MANILA, 28 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission PH convened the Philippine Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management and Reporting System (PGHGIMRS) lead agencies to finalize the 2015 and 2020 National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. Under Executive Order No. 174 series of 2014, the PGHGIMRS is created to develop the GHG inventory management and reporting system among relevant government agencies to enable the country to transition toward a climate-resilient pathway for sustainable development. “Our sustained convergences like what we do today are instrumental in producing quality reports that are accurate, complete, and reflective of the prevailing national circumstances, as well as the needs and priorities of our focus sectors,” said CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca. This year’s first quarterly meeting focused on the remaining steps to complete the 2015 and 2020 National GHG inventories. The Philippine National GHG Inventory Reports (NIRs) developed through a whole-of-government approach, provides evidences serving as basis of government’s climate change adaptation and mitigation programs. The 2015 and 2020 NIRs are scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2023. These NIRs will be part of the Government’s Biennial Update Report to be communicated to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change this year. The CCC-led PGHGIMRS meeting was attended by all member agencies: Department of Agriculture - Philippines, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy Philippines, and Department of Transportation - Philippines. For more information on GHG Inventory and the Philippines’ NDC, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

QUEZON CITY, 25 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined this year’s #BiggestHourForEarth campaign to further raise awareness on the needed urgent and collective global climate action. The CCC took part in the main switch-off event at Quezon City Memorial Circle on March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., spearheaded by the Quezon City Government and WWF-Philippines. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje shared that, ironically, “an hour of absence of light sheds a light on the collective need to address the climate crisis.” "By switching our lights off, we want to be a beacon for all and a signal to all. We want to tell the world that we need to act for our country and our world in the face of climate change," VCED Borje emphasized. In addition to raising awareness on climate change, Earth Hour 2023 also aimed to promote energy conservation. In the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, it is estimated that around 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the energy sector. In the Philippines, the energy sector accounts for 55% of the domestic emissions, with household and commercial energy consumption ranking as the second and fourth highest demand based on the latest National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, respectively. To respond to the growing emissions, the National Climate Change Action Plan includes ‘sustainable energy’ as among its thematic priorities with the aim of promoting and implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures. VCED Borje urged the public to take climate action beyond an hour and make it a part of their daily life. "Panahon lang ang maibibigay natin sa mundo, but the irony of it all, we do not have the luxury of time. Ang climate change ay nararamdaman natin and we need to act together. Tonight, our challenge is to act beyond one hour, at gawin natin ang lahat para ang isang oras na ito ay maging isang commitment at pagmamahal habambuhay, hindi lang isang oras," he concluded. Held annually, Earth Hour encourages Filipinos and citizens around the world to switch off non-essential lights for an hour to conserve energy and protect the planet. In a video message, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. expressed his support to the 2023 Earth Hour. “It only takes 60 minutes to do good for our future, 60 minutes to take notice and commit to saving Mother Nature, to be united and take action because together nothing is impossible,” said President Marcos. Earth Hour first took place as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. For its 16th year, the Earth Hour put a spotlight on the #BiggestHourForEarth to call on the need to address climate change. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and Climate Change Commission PH.

MANILA, 21 March 2023 – The Philippines lauded the timely approval of the Synthesis Report (SYR), the fourth and final installment of the sixth assessment report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The all-women Philippine Delegation (PhilDel) to the 58th Session of the Panel (IPCC-58) was led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh and supported by Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera and Dr. Faye Abigail T. Cruz, Head of the Regional Climate Systems Laboratory of the Manila Observatory and IPCC Contributing Author for the Working Group I of AR6. “The Synthesis Report serves as the fundamental basis for evidence-informed decisions and actions and provides a clear and substantive analysis on climate science that would accelerate the pace of co-creating policies and designing and implementing programs for science-based action,” DENR Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh, Head of PhilDel, said. The report draws on the summary and findings of the six (6) reports released during the current cycle that commenced in 2015. It provides an integrated and up-to-date analysis on climate change, including an overview of the state of knowledge on the science of climate change based on the three Working Groups of the IPCC and three Special Reports on the impacts of 1.50C global warming, and on climate change impacts to oceans and cryosphere, and land. During the week-long approval sessions, PhilDel intervened on several sections of the report by highlighting the urgent need in pursuing evidence-based adaptation planning especially in developing and most vulnerable countries, such as in combining green-blue with gray infrastructure to address the risk of flooding in cities, and strongly supporting the value of emissions avoidance as a recognition of risk-based and outcomes-based approaches to curb GHG emissions with the use of best available non-GHG emitting technologies. “The solution lies in climate-resilient development. This involves integrating measures to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in ways that provide wider benefits. Climate resilient development becomes progressively more challenging with every increment of warming. This is why the choices made in the next few years will play a critical role in deciding our future and that of generations to come,” the IPCC said in a statement. The Philippines likewise acknowledged that loss and damage are expected to worsen with increasing global warming as adaptation limits are reached for some ecosystems, for which financing will be crucial. “The Synthesis Report, along with the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) document, will provide the impetus for urgent climate action in the Philippine context. As knowledge gaps remain, these IPCC reports serve as critical reference points for our policymakers to heed the science on the gravity of climate change as a planetary health concern necessitating solutions in policy and programs at the global and domestic level,” Commissioner Herrera said. The approval of the Synthesis Report took place following in-depth discussions among government representatives in IPCC-58, held 13 to 19 March 2023 in Interlaken, Switzerland. Established in 1988, the IPCC assesses in a comprehensive, objective, and transparent manner the scientific, technical, and socio-economic information relevant to understanding human-induced climate change, its potential impacts, and adaptation and mitigation options. The IPCC is composed of thousands of climate scientists and experts from 195 member-countries. Photo by: IPCC

