of Typhoon Pablo – the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit Mindanao, destroying villages and killing over 1,000 people. Highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, Herrera drew attention to the recent record-breaking heat in July 2023, recognized by the World Meteorological Organization as the hottest month ever recorded. She echoed the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating that "the era of global warming has ended, and the era of global boiling has begun." She underscored that vulnerable communities, including youth, children, and women, are disproportionately affected by climate change, with severe floods, droughts, and temperature increases wreaking havoc on lives and livelihoods. Commissioner Herrera emphasized the transformative power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation and the world, including climate change. She urged the students to recognize their significant role in climate action, emphasizing that climate change is a challenge that we are already facing and must be addressed head-on. In closing, Commissioner Herrera, an esteemed alumna of PSHS-SMC, encouraged students not only to engage in discussions about climate change within the classroom, but also to actively participate in decision-making processes within their school organizations and local and national government bodies to drive climate action. She gave them a powerful message: “You are not just the future, you are the present. Start small if you must, but create a ripple effect through your contributions. Reshape the world through science. Embrace your role as Earth’s stewards.” For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

Participants of the training workshop on Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, organized by the Climate Change Commission   PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, 18 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recently concluded a series of capacity-building activities in Palawan aimed at strengthening the province’s Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) and facilitating access to the People's Survival Fund (PSF). The training workshop on Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP) provided a comprehensive understanding of the key components of the LCCAP, and knowledge about developing science-based and risk-informed plans. The training featured lecture-discussions and hands-on workshops covering a wide range of topics. These include understanding climate projections and Climate Extremes Risk Analysis Matrix (CERAM), an introduction to the eLCCAP formulation process, climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA) procedures, an overview of community-level greenhouse gas inventory and data requirements, methodologies for estimating GHG emissions across sectors, and a walkthrough of the GHG Inventory Toolkit. Additionally, it encompassed climate change expenditure tagging (CCET) and the PSF process. A total of 78 representatives from 23 local government units (LGUs) participated in the training workshop, representing various offices such as the Planning and Development Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Agriculture Office, Environment and Natural Resource Office, as well as members of the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) Palawan Chapter. “We recognize the vital role of LGUs in adaptation and climate resilience. Through these capacity-building activities, we aim to enhance the capacity of our LGUs to access and utilize the PSF in initiatives that will help their communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The CCC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support and resources to strengthen the capabilities of LGUs throughout the country. This commitment includes the continuous provision of capacity-building programs focused on CDRA, GHGI, and PSF proposal development, as well as establishing a contact group mechanism between CCC, LGUs, the Provincial Government of Palawan, and PIEP Palawan Chapter to monitor the progress of LGUs' eLCCAP development. “We will continue working closely with the Province of Palawan, along with other LGUs in the country, to ensure the successful implementation of the eLCCAP and further enhance resilience against climate change impacts,” VCED Borje added. The LCCAP serves as a roadmap for local-level climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, outlining specific actions and measures tailored to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of each locality. The submission of the LCCAP is a key deliverable mandated by Republic Act 9729, or the Climate Change Act, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2021-068. As of 23 August 2023, 85.95%, or 1,474 out of 1,715 LGUs across the country, have successfully submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Notably, the Province of Palawan has achieved a 100% compliance rate, with all 25 LGUs having submitted their LCCAPs. The CCC is actively collaborating with the Department of Interior and Local Government - Local Government Agency and other relevant partners to equip LGUs and other stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required to develop effective climate action plans and implement climate adaptation and mitigation measures. These capacity-building initiatives have benefited 1,342 LGUs, representing 78% of the total 1,715 LGUs in the country. Additionally, 167 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs) have also gained from these activities.   For more information on the Climate Change Commission’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje addresses students during "Insights: Climate Change, Changing Landscapes, and Behaviors" event at the Far Eastern University.   MANILA, 13 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) engaged students from the Far Eastern University (FEU) to bring to the forefront the critical issue of climate change and to highlight the role of the youth in addressing the crisis. In a discussion on "Insights: Climate Change, Changing Landscapes and Behaviors,"  CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that “climate change stands as the global governance challenge of our generation. Its systemic and historic nature transcends borders, and no nation or locality can effectively combat it in isolation.” He pointed out the pivotal roles that the academe, students, youth, and communicators play in the realm of climate change and resilience-building. Borje expressed great confidence in the youth, as they are bound to assume leadership roles in the near future, making their active involvement important. Addressing the students directly, Borje issued both an encouragement and a challenge, stating, "I encourage and challenge you to be part of the solution. Our actions and initiatives are the means to save lives, protect our livelihoods, and secure our future." He emphasized that climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable, especially developing countries like the Philippines, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its devastating effects. The CCC's National Panel of Technical Experts identified 10 climate-induced risks in the Philippines. These risks are affecting communities and livelihoods, particularly economic growth and development, food security, and migration and displacement. Borje shared that the CCC has been instrumental in developing policies and programs to support local communities, including the Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Substantial budget allocations have also been made to advance climate initiatives. He highlighted the significance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners, to advance climate action. The Commission is currently pursuing advocacies such as the Net Zero Carbon Challenge to engage stakeholders in collective action. Borje concluded with a unifying message, "As partners, sama-sama tayong magkaisa tungo sa isang bagong bansang matatag" (Together, let us unite towards a stronger nation). The event was attended by students pursuing Bachelor of Art in Communications, Humanitarian Communication, and National Service Training Program courses. The CCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to inspire change, raise awareness, and foster unity in securing a sustainable future through meaningful collaborative contributions to climate action. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Atty. Siavash Rahbari, Country Manager of IDLO Philippines, Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, PCW Executive Director, and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh led the virtual ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for “Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Action through the Rule of Law” project.   MANILA, 08 SEPTEMBER 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is committed to a whole-of-government and whole-of-world approach in advancing women's and girls' engagement in climate action. The CCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the IDLO’s “Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Action through the Rule of Law” project. The project will provide technical assistance to the government on: (1) the conduct of legal assessment on Gender, Climate Change, and Environment-related laws and policies; and (2) capacity-building on Gender and Climate Change for civil society organizations. The MOU was signed through a virtual ceremony led by CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Chair of the CCC Gender and Development Focal Point System, Atty. Siavash Rahbari, Country Manager of IDLO Philippines, Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, PCW Executive Director, and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Chair of the DENR Gender and Development Focal Point System. "This partnership will be instrumental in our efforts to assess how our current laws and public resources  enable, or if they at all hinder, the empowerment of women and other vulnerable sectors. Ultimately, we want to address policy gaps and pave the way for women to take on more leadership and decision-making roles in climate programs so that our actions are more effective as they consider women’s perspectives," Herrera said. Building partnerships is among the thrusts of the CCC in its role as the lead policymaking and coordination body within the government on climate change matters. Under the Climate Change Act, the CCC is mandated to ensure that all government policies, plans, programs, and projects are gender-sensitive. “This MOU will catalyze and reinforce gender mainstreaming through environmental and climate change policies and legislation,” emphasized CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. IDLO is an intergovernmental entity that promotes the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development based in The Hague, Netherlands. For more information about the CCC’s gender mainstreaming activities, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

Tons of plastic waste are suffocating coastal and mangrove ecosystems, such as in the Tanza Marine Tree Park in Navotas.   MANILA, 8 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) commits to safeguarding mangrove ecosystems against the dual threat of climate change and plastic pollution. Mangroves, found in many coastal areas around the world, are ecosystems that serve as crucial carbon sinks. It also protects coastal communities from storm surges, and provides habitat for various species of animals. However, plastic pollution poses an immediate threat to mangroves. Plastic waste disrupts their growth and function, ultimately leading to their degradation as well as to the animals that rely on these habitats for survival. Its ability to sequester carbon and act as a natural coastal defense is also compromised. “Recognizing the benefits of mangroves, we must understand that enhancing our environment for improved climate resilience demands cross-sector collaboration,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. To mark the National Cleanup Month this September, a coastal cleanup drive was conducted at Tanza Marine Tree Park, Navotas City, led by Nestlé Philippines. Tanza Marine Tree Park, also known as "Isla Pulo," stands as the guardian of Metro Manila's last naturally grown mangrove forest, stretching over 26 hectares along the Manila Bay coastline. A total of 1,320 kilograms of waste composed of PET bottles, sachets, styrofoams, and rubbers, were collected by 140 volunteers from the CCC, Nestlé, GMA Sparkle, Pure Oceans, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and local community members. “As we clear these shores of debris, let us also gather hope, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let us leave knowing our potential to shape a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future,” Borje added. In observance of National Cleanup Month, the CCC encourages individuals and communities to organize and partake in cleanup activities and similar initiatives to protect and conserve not only mangroves but all ecosystems, moving towards a future free from plastic pollution and resilient against climate change. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

From left to right: Mr. Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia and Oceania Hub; Climate Change Commission Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera; Ms. Bedoshruti Sadhukhan, ICLEI South Asia Senior Programme Coordinator; Ms. Claudia Binondo, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Project Development Director; Mr. Naseer Gillani, Planning Commission, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Chair, Development Finance SDGs; and Mr. Zuhair Ahmed Kowshik, Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP, Global Focal Point   Incheon, South Korea, 1 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the need to optimize efforts addressing interrelated issues of climate change and biodiversity during the 8th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum Third Plenary Discussion held on 31 August 2023 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The Philippines is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, housing 70-80% of the world’s animal and plant species and accounting for two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity, but it is also considered a biodiversity hotspot. Conserving and restoring natural spaces on land and in water is crucial to curbing emissions and adapting to a changing climate. “Environmental protection and climate action are among the top priorities of the Philippine government, and we have a wealth of policies that reflect this agenda,” CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera said during the plenary session on Maximizing the Benefits of the Climate and Biodiversity Nexus. “We recognized early on, due to losses and damage from climate linked disasters, that the work to address climate change strikes across many governmental functions. Consequently, in 2011, we created our Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) to serve as the main coordination mechanism for government