MANILA, Philippines, 19 March 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for urgent delivery of global commitment on climate action, particularly the funding for climate-related loss and damage, at the 18th Meeting of the Warsaw International Mechanism Executive Committee (WIM EXCOM-18) in Manila. Following the 27th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP-27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the WIM EXCOM convened to discuss the milestone decision on funding arrangements for loss and damage, the enabling mechanisms to fully operationalize the Santiago Network, and the EXCOM’s second five-year rolling work plan. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje recognized the effort of the WIM based on the mandates from the UNFCCC and COP, and encouraged the EXCOM and observers to further fast-track the work on loss and damage agenda. “There is still a lot of work ahead of us; we need to deliver on our mandates and our roles more urgently and collectively to transform developing countries’ vulnerabilities and loss and damage to greater climate resilience,” said VCED Borje. He added, “it is important that this WIM EXCOM should further advance the gains achieved in Sharm el-Sheikh in terms of separate funding facility for loss and damage. The EXCOM is expected to provide input to the work of the Transitional Committee. This, to us, provides the Committee with the singular opportunity and the great responsibility to ensure the mainstreaming of action of support strategies under the second 5-year rolling work plan adopted by the parties at COP27.” The WIM EXCOM welcomed the participation of observers in the meeting, which the Philippines engaged actively. Among the Philippines’ observations were on the work of the WIM with other UNFCCC constituted bodies and operating entities of the financial mechanisms, the EXCOM’s workplan, the comprehensive risk management approaches, and the facilitation and cooperation on action and support for developing countries. In particular, the CCC highlighted the need for best available science and best available technology to guide the work on averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage. “It is through the best available science and technology, governance, and investments that we can advance our transformation towards becoming climate-smart and climate-resilient nations,” VCED Borje stressed. CCC also emphasized that use of state-of-the-art methodologies for comprehensive risk assessments is crucial as these assessments will ensure that climate actions are science- and evidence-based and fit-for-purpose. In this case, the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage must be immediately and fully operationalized. Santiago Network aims to catalyze the provision of technical assistance, knowledge, and resources for developing countries, in addition to developed countries commitments on action and support. The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), co-hosted the WIM EXCOM with the UNFCCC Secretariat. DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, official representative of the President in the CCC, welcomed the members of the WIM EXCOM in the Philippines. “We thank the UNFCCC Secretariat for holding the WIM EXCOM-18 in the Philippines, the first Executive Meeting outside Bonn, and first meeting to discuss the COP27 breakthrough decision relating to funding arrangements responding to loss and damage,” said DENR Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga was joined by CCC VCED Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera. The Philippines has been actively engaged in the international discussion on loss and damage. From informal consultations, negotiations, Pre-COP events, to the COP27 proper, the Philippines, with the Group of 77 and China, pushed for dedicated space to discuss funding arrangements for loss and damage – now the COP27 breakthrough agreement. In the lead up to COP28, the CCC, in coordination with DFA, DENR, DOE, DA, DOF, NEDA and relevant government agencies and stakeholders, is working on the formulation and updating of national positions on critical issues, including on loss and damage. The COP28 will take place on 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit http://www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 18 March 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauds the approval of the Substitute Bill consolidating House Bill Nos. 3055 and 5083 or "An Act to Conserve, Protect, Restore, and Sustainably Manage Peatlands and its Resources to Enhance the Country's Resilience to Climate Change, and for Other Purposes.” Presided by Committee Chairperson and Bohol 1st District Representative @Edgardo Chatto, the Substitute Bill was deliberated and approved during the House Committee on Climate Hearing on February 22. The CCC endorsed the main provisions of the Substitute Bill, highlighting that sustainable management of peatlands can be a key measure to accelerate climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera delivered a manifestation in support of the bill's immediate passage, and emphasized the importance of peatlands as an efficient instrument for carbon storage. “The CCC expresses its deepest appreciation to the Committee as it is poised to approve what will be a landmark law in advancing our climate commitments through nature-based solutions,” Commissioner Herrera said. Peatlands are wetland ecosystems characterized with soils that are carbon-rich dead and decaying plant matter under high water saturation conditions. Peatlands sequester twice as much carbon as forests, and play a major role in disaster risk reduction, including flood control. “Peatlands conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable management is part of our larger effort on climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Apart from being a carbon storage, peatlands can also help mitigate the climate crisis by providing a net-cooling effect and critical habitat for a wide range of biodiversity, including endemic species. The Substitute Bill on conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable management measures will cover all peatlands and peatland resources nationwide within public and private lands. According to the Philippine National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use and Protection of Peatlands, there are two (2) confirmed peatland sites in the country. These include the 5,325-hectare Caimpugan Peat Swamp Forest in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Agusan del Sur, and the 3,088-hectare Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland in Alang-Alang and Sta. Fe in Leyte where 44% of the area has been reclaimed for agriculture. As part of whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in ecosystems management, the bill will also provide guidance to all concerned national government agencies and local government units in mainstreaming peatlands protection and conservation in their plans, policies, and programs. For more information on they climate change-related laws and policies, visit the CCC website at http://www.climate.gov.ph.

                  MANILA, Philippines, 17 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission PH opens the call for the nomination and selection of new sectoral representatives for the People's Survival Fund (PSF) Board. The new sectoral representatives will be coming from the academic and scientific community, business sector, and non-government organization (NGO). The PSF Board manages and administers the People’s Survival Fund (PSF). The PSF was established to provide long-stream finance for climate change adaptation projects of local government units. The nominees must be: (a) a citizen and resident of the Philippines for at least two years immediately prior to their nomination; (b) at least seven (7) years of proven experience, exposure, and participation in research and development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other climate change-related activities; (c) at least three (3) years of experience in program/project development and evaluation; (d) has not been selected as a sectoral representative to the PSF Board, pursuant to Section 4 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Climate Change Act; and (e) a person with known probity, integrity, and good moral character. Selection will be based on the competence, experience, and integrity of the nominees. Upon selection, the representatives shall serve for a term of three (3) years starting from the date of the first PSF Board Meeting they attended, without reappointment. Representatives are also disqualified from accessing the Fund during their term, and a year after their tenure. The deadline of submission of nominations is on 19 April 2023 (Wednesday). The PSF Board is chaired by the Secretary of Finance with the Vice Chairperson of the CCC, Secretary of Budget and Management, Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, Secretary of Interior and Local Government, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, and sectoral representatives from the academic and scientific community, the business sector, and NGOs, as members. Nominations and inquiries shall be sent through the CCC PSF Unit via [email protected]

Green Climate Fund Board approved the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ USD26.3M-proposal, “Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA).” Photo credits: GCF MANILA, Philippines, 16 March 2023 — The “Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA)” secured approval for a grant of US$26.3 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to increase the resilience of rural agriculture men and women in climate vulnerable areas and transform the country’s agriculture sector towards climate resilience. The APA project is a submission by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as executing entities. “We welcome the decision of the GCF Board to approve the APA Project, which will be instrumental in building the capacity of our farming communities, as well as of the government and private sector, to understand and manage climate risks and adopt climate resilient agriculture practices,” said CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Domestic resources amounting to US$12.98 million will be used to co-finance the project, putting the total project value at US$39.3 million. The project will cater to at least nine (9) provinces in five (5) regions (Regions II, V, X, and XII and Cordillera). The project will have three (3) main outcomes: Outcome 1: Increased institutional capacities for the development and provision of climate information and CRA services Outcome 2: Farmers (female/male) adopt CRA through CRA enterprises Outcome 3: Enabling Environment for mainstreaming and scaling up CRA At least 1.25 million poor farming household members (half of whom are women) are expected to directly benefit as farmers improve awareness of risks and risk reduction measures and incorporate climate-resilient and low emission technologies into agricultural practices. Over five million people living in the area will also benefit indirectly from enhanced information systems and strengthened institutional capacity that will create an enabling environment to promote the widespread adoption of CRA. “High impact, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives such as the APA, have potential to significantly contribute in the country’s socio-economic development, while enhancing adaptive capacities of our agricultural systems to climate change,” VCED Borje said. APA will be implemented this year until 2030 and is expected to reduce 1.86 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) over 20 years as a result of application of CRA practices and better land use. “We look forward to the implementation of the APA Project, which will certainly benefit Filipino farming communities living in vulnerable areas in the country. This is one critical project that can further enable our agriculture sector's transformation towards sustainability and resilience,” added CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, who was former GCF Board Member. The project was approved by the GCF Board at its 35th Meeting in Songdo, Korea from 13 March 2023 and scheduled to end today, 16 March 2023. The Philippines is currently part of the GCF Board, represented by the Department of Finance (DOF). “We thank the DOF for pushing our national and global climate agenda forward through its representation and work in the GCF Board," VCED Borje said. For more information on Green Climate Fund, visit the CCC website at https://www.climate.gov.ph.

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) receives French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz (right) to discuss development cooperation on climate action. MANILA, Philippines, 16 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Embassy of France in the Philippines expressed commitment to strengthen partnership and development cooperation on climate action. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje received French Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Michele Boccoz, and exchanged priorities and strategies in implementing local climate action. “We express our gratitude to the government of France and the French Development Agency (AFD) for supporting the Philippines in implementing policy initiatives and sustainable solutions to address major climate and environmental challenges in the country,” said CCC VCED Borje. Among the priorities of CCC and French Embassy is the development and updating of risk-informed Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) by local government units. Through AFD’s ongoing technical support, LGUs will be provided with capacity development and enhancement activities, as well as tools which are useful in the formulation and updating of LCCAPs. “AFD will continuously provide necessary assistance to the CCC in policy formulation and updating, as well as in enhancing local capacities on LCCAP development towards improved climate resilience,” Ambassador Boccoz assured. As of 2 March 2023, 1,399 (81.57%) out of 1,715 LGUs had submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Currently, the LCCAP Quality Assurance Mechanism is being developed based on guidelines set by CCC and DILG. Following the Philippines Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) by the World Bank Group, both officials explored other possible areas of collaboration aligned with the priorities specified in Chapter 15 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, such as the updating of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NFSCC and the NDC are policies and frameworks which serve as basis of local climate action plans. Consistent with the pronouncements of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on strengthening cooperation with allied countries and development partners, the CCC institutionalized a contact group called “ENACT: Empowering Nurtured Alliance for Climate Action and Transformation.” ENACT will serve as a platform among CCC, embassies, and development partners to discuss, collaborate, and collectively implement investment-led transformative climate action.