agencies to incorporate climate and disaster risks in government programming,” Herrera explained. Through this Cluster, a program convergence budgeting and planning approach was developed as an innovative way to enable government agencies to move as one and optimize impacts on projects and programs. This has given birth to the flagship program called the Risk Resiliency and Sustainability Program (RRSP), which aims to deliver adaptation outcomes and strengthen the resilience of natural ecosystems. Climate-vulnerable areas in the Philippines, which are highly susceptible to hazards, situated in critical watersheds, and with high poverty incidence, were able to develop resilience roadmaps under the RRSP. These roadmaps, with investment portfolios for risk resilience, incorporated ecosystem and biodiversity protection and participation from local stakeholders. The program investment areas include integrated water resource management, coastal protection, community livelihood, seismic resiliency, and climate information services. Joining Herrera in the discussion are Ms. Bedoshruti Sadhukhan, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) South Asia Senior Programme Coordinator; Ms. Claudia Binondo, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Project Development Director; Mr. Naseer Gillani, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Chairperson on Development Finance and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and Mr. Zuhair Ahmed Kowshik, Children and Youth Major Group to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Global Focal Point. The session was moderated by Dr. Dindo Campilan,  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Director for Asia and Oceania. The session highlighted the value of  ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions in supporting both adaptation and the restoration of ecosystem services. These issues are recommended to be undertaken together in global agendas, national strategies, and local actions. “We’re seeing more and more initiatives on the nexus to maximize the multiple co-benefits. Solutions that promote collaboration and produce benefits to a range of concerns can optimize the very limited resources that we have now compared to what is needed to adapt. We have to keep in mind that we are in this urgent decade to take action, which is why we must optimize the nexus. Every percent of biodiversity loss reduces our capacity to adapt and increases the cost to tackle climate change,” Herrera emphasized. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.

The Climate Change Commission conducts a tree-planting activity in Lucban, Quezon, in partnership with the Southern Luzon State University LUCBAN, QUEZON, 31 August 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC), together with the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), conducted a tree-planting activity as part of the agency’s thrust to engage state universities and colleges (SUCs) in addressing climate change through nature-based solutions. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, the CCC’s Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, expressed his gratitude to the Southern Luzon State University, particularly to SLSU President Dr. Doracie Nantes, who was likewise present, for organizing the tree-planting activity. “Reforestation is vital to our goal of sequestering greenhouse gases that will enable us to maintain our threshold of 1.5 degrees. We need to make use of every opportunity there is to plant and grow trees. The CCC is grateful to Dr. Nantes and the SLSU for allowing us the opportunity to plant these valuable white Lauan seedlings and supporting the CCC’s Net Zero Challenge,” Borje said. The CCC planted 30 white Lauan seedlings at the foot of Mt. Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon. This species is endemic to the Philippines, and while it contributes to carbon dioxide absorption, the white Lauan is being threatened by illegal logging activities and habitat destruction. “A 35-year-old white Lauan tree can sequester up to 386 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. The Shorea concorta, or the white Lauan, has higher carbon sequestration potential than most other species,” explained Dr. Francisco Beltran, a professor at the College of Agriculture at SLSU. Net Zero Challenge Prior to the tree-planting activity, the CCC recently launched its Net Zero Challenge (NZC), the agency’s carbon offsetting program, at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed, where 625 Narra and Molave seedlings were planted. The concept of "net zero" emphasizes the need to offset carbon emissions through initiatives that absorb and reduce these emissions. With the NZC, the CCC invites all individuals, communities, and sectors to unite and do collective action—a commitment that President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. has emphasized in recent statements, particularly in the State of the Nation Address. "When we approach climate change, we must understand it simply not as a problem, but rather a challenge for which we, human beings, have the solutions. However, individual actions alone will not suffice. We must pursue collective action, and the organizations and institutions will serve as the catalyst for this action—hence, the launch of this collaborative program," Borje expressed. The NZC is designed to harness the collaborative power of community partners, exemplified by the collaboration with the Paete Sagip Sigla Palay Farmers Association, Inc. This approach ensures that communities are given meaningful roles as partners, reaping equal benefits and shared responsibilities. The Embassies of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines, National Power Corporation, Local Government of Paete, Laguna, Department of Agriculture-Laguna, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, Philippine Information Agency IV-A, Philippine Red Cross Laguna Chapter, Professional Regulation Commission, University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, Laguna Wind Corporation, Nestle Philippines, Manila Observatory, Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc., Katoto Project, Green Convergence, and Net Zero Carbon Alliance participated in the NZC launch event. The CCC lauded the passage of House Bill (HB) 8568, which seeks to amend various sections of Republic Act (RA) 10176 or the Arbor Day Act. The revised Section 2 of RA 10176, as proposed by HB 8568, states that “there is a need for a corroborated effort between the State and its citizenry to combat the loss of our natural resources and rejuvenate our environment by rehabilitating degraded forest land areas, improving soil fertility and land productivity, and reducing soil erosion especially in the rural and upland areas, undertaking nationwide tree-planting activities and providing effective measures for their maintenance and sustainability." Borje emphasized the key roles of the government, private sector, academe, civil society, non-government organizations and international organizations to further strengthen collaboration, foster innovative and sustainable solutions and exhibit cross-sectoral and cross-national accountability. “Our collective resolve will allow us to do more to save lives and protect the livelihoods of the present and future generations,” Borje said. From February 2022, the CCC has engaged various stakeholders in a total of eight tree-planting and growing activities that express a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing climate change. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.