BATAC, ILOCOS NORTE, 13 February 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) met the farming community in Brgy. Rayuray, Batac, Ilocos Norte and discussed their observations on environment- and climate-related concerns in the area. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera visited the showcase area of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Barangay Rayuray, Batac, Ilocos Norte. According to PhilRice OIC Director Mary Ann Baradi, drought-resistant crops are tested in Barangay Rayuray in response to the water supply problem affecting agriculture in Ilocos Norte. In a short walkthrough at the site, the farmers explained how water shortage affected their agricultural productivity. Throughout the years, the community has become heavily reliant on groundwater extraction, which may eventually result in land subsidence. According to PhilRice, there were 330,749 metric tons of palay produced on the 63,909 hectares of land in the province of Ilocos Norte in 2022. “Nakadepende sa ulan ang supply ng tubig dito sa’min. Dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, paiba-iba rin ang panahon kung kailan malakas o mahina ang tubig, at dahil dito ay naaapektuhan ang aming mga pananim,” Barangay Captain Norberto Puyot said. PAGASA’s projection is that Ilocos Norte will have an increase in temperature and rainfall by 2036-2065, which will result in drier dry days and wetter wet days. “Sa pagbabago ng klima o climate change, hinaharap natin ang problema sa pag init o kawalan ng tubig, kung saan tayo ay mga biktima ng problemang hindi naman natin kasalanan. To our vulnerable communities, the CCC is here and united with you in the fight for climate justice,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera. In his conversation with the farmers, VCED Borje stressed the importance of partnerships with various sectors to boost funding for agricultural programs toward climate-resilient food systems. “The CCC has farmers like you in mind. Kaya patuloy nating pinalalawig ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa local at probinsyal na pamahalaan, sa PhilRice, MMSU, maging ang People’s Survival Fund, upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka na lubos na naaapektuhan ng nagbabagong klima. Dahil hindi lang po kabuhayan natin ang apektado – ang ating buhay at kinabukasan din ay nakataya,” VCED Borje emphasized. Some of the initiatives and programs that farmers themselves recognized as being necessary for implementation are: ● Solar-powered irrigation systems ● Rainwater catchment facilities ● Harvest calendar ● Drought-resistant crops ● Post-harvest marketing ● Information dissemination, and knowledge and capacity development Guided by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.’s pronouncements on climate justice, the CCC is prioritizing the strengthening of partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders for the benefit of the most vulnerable sectors. In 2022, it has formally institutionalized the following coordination mechanisms for the LGUs, development partners, civil society organizations and private sector: ACT Local (Accelerating Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities; ENACT (Empowering Nurtured Alliance for Climate Action and Transformation; WE CAN (Working to Empower Climate Action Network; and CONNECT (Communicating Opportunities to Network, Navigate and Explore Climate Transformation). The CCC will continue to bolster its cooperation with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), PhilRice, and the local government of Ilocos Norte to help formulate more appropriate plans of action toward climate-resilient agriculture in the region. “Makakaasa po kayo na narito ang CCC upang matulungan ang ating mga pamayanan na maging mas matatag sa mga hamon ng nagbabagong klima, upang lumago ang kabuhayan at magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan ang bawat Pilipino,” VCED Borje assured. The CCC also joined the 34th Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights which took place on 1-3 February 2023 at MMSU Campus. Part of the event was the Local Planners Forum where the CCC presented the development and enhancement of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) and access to the People’s Survival Fund (PSF).

MANILA, 10 February 2023 – The Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) kicked off the month-long series of #PlasticFreePilipinas activities in the Senate as part of its campaign against single-use plastics (SUPs). Hosted by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, the launching of the photo exhibit titled “#PlasticFreeSaSenate” was attended by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, along with representatives from environmental groups. The exhibit illustrates the severity of the plastic pollution crisis in the country. United with various environmental groups, the CCC pledged support for Senate Bill 246 authored by Senator Legarda, providing a new step towards a comprehensive and national ban on SUPs. The proposed measure will pave the way for the proper regulation and management of SUPs, providing penalties, levies and incentives for industries and consumers. “This measure will provide an ‘ambitious yet comprehensive’ approach to solving the problem of single-use plastics and supporting the development and use of more eco-friendly products and packaging. We will continue to lobby against single-use plastics and foster discussions on initiatives that advance real, demonstrable and lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis in the country,” Legarda said. “The issues on climate change necessarily include the production and use of plastics, especially single-use plastics. Considering its negative impacts on the environment and human health, everyone must understand what needs to be done to effectively reduce, and ultimately, to eliminate these plastics,” VCED Borje stressed. “The Commission supports the passage of a national regulation aimed at the phase-out and eventual ban of single-use plastics in the country which will also support the development and use of more eco-friendly packaging. This legislation, when implemented through a whole-of-nation approach, will give us a fighting chance to achieve the 1.5 survival limit as found by the scientific community,” Commissioner Herrera said. The #PlasticFreePilipinas campaign also included activities such as the documentary screening of “Ang Huling Plastic” and “The Story of Plastic”; a zero waste bazaar, and a legislative forum on waste-to-energy. These activities aim to amplify the call to ban SUPs, unmask single-use plastic production issues, false solutions, as well as highlight zero-waste businesses and mainstream zero-waste solutions. The event is organized by the Plastic Free Pilipinas Project collaborators, namely, EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Mother Earth Foundation, Greenpeace Philippines, and Ocean Conservancy, together with the Climate Change Commission, Oceana Philippines, and the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.  

QUEZON CITY, 10 February 2023 – The Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) co-organized the Organics Fair and the 3R (Refill, Reuse, Repair) Revolution Program to promote zero waste and low-carbon solutions. The two-day Organics Fair included the conduct of the International Zero Waste Cities Conference which was attended by government agencies, civil society organizations, waste management experts and community leaders from across the globe. Various topics were covered ranging from organics waste management to the adverse impacts of plastics on climate, health, and human rights, enabling sharing of knowledge and technologies on impactful solutions to the plastic waste crisis and climate change. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera presented the connection between solid waste and climate change, and the government’s response on the issues. “The CCC is one in the urgent call to adopt more sustainable consumption patterns and supports innovative policies and solutions to address environmental challenges, including through managing the production, importation, sale, provision, and use of single-use plastics,” Commissioner Herrera said. In attendance are Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. Both officials expressed the resolve to strictly enforce the recently enacted Extended Producer Responsibility Act, and call on the public to veer away from the throwaway culture and increase the prevalence of consumer-supported agriculture systems, promoting eco-friendly products from the Organics Fair. “We have to support consumer-supported agriculture systems where institutional buyers help small farmers and support good, clean and fair food,” Senator Legarda said. Pioneering local governments with exemplar zero waste practices were also recognized, including the Municipalities of Lazi, Larena, Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, and San Juan in Siquijor; Santo Tomas in Batangas; Kasibu, Villaverde, Alfonso Castañeda, Bayombong, Bagabag, Bambang, Diadi, Dupax Del Norte, Solano and Santa Fe in Nueva Vizcaya; Basista in Pangasinan; the Cities of Batangas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Santiago in Isabela, and San Fernando in Pampanga; and the Provinces of Siquijor, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. “There’s a clear imperative now more than ever for a zero-emissions society and world, which can only be achieved if we start and sustain zero waste practices and systems. It’s a daunting task—one that requires greater cooperation from all sectors, especially from businesses and companies, but it also entails changes to our behavior and mindset on consumption,” Commissioner Herrera concluded. The DENR Environmental Management Bureau and National Capital Region (EMB, NCR), Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) co-organized the event. Launched in the Organics Fair are Waste Cities Network and the Zero Methane from Waste Pledge, participated by different government officials and zero-waste practitioners."

Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) and Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development, Inc. (LCCAD) Executive Director Manuel "Nong" C. Rangasa (right) led the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the CCC office in Manila on Wednesday, 25 January 2023. The partnership aims to enhance the capacity of local government units in formulating and updating Local Climate Change Action Plans.   MANILA, 26 January 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) strengthened its partnership with the Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development, Inc. (LCCAD) to enhance local government units’ (LGU) capacity in formulating and updating Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs). CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and LCCAD Executive Director Manuel “Nong” C. Rangasa formalized the partnership as part of the CCC's ongoing capacity-building initiatives. The MOU enables the CCC and LCCAD to work together in enhancing LGUs’ LCCAPs and integrating these into other local plans, such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Comprehensive Development Plan, and Contingency Plans. “We are strengthening partnerships with our stakeholders to further build the capacities of LGUs as frontliners of climate action,” VCED Borje shared. “Transformative climate action can be achieved through partnerships – partnerships based on principles of cooperation, good governance, and shared advocacy in building the nation’s overall climate resilience,” VCED Borje added. Among the key outcomes of the partnership are recommendation of appropriate climate and disaster database development and modeling technology to support the LCCAPs, and establishing enabling mechanisms for LGUs to implement their climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives.   “Enhancing the capacities of key players, including agencies, LGUs, and other stakeholders, will allow us to develop and share best practices between regions, particularly those communities with common vulnerabilities,” said Mr. Rangasa. By collaborating with key stakeholders and launching capacity-building activities, the CCC vows to constantly support the LGUs in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas. "The key to a climate-resilient Filipino nation is to strengthen the cooperation between and among our stakeholders, including the LCCAD, on mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation in local development and investment planning across the country,” said CCC Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz Sr. The CCC’s data show that LCCAP submissions increased by 95 percent, from 715 submissions in 2021 to 1,397 as of 31 December 2022. The CCC’s target is to have 100% compliance from 1,715 LGUs by FY 2024. The LCCAP serves as the LGU’s plan towards enhancing local climate resilience. The plan includes information on fit-for-purpose climate actions anchored on the LGU’s site-specific risks and vulnerabilities. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

ANTIPOLO, 24 January 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and First Gen Corporation (First Gen) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support local government units (LGUs) in mainstreaming climate change and accessing the People’s Survival Fund (PSF). The ceremonial signing was led by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and First Gen President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles B. Puno. The partnership aims to capacitate representatives from Maria Aurora, Aurora; Pantabangan and Carrangalan in Nueva Ecija; Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya; Lobo, Batangas; Caramoan and Garchitorena in Camarines Sur; Baungon, Impasug-ong, Libona, Manolo Fortich, and Talakag in Bukidnon; and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte in enhancing Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) including updated climate and disaster risk assessments and greenhouse gas inventory, and developing PSF project proposals. As of 19 January 2023, 1,399 out of 1,715 LGUs (81.57%) have submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the Commission hopes to achieve 100% compliance by 2024. This collaboration forms part of both the CCC and First Gen's shared advocacy for strengthening local communities' resilience to climate change and its impacts. "Our LGUs, down to the barangays, are at the frontlines of climate change and its impacts. They need all the help they can get to have a fighting chance, but they also need transformation. We don't want them to just adapt, we want them to thrive and grow, and this particular agreement—through formulation of eLCCAPs and capacitating them to access the PSF—will exactly do that,” CCC VCED Borje emphasized. "Our mission of forging collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future simply means that we cannot do it alone. Signing an agreement with the Climate Change Commission is completely aligned with what our company is trying to do, in addressing an important challenge that's ahead of us – climate change," First Gen Pres. Puno highlighted. The CCC and First Gen will also strengthen initiatives that involve key stakeholders to promote science- and evidence-based risk assessment and sustain climate-smart leadership and governance among the target beneficiaries. "At the end of the day, we have to safeguard our national interests, which for us means, 'Buhay, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan ang nakataya.' That's all we have to plan for, but it takes more than a village to do this. We need to work very closely together, and this partnership is key to making that happen," VCED Borje underscored. The MOA was signed today, 24 January 2023, at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo, Rizal, and joined by Atty. Carol Kay Paquera, CCC Chief-of-Staff; Shirley H. Cruz, Vice President and Chief-of-Staff; Ricky A. Carandang, Vice President for Corporate Communications; and Ramon Araneta, Vice President for External Affairs and Security of First Gen. Following the MOA signing, seedlings of Narra, Ipil, Banuyo and Supa trees were planted at the BINHI Arboretum to kick-off the partnership. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities,  you can visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 and Chapter 15: Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience MANILA, 15 January 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the inclusion of an accelerated climate change agenda in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and pointed out that this will further strengthen the commitment of the Philippine Government to deliver on key climate actions. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje cited the addition of an entire chapter on climate change in the PDP 2023-2028, Chapter 15: Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience. “The PDP Chapter 15 reflects the Philippine Government’s commitment and dedication to enhance the nation’s overall resilience to climate change and its impacts, putting a premium on the need for integrated and comprehensive climate action between and among government, partners, and all stakeholders,” VCED Borje said.  Chapter 15 of PDP 2023-2028 identifies the goal for communities, institutions, and the natural and built environment to be “more resilient to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change” by 2028. To achieve this objective, Chapter 15 of PDP 2023-2028 identified the following strategies: 1) increasing climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions, 2) enhancing ecosystem resilience, and 3) enabling transition to a low-carbon economy. To support and operationalize PDP 2023-2028, the CCC is updating the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), strengthening the implementation of the National Climate Risk Management Framework (NCRMF), and developing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). These plans and frameworks provide convergence points for CCC to work with relevant government agencies on enhancing ecosystem resilience and enabling low carbon economy transition.  Likewise, these plans and framework will allow the Philippine government to assess the required climate finance and investments on top of public resources for needed climate change actions. Towards this end, 453.1 billion pesos has already been tagged for Fiscal Year 2023 for climate change expenditure by National Government Institutions (NGIs) to be used for adaptation and mitigation programs. VCED Borje noted that the figure represents a significant 56% increase from the climate change expenditure tagged for Fiscal Year 2022 of 289.7 billion pesos, with 83% for adaptation and 17% for mitigation, “an indication of the priority of the Administration given to transformative climate change agenda, as laid out by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.”     VCED Borje also pointed out that it is essential that NGIs implement the adaptation and mitigation projects anchored on the following NCCAP thematic priorities: food security, water sufficiency, human security, environmental and ecological stability, sustainable energy, climate smart industries and services, and knowledge and capacity development. The NCCAP was developed by CCC in consultation with relevant government agencies. This document outlines the country’s strategic direction from 2011 to 2028 as a response to the current situation and projected impacts of climate change.    To further build a robust climate change agenda for the Philippine Government, VCED Borje pointed out the need to likewise increase the compliance rate of NGI submissions and to further assess the progress of the projects based on the NCCAP.    “CCC is working very closely with the Department of Budget and Management to achieve the objective of increasing overall NGI submissions significantly,” said VCED Borje.   Data from CCC showed that for FY 2023, 210 of 316 NGIs submitted their Climate Change Expenditure Tagging compared to 145 for FY 2022, or an increase of 45%.   To increase climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions, the CCC bared that it will ramp up its programs on further strengthening the capacity of LGUs and communities through the development, enhancement and submissions of Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LCCAP). “The CCC will continue to further strengthen its public-private-community engagements to further develop public awareness and understanding on climate change, and further improve the quality of risk and vulnerability assessments,” VCED Borje said. A total of 1,397 out of 1,715 LGUS submitted their LCCAPs in 2022 compared to 715 submissions from LGUs in 2021, showing a substantial 42% increase. The data represent a Year on Year submission rate increase of 40%.  “We will continue to work with the Department of Interior and Local Government in order to follow through with the target of having all 1,715 submit their LCCAPs,” said VCED Borje. “We will intensify our partnerships with the private sector, CSOs and other stakeholders as necessary, as well as provide CCC technical support to build the capacities of our LGUs and enhancing LCCAPs, including in the areas of risk and vulnerability assessment, greenhouse gas inventory, and local climate budget tagging,” added VCED Borje. VCED Borje also pointed out that climate change action has been “integrated in relevant sections of PDP 2023-2028 showing how climate change is an overarching governance issue that impacts and affects different development aspects and components for the nation.” In addition to Chapter 15, climate change-related action points were reflected in PDP Chapters 2-Health, 3-Food Security and Nutrition and Social Protection, 4-Income-earning Ability, 5-Agriculture and Agribusiness, 6-Industries, 7-Services, 8-Research and development, Technology, and Innovation, 11-Fiscal Management, 12-Infrastructure, and 13-Peace and Security. The PDP presents the six-year vision of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s administration towards an upper middle-income and low-carbon development, and climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. The PDP was developed by the National Economic and Development Authority, with other government agencies and stakeholders. For more information about climate change, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