Incheon, South Korea, 30 August 2023 - The Climate Change Commission, headed by Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, participated at the opening session of the 8th Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) Forum on 30 August 2023 at Songdo Convensia, Incheon City, Republic of Korea. The APAN Forum is considered Asia-Pacific’s largest and longest-standing gathering of adaptation practitioners to share information, knowledge and best practices in adaptation and resilience-building. The event was formally opened with messages from Ms. Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director of the UN Environment Programme for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice Minister of Global Environmental Affairs of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Jeong-bok Yoo, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, Dr. Sang-Hyup Kim, Co-Chairperson of the Korean Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, and Dr. Tae-Sung Choeng, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Coordinating Lead Author and Senior Research Engineer at the National Disaster Management Institute of Korea. The session was moderated by Ms Antoinette Taus, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador. With the theme “Resilience for all: Enabling transformative implementation”, the speakers highlighted the importance of transformative approach to accelerating and enhancing adaptation efforts. The 8th APAN forum,  which will run from 30 August to 1 September 2023,  is hosted by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, Korea Environment Institute – Korea Adaptation Center for Climate Change and Incheon Metropolitan City, and co-organized by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UNEP.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje addressing the governors and representatives present at the 5th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines MANILA, 29 August 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reaffirmed its commitment to enhance the country’s climate resilience particularly through collaboration with all provincial local government units (LGUs). Speaking at the 5th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje underscored the need for unified action in response to the widespread impacts of climate change. “Climate change is, without a doubt, the global governance challenge of our generation. It transcends borders; no nation or locality can combat it in isolation. It's systemic, with each component as vital as the whole, and historic — the culmination of past inaction and neglect,” he articulated. The recent announcement by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) on the onset of El Niño further underscored the need for strengthened climate adaptation measures. VCED Borje highlighted the 22 provinces identified by the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) as most vulnerable to climate change. These provinces face high poverty rates, critical watersheds, and susceptibility to climate hazards such as flooding, landslides, and droughts. “How can our LGUs, the real frontline warriors, amplify these climate actions? Our policies serve as roadmaps for LGUs, steering them towards resilience. To this end, the CCC and the Department of Interior and Local Government actively champion the Local Climate Change Action Plans or the LCCAP,” VCED Borje stated. The LCCAP provides actions and measures tailored to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of each locality. The CCC is actively supporting LGUs in creating high-quality LCCAPs, which serve as crucial investment references for domestic financing mechanisms such as the People’s Survival Fund. Furthermore, through initiatives like ACT Local (Accelerating Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities), the CCC fosters collaboration with LGUs. VCED Borje stressed the need to capacitate LGUs with tools, knowledge, and financial resources to enhance climate adaptation and mitigate the risks. He outlined three key strategies for LGUs to amplify climate actions: capacity building, access to climate finance, and multi-sectoral collaboration. VCED Borje concluded by emphasizing the need for robust planning based on the best available science, indigenous and local knowledge, and up-to-date methodologies to project future changes and impacts. He reaffirmed the CCC's commitment to supporting LGUs to protect the lives, livelihoods, and the future of Filipinos from the impacts of climate change. “The Commission, with its partners in the government and non-state stakeholders, will be ready to extend the necessary technical support to LGUs towards achieving the desired level of climate resilience, from national to local, and across all sectors of our society,” VCED Borje concluded. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

From left to right: CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera; Ms. Jolly Nguyen, 30 for 2023 Network Member, UN Women; Ms. Maria Holtsberg, Climate, DRR and Humanitarian Portfolio Lead, UN Women; Mr. Mozaharul Alam, Regional Coordinator, UNEP and Head of APAN Secretariat; Ms. Sanjana Chhantyal, 30 for 2030 Network Member, UN Women; and Mr. Emmad Karim, Advocacy, Innovation and Campaigns Coordinator at UN Women Incheon, South Korea, 29 August 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) highlighted Philippine policies, partnerships, and good practices that promote gender-responsive climate action, during the 8th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Pre-Forum Discussion held on 29 August 2023 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera provided the country's perspectives and experiences on integrating gender in climate action in the Philippines. The panel discussion, jointly organized by the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), convened adaptation practitioners and policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region to share practical solutions and explore partnerships for advancing feminist action for climate justice. “Climate impacts aggravate existing general inequalities, and societal and cultural norms for women affect our ability to respond and cope with climate impacts, which give rise to issues on access to basic resources and services, as well as decision-making,” explained Hererra. She provided insights on landmark laws that mainstream gender in the country’s policies and programs, including the Magna Carta of Women, which sets gender mainstreaming as the national strategy for gender and development; the Climate Change Act, which