13 January 2023, Manila, Philippines – The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) South-South Collaboration on Climate Information Services (SSCIS) Project Team paid a courtesy call on Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Executive Robert E.A. Borje, the Overall Program Director, to discuss the next steps in the implementation of the SSCIS. During the meeting, VCED Borje welcomed the SSCIS Project Team tasked to handle project operations under the guidance of the CCC as the lead government partner, in coordination with relevant agencies and institutions. “The implementation of the SSCIS Project presents an opportunity for CCC and the Philippine government to further enhance knowledge and capacities in data management, including collecting, generating, and analyzing climate data as a basis of climate action,” said VCED Borje. The SSCIS is a EUR 5-million project that aims to provide climate information services to national and local government, and the academe, and establishes a South-South Center of Excellence as a venue for knowledge exchanges among climate vulnerable countries.  “The South-South Center of Excellence will allow us to further deepen our engagement with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), promoting a whole-of-world approach in enhancing climate resilience of communities,” VCED Borje said.  The SSCIS Project Team is led by Dr. Bjoern Surborg, Principal Advisor of the SSCIS Project and Cluster Coordinator for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for GIZ Philippines Office. “The GIZ Philippines, through the South-South Project, remains committed to work with the Philippine government in promoting data-driven climate action to enhance local knowledge on climate change,” Dr. Surborg said. Dr. Surborg is joined by Mr. Jimmy Loro as the Chief Adviser, and team members Ms. Theresa Lim, Ms. Denise Ann Suarez, Mr. Richard Antonio, and Mr. Rune Ylade. The meeting took place on 13 January 2023.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) with Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II (right) on the CCC’s visit to Siargao Climate Field School for Farmers and Fisherfolks   5 January 2022, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) visited the Siargao Climate Field School for Farmers and Fisherfolks, a People’s Survival Fund (PSF) project, to check on the progress of implementation led by the local government unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. The visit was spearheaded by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II, along with Surigao del Norte State University-Del Carmen Campus Director, Dr. Romy Jun Sunico. The Siargao Climate Field School is the main component of the PSF project of Del Carmen, which aims to provide best available science and latest technology for agricultural and fisheries development. It is envisioned as a regional and national center of excellence for innovative solutions for small island-based ecosystems. “The Climate Field School serves as a training ground for our farmers and fisherfolks to improve their source of livelihood amidst the climate vulnerabilities that our locality has,” Mayor Coro said. The said project was approved in 2016 with a grant of PhP80.7 million. “Our project serves as the benchmark for other LGUs in accessing PSF, especially for island municipalities,” Mayor Coro added. In December 2021, however, the Siargao Climate Field School was among the infrastructure heavily damaged during the onslaught of Super Typhoon (ST) Odette[1], in which damages amounted to PhP50 million.   The losses and damages sustained by Siargao underscore the need to further ramp up capacities for climate change adaptation at the local level, and to further accelerate access to climate finance,” VCED Borje said. VCED Borje conveyed the CCC’s commitment to ensure that the project will become a model for other localities. The CCC will also assist the locality by looking for partners to further support upscaling project implementation. In addition to the Climate Field School, VCED Borje also visited communities in Barangay Caub, one of the beneficiaries of the PSF project and among the most affected barangays by ST Odette. To date, structural damages in Barangay Caub remain evident. In particular, the houses, as well as the seawall that protects the community from storm surges, are yet to be rehabilitated. In a meeting with the barangay officials led by Brgy. Captain Raquel Barquilla, VCED Borje expressed CCC’s support to both the LGU and barangay for their resiliency.   “We will work closely with the LGU in exploring available support that may be provided in assisting the locality’s recovery towards climate resilience,” VCED Borje added. According to VCED Borje, the CCC’s priority is to facilitate access of LGUs and local/community organizations to PSF and other climate finance mechanisms, and to bolster collaboration with the members of the PSF Board and the Department of Finance in improving systems and mechanisms. For more information about PSF, visit https://climate.gov.ph/our-programs/climate-finance/peoples-survival-fund and https://www.facebook.com/PeoplesSurvivalFund/.   [1] International Name: Rai)