upholds gender-sensitive considerations in climate change plans, policies, programs, and projects; and the 5% mandatory appropriation of agency national budgets for gender and development. She highlighted enabling policies and programs, such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which aims to build the adaptive capacities of both women and men and optimize mitigation opportunities towards gender-responsive and rights-based sustainable development; the CCC Resolution to mainstream gender and development in all government actions related to climate change; and the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET), which tracks and monitors climate-related projects and programs, including those for gender and development. Best country practices that Herrera shared include the establishment of Climate Resiliency Field Schools, which reinforce the adaptive capacity of both men and women in the farming and fisheries sectors; the Women-Managed Marine and Coastal Areas Program, which established database information, documented success stories of women fisherfolk, provided technical assistance for women’s participation, and forged partnerships with stakeholders in the conservation and management of natural marine habitats; and the Gender-Responsive Livelihood Assistance, which provides employment that promotes climate- and community-friendly projects. Herrera called for “investing in women’s climate resilience” and urged participants to continue empowering more women to meaningfully participate in climate actions. “Support women’s access to renewable energy and low-carbon technologies and build infrastructure and facilities that cater to the needs of women and girls in times of disaster. As gender gaps and violence are magnified during times of disasters and extreme weather, local government units should enhance their disaster response and management by anticipating their needs and investing in infrastructure and facilities, including separate comfort rooms, changing rooms, and other amenities for maternal healthcare and wellness needs,” Herrera said. Herrera concluded with a call to make women’s active participation in climate change policy and programming more accessible: "Ease the burdens that women face. A climate resilient world would have women placed at the table as visionaries and leaders so that our effective strategies for transformational adaptation are fulfilled.” For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.

Representatives from the national government agencies, local government units, academic and scientific institutions, civil society organizations, private sector, and development sector convene for the multi-stakeholder consultation for the National Adaptation Plan MANILA, 26 August 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) concluded its second National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on Tuesday, reaffirming the commitment to formulate a comprehensive and effective NAP through the invaluable contributions of diverse stakeholders. One of the key deliverables of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the completion of the National Adaptation Plan requires a whole-of-society and whole-of-world approach, consistent with the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his second State of the Nation Address in building a climate-smart and climate-resilient country. The consultation engaged various stakeholders from the national and local government, academic and scientific institutions, civil society, private sector, and development sector to share relevant experience and expertise to the NAP development process. In his keynote speech, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored the importance of crafting a science-based, evidence-based and needs-based NAP, to strengthen the adaptive capacities of all Filipinos, particularly those in the most vulnerable sectors of society. “It's not only important that we have our experience and expertise at the table, it is also vital to make this plan genuine, needs-based, and a product of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Consultation is important because we need to make sure that the process reflects the different components of our society,” Borje said. The consultation’s agenda included presentations on the National Adaptation Plan development, climate risk assessment, and adaptation priorities. Breakout sessions delved into adaptation priorities and key enablers, covering critical sectors such as food security, agriculture, water resources, governance, stakeholder engagement, technology, financing, and capacity building. Noting the important role of convergence, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos Primo David stated, “The NAP includes priority programs for funding, but more importantly, in identifying convergence projects among government agencies that solve sectoral cross cutting issues intensified by climate change.” Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the British Embassy Manila, also emphasized the importance of the consultations, stating that “stakeholder consultation is a way of advancing our adaptation and mitigation agenda by ensuring that the perspectives and needs of all sectors are taken into account.” “We hope that the inputs we receive from you today will not only significantly help us to develop a fit-for-purpose climate risk management for the country, but will also highlight the importance of collective action and a shared commitment to building the Filipinos’ resilience and adapting mechanism to climate change,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera. The series of multi-stakeholder consultations are organized with the support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the British Embassy Manila. The first consultation took place virtually on 8 August 2023, bringing together representatives from various organizations to engage in discussions and contribute valuable insights on the NAP. The NAP, which will serve as a long-term support mechanism for capacity and technologies, aims to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by building the adaptive capacity and resilience of communities, and to facilitate the coherent integration of climate change adaptation into relevant new and existing policies, programs and activities. The NAP endeavors to mainstream adaptation across as many sectors as possible and at different levels (national, subnational, regional, and local), incorporating both medium- and long-term strategies, and strengthening policies and frameworks. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.