QUEZON CITY, 28 December 2022 - In pursuit of scientific, evidence-based, and transparent climate governance, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) brought together national government agencies to discuss the progress of the country’s national climate reports.   Over 50 participants from 24 national government agencies attended the “Coordination and Update Meeting on National Climate Action Monitoring and Reporting,” which covered the three ongoing reports facilitated by CCC: (1) National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2017-2020 Monitoring Report; (2) 2015 and 2020 National [GHG] Inventory Report (NIR); and (3) the Philippine Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).         The NCCAP Monitoring 2017-2020 tracks the progress of the government in concretizing its outputs and outcomes under its seven (7) thematic priorities: food security, water sufficiency, ecological and environmental stability, human security, climate-smart industries and services, sustainable energy, and knowledge and capacity development, in line with the Climate Change Act of 2009, as amended.   The 2015 and 2020 NIR measure GHG emission levels to inform evidence-based mitigation policy and planning and is in line with the Philippine Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management and Reporting System (PGHGIMRS), issued under Executive Order No. 174 in 2014.   The Philippine BUR is one of three (3) national reports to be submitted to the UNFCCC to assess global progress on climate commitments and mobilize support needs of Parties.   “By presenting to all of you today the initiatives and efforts of the national government encapsulated in Climate Reports, we hope to provide a reflection of what we have done so far and how we can scale up our climate actions,” said CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, who welcomed the participants on behalf of Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.   The implementation of National Climate Public Expenditures was also presented to further encourage agencies to tag their climate programs.   Representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also shared their methods and best practices for their respective submissions to the 2015 and 2020 National GHG Inventory Report.                   The Coordination and Update Meeting on National Climate Action Monitoring and Reporting was held on 21 December 2022 at Hive Hotel and Convention Place, Quezon City and also via Zoom video conference.       As the lead agency in the monitoring and evaluation of national climate change programs and as the focal point for the Philippines’ communications to the UNFCCC, the CCC shall continue to work with various national government agencies to foster the finalization of the said reports.   For more information about the Philippine BUR, GHG Inventory, and NCCAP, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

MANILA, 25 November 2022 — Science- and local-based action plans are crucial in addressing the worsening impacts of climate change in the country. This was highlighted during the 11th National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) Forum, where NPTE members recommended concrete action points to address the 10 leading climate risks in the Philippines. The 16-member panel laid out strategies and action plans for each of the risks identified to support the national and local governments in formulating and crafting science-based policies. “In order to deal with and find appropriate and sustainable solutions to the issues caused by the economic and non-economic impacts of climate change, the NPTE members will work together with various entities, such as government agencies, civil society organizations, private and public education institutions, and local government units, to undertake science-based climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction and management action plans,” said Dr. Doracie Zoleta-Nantes, NPTE Chairperson. The forum also became an avenue for LGUs to share their experiences in the recent extreme weather events that hit the country. Leyte 3rd District Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change, shared that the extreme weather events, which have been made worse by climate change, have had a tremendous impact on their local community. “Our Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan states that 1,090 of our 1,641 barangays in the 40 municipalities of the province –  or 66.4% -- are flood susceptible, and 29 of the coastal municipalities, five of which are in my district, and all three cities, are vulnerable to storm surge,” Tuazon emphasized. The area's basic social services, primary sources of livelihood—agriculture and fishing—as well as infrastructure development are all severely affected by floods and rain-induced landslides. Flooding is one of the 10 climate-induced risks identified by the NPTE. Among other risks are rising sea levels; coastal erosion; increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones; extreme drought; temperature increase and rising urban heat index; extreme rainfall; climate-influenced diseases; changing wind patterns, and biodiversity loss. About P515.51 billion ($10.6 billion) in loss and damage have already been attributed to climate risks in the country from 2010 to 2020. In order to prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change, Tuazon emphasized the importance of technical advice from local scientists and academicians, especially in the areas of marine spatial planning, riverbank stabilization, agroforestry development, upland reforestation, and mangrove protection and management. For climate change adaptation, she noted that data gathering is crucial for developing risk management and science-based programs. “Our discussion of adaptation implies that we know our problem, we have our benchmarks, and can begin crafting policies and the solutions for adaptation because we have the data on which to premise our discussions of loss and damage, and the financial and technological mechanisms to prevent or reduce risk and bounce back immediately,” she added. In addition, the forum also featured renowned science experts, including Dr. Faye Abigail Cruz who presented highlights of the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and Dr. Rosa Perez, who provided an overview of the loss and damage scenario in the Philippines. The forum brought together state universities and colleges, higher education institutions, local government unit representatives, and various national government agencies, face-to-face and online, to highlight the importance of transforming science into local action towards climate resilience. “It is imperative that we are able to further build and strengthen local capacities to conduct climate action in different fields. Buhay, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan ang nakataya,” said Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The 11th NPTE Forum, held on 23 November 2022 in Novotel Manila, is part of the commemoration of the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action for a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. For more information about the 11th NPTE Forum and CCC Week 2022, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA) are building up their institutional partnerships to further bolster Local Government Unit (LGU) capacities for climate change mitigation and adaptation. CCC and DILG-LGA are conducting the culminating batch of the training-of-trainers on the formulation of enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP)  on 21 to 25 November 2022 in Ace Hotel and Suites, Pasig City. The Training of Trainers coincides with the observance of the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. The activity is part of the series of training-of-trainers spearheaded by the two agencies, with the overall objective of creating a pool of coaches and experts to assist the Local Governance Regional Resources Centers (LGRRCs) nationwide in their conduct of capacity building activities on the development of eLCCAPs. Around 90 participants representing DILG regional offices, city and municipal planning and development offices, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices, as well as representatives from local resource institutes and higher education institutions from Regions 5, 10, 13, 4B, and National Capital Region will attend the said training. Through the DILG and CCC partnership, LGUs demonstrated increased capacities for climate action and reporting. DILG released Memorandum Circular 2021-068, enjoining LGUs to submit their LCCAPs to the CCC, which resulted in additional 715 LCCAPs received by the CCC. This increased submissions by 93% from 2021, overall making total LCCAP submissions at 80% from 1,715 LGUs. The training of trainers supports this year’s CCC Week theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” by mentoring and capacitating local government units and higher education institutions in the country on the formulation and enhancement of science-based and risk-informed action plans. This will help to strengthen the local communities’ adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change. The five-day activity will cover the process of LCCAP formulation and all its technical components, such as Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment, Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Climate Change Expenditure Tagging, and People’s Survival Fund.  The training will be facilitated by resource persons from the CCC, DILG Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD), and Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA). For more information about the upcoming training-of-trainers on the formulation of eLCCAP and other CCC Week activities, visit the CCC’s social media pages at @cccphl.