Participants from Southern Luzon State University and Local Government Units in Lucban, Quezon engaged in informative discussions during the Second National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) Policy Forum. LUCBAN, QUEZON, 26 August 2023 – Participants from various sectors, policymakers, and experts gathered at the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) Second National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) Policy Forum to explore policy and technological solutions to address flooding in the country. The forum, themed "Beyond the Floodgates: Navigating Flooding's Impact on Responses to Climate Change, Food Security, and Disasters in the Philippines," tackled the issue of flooding in the Philippines, one of the 10 climate-induced risks in the Philippines recognized by the NPTE. In his remarks, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje stressed the impacts of flooding on communities, infrastructure and economic growth, and underscored the urgency of comprehensive strategies to prioritize resilience. “This forum is not just about discussions. It is also a call to action.  More important or equally as important as policy papers, we must translate our knowledge into tangible outcomes and implement practical measures to enhance our nation's flood resilience,” Borje underscored. He also stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including national and local governments, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector, to collectively address flooding along with other risks brought by climate change. “The work on climate change does not end in our forum. The work should be done everyday because we have one responsibility – be it as individuals or as organizations or as LGUs,” he added. Borje also cited that the challenge for everyone now is to use our understanding of climate change and the skills and talents of the Filipinos to strengthen our communities. Borje concluded by expressing hope that the forum's collaborative efforts, guided by NPTE members, would sow the seeds for a climate-resilient future. “Let’s make the story of the Philippines not a story of despair, death and destruction but a story of hope. Isang kwento ng tao na may angking talino at galing,  at ginagamit yun para hindi lang matugunan ang problema ng climate change, bagkus dito ay maghanap ng oportunidad para mapayabong ang ating pamayanan at ang ating bansa,“ he concluded. The Forum featured a rich lineup of speakers from the NPTE, including Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes, Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez, Dr. Jihan H. Adil, and Engr. Meriam M. Santillan, who shared insights and best practices to understand the root causes of flooding, explore strategies, and identify actionable solutions to address this issue. “This gathering serves as a catalyst for change, empowering us to build more informed and resilient communities. Through the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices, we gain insights that enable us to develop innovative solutions and strategies and ways for which we could reduce the negative impacts of flood,” Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes, Chairperson of NPTE and President of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU). The NPTE was created under the Climate Change Act, tasked to provide technical advice to the Commission in areas of climate science, technologies, and best practices for risk assessment and enhancement of adaptive capacity of vulnerable human settlements to potential impacts of climate change. This policy forum is being conducted in five parts, starting with sea level rise and flooding. Experts will tackle health and climate change, integrated coastal management and blue economy, and water and human security, to further engage stakeholders in climate policy in the next discussions. To further mainstream climate change, the NPTE forum is being held in partnerships with state colleges and universities and LGUs.   Co-organized by SLSU and the local government of Lucban, Quezon, the second NPTE forum was attended by hundreds of participants from the university and the LGU, and viewers through its livestream on Zoom and Facebook. For more information on the NPTE and its activities, visit the CCC’s website at climate.gov.ph or communicate with the NPTE Secretariat through [email protected].

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje meets with Asian Institute of Management President Dr. Jikyeong Kang and other AIM officials to discuss potential partnership on knowledge and capacity building MANILA, 17 August 2023 — Following the success of the recent Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) further explored opportunities for partnership on climate change and disaster risk management. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje met with AIM President Dr. Jikyeong Kang, and discussed strategies to strengthen the knowledge base and enhance capacities of key stakeholders in the field of climate change. “The CCC recognizes the important role of partners, including higher education institutions, as we employ a whole-of-society approach in advancing our pathways to climate change and disaster resilience,” Borje said. AIM likewise expressed their commitment to work with the CCC, and explore areas of collaboration, such as capacity building, to contribute to attaining the desired level of climate and disaster resilience, at national and local levels. “The AIM is fully committed to partner with the CCC, and will closely work towards the urgent delivery and implementation of our partnership package for the benefit of the CCC, our LGUs, and other practitioners,” Dr. Kang said. Joining Dr. Kang are Dr. Olivier Roche, Head of the Stephen Zuellig School of Development Management; AIM Partnerships Director Georgina Banzon, and AIM Program Manager Nicole Cortez. CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio Cuenca, Atty. Carlos Borja, Mr. Alexis Lapiz, and Ms. Sunshine Villasper were also in attendance. AIM, as a pioneer in management education in Asia, promotes transformative leadership towards inclusive and sustainable development. It offers an Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management which tackles approaches to achieve climate change and disaster resilience. 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.

Thought leaders, decision-makers, experts, and other stakeholders have gathered for the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience. (Photo from Asian Institute of Management)   MANILA, 10 August 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has partnered with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and private sector stakeholders to conduct the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (ACCCDR) – a platform for multistakeholder dialogue to influence policy and practice on addressing climate change and disasters in Asia. With the theme “Building Bridges: Driving Collective Action for a Climate and Disaster Resilient Asia,” ACCCDR facilitates the exchange of knowledge, innovative solutions, and best practices among the government, private sector, academe, and non-government organizations, aiming to contribute to the development of a more resilient and sustainable Asian societies.   Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, a staunch climate and disaster resilience champion, delivered a keynote address focused on the interlinkages between climate change adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction, including through nature-based solution. The event features plenary sessions on public-private partnership for resilient critical infrastructure and lifelines, nurturing resilience in the face of disasters and climate change for food and water security, and leading an inclusive and just climate governance for a climate-resilient society. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje will deliver the Call to Action and Collaboration that will conclude the event. Other esteemed speakers include Emmanuel Rubio, President and CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation; Elirozz Carlie Labaria, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Portfolio Coordinator for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization; and Bruno Carrasco, Director-General of Asian Development Bank’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department. The ACCCDR is presented by Aboitiz Power in partnership with CCC, AIM, Now Corporation, and EASD Environmental Consultancy. For more information, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda delivers a privilege speech on the urgency of addressing climate change.   MANILA, 8 August 2023 – In a privilege speech today, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda rallied fellow lawmakers and the entire Filipino nation to unite and take bold action against the global governance challenge of our generation—climate change.   Drawing attention to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, Legarda stressed that the time for procrastination is over, and immediate and drastic action is required to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.   The IPCC report confirmed that climate change is already adversely affecting global weather patterns and ecosystems, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities despite progress in adaptation efforts, and current policies and financial support are insufficient to meet climate goals across sectors and regions, notably hindering implementation in developing nations.   Legarda cited alarming figures of losses and damage borne by the Philippines from climate-induced disasters, particularly the Php673.3 billion worth of damage due to tropical cyclones alone between 2011 and 2021, and the 12,097 deaths recorded due to extreme weather events and disasters from 2010 to 2019.   “The latest reports on climate science tell us that we are running out of time to secure a livable and sustainable future for all. Enabling rapid and far-reaching transitions across all sectors and systems in this crucial decade will determine impacts and climate realities now and for the next thousands of years. These are not only accelerating, but they are also exhibiting feedback loops that increase that acceleration,” Legarda stressed.   The Senator emphasized that climate change is an issue of climate justice, where the most vulnerable populations suffer the most despite contributing the least to climate change.   “We need to make sure that the commitments of developed countries are delivered and mobilized. We need to ensure that the establishment of a loss and damage funding facility will materialize at the soonest possible time,” she added.   Legarda proposed several practical approaches moving forward, such as adopting a transformative mindset in governance, accelerating decarbonization efforts, revisiting environmental laws, optimizing convergence between agencies and stakeholders, and greening the national and local budgets to ensure allocation for sustainable and climate-smart programs.   With the Philippines standing as the ground zero for climate change, Legarda called for collective action in transforming the nation into a center of resilience and strength— a “Philippines that is not a lesson learned but a best practice for the rest of the world in combating climate change.”   “Patuloy tayong magbayanihan para sa klima; para sa buhay, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan ng ating kapwa Pilipino. Para sa Pilipinas, sikapin nating iangat ang katatagan ng bawat isa laban sa nagbabagong klima,” Legarda concluded.   As the lead policy-making body of the government on climate change, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) echoed the Senator's call for a robust and ambitious climate agenda to further enhance the resilience of Filipino communities against the impacts of climate change.   “We laud Senator Loren Legarda for her tireless efforts in championing climate action, and we look forward to continue working closely with her, other lawmakers, and all government agencies in advancing transformative climate policies and strategies that will benefit all Filipinos,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said.   “Enabling a development pathway towards a more sustainable and resilient Philippines requires urgent action and political will. We look up to the leadership of Senator Legarda and our lawmakers in Congress to support this transformation that ensure that we thrive amid the climate crisis,” he concluded.

MANILA, 8 August 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) spearheaded the first multistakeholder consultation to develop the National Adaptation Plan, which aims to outline the country’s strategies and priorities on building resilience against climate impacts. “Multistakeholder consultation is a crucial step in developing our first National Adaptation Plan. To come up with a science-based, fit-for-purpose, and country-driven NAP, we need to bring together our diverse range of knowledge and expertise on advancing climate resilience in pursuit of sustainable development,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje said. The consultation was supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the British Embassy Manila, bringing together representatives from key national government agencies, local government units, and stakeholders from academic and scientific institutions, civil society, private sector, and development sector. The NAP is envisioned to respond to the actual and anticipated risks and vulnerabilities of sectors and communities to climate change. “The NAP builds upon the identified priority thematic sectors of the NCCAP and acknowledges the growing risks for the country and the world as warned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in their 6th Assessment Report. It underscores the importance of risk profiling, risk assessment, and risk management needed to increase the adaptive capacity of communities through technology development and capacity building, projecting future and multiple scenarios impacts,” CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera explained. The CCC has mobilized its contact groups with partners and stakeholders for the NAP: the ACT LOCAL or Accelerating Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities network, for LGUs; ENACT or Empowering Nurtured Alliance for Climate action and Transformation for development partners; WE CAN or Working to Empower Climate Action Network for civil society organizations; and CONNECT or Communicating Opportunities to Network, Navigate, and Explore Climate Transformation for private sector partners—which will be instrumental in the NAP development process. VCED Borje reaffirmed the CCC's commitment to strengthen collaboration and collective action, following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in scaling up investments that drive economic transformation, leading to a sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society. “As the Philippines moves forward, guided by the principles of the National Adaptation Plan and driven by the passion of its people, it strives to build a future that stands resilient in the face of a rapidly changing climate,” VCED Borje concluded. This NAP Multi-stakeholder Consultation-Workshops is the first of a series, to be followed by a two-day workshop on 22 to 23 August 2023. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and Climate Change Commission PH.