Mr. Sabin M. Aboitiz, President and CEO of Aboitiz Group and lead for the Private Sector Advisory Council, stressed the role of private-public partnership toward sustainability in his closing remarks during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022 in Novotel Manila, Quezon City.     MANILA, 22 November 2022 –  Private-Public partnership and aligned sustainability efforts have been identified as key components to resiliency and climate change action success in the Philippines.  At the closing ceremonies of the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer as well as lead for the Private Sector Advisory Council Mr. Sabin M. Aboitiz emphasized that government and private sector partnership aligned towards sustainability targets are critical for shared success for climate change risk nation like the Philippines.  Acknowledging the need for acting together, Mr. Aboitiz emphasized, "As the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.) himself said, the fight against climate change can only be successful if everyone is committed and determined to steer our practices and systems towards a greener direction. Victory will not come by defeating a visible enemy. It will come in certain moments  when we can see that we are gradually averting a global crisis."  Citing the experience of the Aboitiz Group of companies, Mr. Aboitiz underscored that  “Sustainability remains at the core of all our business operations. Our group is firmly committed to the highest environment, social, and government standards and practices." "By setting bolder targets to better serve our communities and customers, we are reaffirming this commitment, which is for a hundred years, has been consistent in building a sustainable future for generations to come," he added.  Mr. Aboitiz also cited the value of using best available science and technology as well as fostering innovation in order to contribute to Philippine efforts to accelerate just transition to a low carbon economy.  "Emerging technologies have enabled us to discover many new opportunities to help alleviate a climate crisis. These technologies are, of course, supported by the innovative initiatives of our recent great transformation into an eco-friendly technologies." Mr. Aboitiz likewise underlined the importance of clear policy pronouncements made by President Marcos on climate change action, environmental management and protection and sustainability efforts so that the private sector can align itself with the vision for the country’s development.  "Much of our work takes inspiration from the pronouncement of our dear President who on several occasions have vowed to push for reforms and programs on environmental protection and conservation." The Climate Investment Forum, as part of the observance of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, brought together various stakeholders to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action. With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the upcoming CCC Week 2022 activities, visit the CCC social media pages at @cccphl.

New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, Securities and Exchange Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, and Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Atty. Roel Refran were among those who signed the Statement of Commitment on climate investment and just transition during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022 in Novotel Manila.     MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Multistakeholders commit to boost investment for climate and sustainability initiatives and accelerate just transition to achieve a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050 Government leaders, business and financial sectors, and civil society organizations signed a Statement of Commitment ensuring availability and accessibility of financing mechanisms for climate and sustainability projects. It also supports the acceleration of the Philippines’ low-carbon development and just transition from coal to renewable energy. Recognizing the imperative for an effective, collective response to the urgent threats of climate change, the commitment also includes the stakeholders’ deployment of innovative interventions with sustainable, positive impacts on supply chains and value chains. New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, Securities and Exchange Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Atty. Roel Refran, and Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz led the ceremonial signing during the Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 organized by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on 21 November in Quezon City. It forms part of the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). “In the spirit of ‘No One Should Be Left Behind” in the Sustainable Development Goals, this statement of commitment is not just for us, but for our children and the children of our children,” said CCC Commissioner Dela Cruz. “Fighting the impacts of climate change comes at a cost. As a developing country that is at risk, the Philippines needs all the help we can get from both the public and private sectors, and indeed the international community through investments on adaptation and mitigation actions,” said Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. "The private sector—both being contributory and vulnerable to climate impacts—must see the value of these investments in growing their businesses, insulating their people and operations from climate shocks, avoiding emissions that exacerbate global warming and climate change, and how these can ultimately influence our ways of life for the better," said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera. With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the ceremonial signing and the CIF, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.