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO, July 2023 – The Climate Change Commission(CCC) highlighted the vital role of graduates and the youth in addressing climate change, challenging them to become champions of climate action. At the 45th Commencement Exercises of Mindanao State University – Maguindanao Campus, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje in his speech challenged the graduates to be active leaders for climate change action. | Building on the event’s theme "Braving Currents, Forging Partners, and Serving Humanity," Secretary Borje emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change. “The future is now. The leaders are here. I see in each of you the same potential, passion and desire to serve. In order to succeed, you must cultivate the ‘we mentality’ and leave behind the ‘me mentality.’ You would be surprised to learn how the power of collaboration and small acts of kindness can make a difference, especially in facing the challenges of climate change,” he said.  Last year, the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, where MSU Maguindanao is located, suffered heavy flooding due to Tropical Storm Paeng, demonstrating that climate change is an existential threat. Nearly 2 million individuals, or close to 600,000 families, were affected by Paeng in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Secretary Borje stated, “These are not just numbers. These are real people with real lives with real problems that we need to solve. We need to act swiftly and systematically, dahil buhay, kabuhayan at kinabukasan nating mga Pilipino ang nakataya.” With impacts of climate change and other challenges felt in armed conflict areas, Rahima Akmad, Class Valedictorian of 2023, shared how resilience is built even at a young age.  “I spent my next years inside the SPMS box, or what we call the armed conflict area, in pursuit of a ‘better education.’ Nonetheless, those events did not stop me from achieving my dreams. MSUan ata ito! In fact, they even gave me the courage to be the person I wanted to be,” she said. Akmad added, “MSU-Maguindanao is the only university in Maguindanao that provides deprived people like me a fighting chance to have a quality education. Kaya maraming salamat po Pamantasang Mindanao. This university gave me opportunities to reconnect with my past to build my present and prepare for my future.” The CCC continues to work with state universities and colleges, and higher education institutions in mainstreaming climate action across generations and sectors, with focus on educating and involving the youth.  For more information on the Climate Change Commission’s mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.

MANILA, 28 July 2023 – Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged government agencies to promote and institutionalize nature-based solutions in the country’s climate policy and programs to address climate and disaster risks. On World Nature Conservation Day, Senator Legarda highlighted the effectiveness of reforestation and tree planting activities as both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, among other benefits to biodiversity and ecosystems. “Planting trees is an effective climate change mitigation and adaptation initiative as trees sequester carbon from the atmosphere and absorb and store rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. The roots help stabilize soil to prevent erosion, which can trigger landslides, and their branches and leaves reduce the impact of strong winds during storms and typhoons,” she said. Senator Legarda has been proactive in her environmental advocacy, filing several bills aimed at protecting the environment such as Senate Bill 2320 or the Sustainable Forest Management Act; Senate Bill 2135 or the Barangay Greening and Forest Land Rehabilitation and Protection Act; Senate Bill 1992 or the Low Carbon Economy Act; and Senate Bill 621 or the Philippine Circular Economy Act. “Despite having filed several bills and passing laws that support tree planting and reforestation, saving the planet and the future does not end in legislation,” Senator Legarda said. “We must continue raising awareness and conducting activities and programs that encourage planting more trees. We must engage all stakeholders, especially students and the youth, to foster environmental consciousness in our younger generations,” she added. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recognizes Senator Legarda’s key role, particularly in legislating relevant laws that support the vision for a low-carbon, climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. “Senator Loren Legarda’s advocacy for promoting nature-based solutions, low carbon technologies, green market development, and sustainable and community-led climate actions significantly contributes to achieving our low-carbon, climate-smart, climate- resilient, and sustainable development aspirations,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. "Aligned with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as stated in the SONA and in the Philippine Development Plan, it is through our collective involvement that we will be able to climate-proof the lives and livelihoods of both our present and future generations,” he added. Senator Legarda is the author and principal sponsor of the Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Republic Act No. 10174 otherwise known as the People’s Survival Fund Act. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.