CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera and NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Abad Santos emphasized the Philippines’ goal to strengthen its commitment to climate action at the Nationally Determined Contribution Partnership Steering Committee Meeting in New York. NEW YORK, 16 October 2024 – The Philippines highlighted the importance of international collaboration and national leadership in advancing climate action, aligning its efforts with the 1.5°C global goal during the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Partnership Steering Committee Meeting held in New York, USA. The two-day event gathered representatives of developing countries, developed countries and their funding organizations, multilateral development banks, and academia, who form part of the NDC Partnership steering committee, to discuss the current and upcoming work program aimed to support higher ambition in NDCs by 2025. The Philippine delegation, led by Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Undersecretary Carlos Abad Santos of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), expressed gratitude for the NDC Partnership's efforts to address the growing needs of developing countries. During the meeting, Herrera acknowledged the NDC Partnership’s assistance, which includes resources from the Partnership Action Fund (PAF) and the deployment of in-country facilitators to help develop the Philippines’ NDC Partnership Plan. She emphasized the need for sustained international collaboration and country-level leadership for successful climate action efforts. "The (NDC) Partnership is at a crossroads but is well-placed to seize the momentum. For the Philippines, we prioritize climate action from the highest and across all levels of government, aligning with our national development agenda.” Herrera also highlighted the unique role of the NDC Partnership in guiding countries through climate financing mechanisms. "The platform has become the 'approach of choice' for many, including the Philippines, as we engage with bilateral partners and multilateral development banks to enhance our climate resilience," she stated. She pointed out the importance of focusing on countries committed to implement and enhance their NDCs, those with the potential for transformative adaptation co-benefits, and those promoting inclusion and gender empowerment. Equally important are countries that may lack quantitative indicators but show promise through peer-to-peer learning due to positive outcomes and progress in realizing ambitious goals. In his remarks, Undersecretary Abad Santos reiterated the Philippines' commitment to submitting an enhanced NDC by 2025. “The Philippines intends to submit an enhanced NDC 3.0, focusing on scaling up climate action and ambition on mitigation and implementation,” he stated. This updated plan will establish a robust measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system, emphasizing adaptation and resilience. He shared that the country’s NDC will revisit parameters and measures across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, industry, and forestry, while setting respective targets based on integrated modeling and economy-wide analysis. Abad Santos stressed the importance of collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector, and stakeholders to assess progress, address barriers, and improve implementation coordination, ensuring that climate actions are both ambitious and feasible. As the Philippines prepares to update its NDC for the 2025 cycle guided by the Paris Agreement, it will continue to prioritize adaptation strategies that address the immediate needs of its people while scaling up mitigation efforts to contribute to global climate goals. The CCC remains committed to coordinating and collaborating with international partners to drive effective climate action and a climate-resilient future for the Philippines. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
CCC Vice Chairperson Robert E.A. Borje addresses the Children and Youth Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, where over 50 representatives from child- and youth-led organizations, government, and civil society convened for national consultation. MANILA, 16 October 2024— The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the important role of youth in advancing disaster risk reduction and climate resilience during the recent Children and Youth Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje highlighted that the involvement of young people is crucial in the national development agenda to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience. In his address, Borje emphasized the concept of intergenerational responsibility, wherein the judiciary recognizes the need to protect both the environment and the systems and processes that empower the youth. “We must ensure that they have the opportunity and capability to occupy positions of responsibility in the future,” he stated. Borje also acknowledged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for prioritizing the climate change agenda from the outset of his administration, recalling his statement during the first State of the Nation Address that emphasized, "The preservation of the environment is the preservation of life. Without mitigating climate change, all our plans for the economy and our future will be for naught." He also highlighted the integration of climate resilience in key national plans, including the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP). “For the first time, the PDP includes a specific chapter on climate and disaster resilience. These plans, developed in consultation with the private sector, civil society organizations, and the youth, will chart our path to sustainability.” Addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead, Borje called on the youth to take an active role in disaster preparedness. “In the context of DRRM, you should be ready at the frontlines. You are a significant part of our population and will be called upon during emergencies. Your lifeline will be what’s in your head and heart,” Borje stated. He further highlighted the need for a culture of preparedness rooted in science, and readiness of the youth to the localization of the NAP next year. “The best currency right now is science, and the most effective disaster risk reduction strategy is prevention. I commend the youth for their growing knowledge of DRRM. This knowledge should not just be practiced but nurtured into a culture of preparedness.” Recognizing the unique potential of the younger generation, Borje emphasized their capacity to effect change in ways that previous generations could not. He noted that the government now offers opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful initiatives that will build them individually and professionally while building their communities and countries. Particularly, he highlighted the CCC's mechanisms for engaging the youth and expressed hope for enhanced collaborations with organizational partners, including UNICEF, World Vision, Plan International Philippines, Save the Children, and the Makati LGU, as well as with international partners. Borje concluded by emphasizing the need to develop a community of champions—climate champions and disaster readiness champions—comprising Filipinos with strong minds and resilient hearts, ready to prepare the nation for any and all disasters. “Don’t think of yourselves as just drops in the ocean. Think of yourselves as having an ocean within you, waiting to be unlocked. This is a collective fight, not one person’s fight,” he said. The National Consultation with Children and Youth on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) convened over 50 representatives from child- and youth-led organizations, government, and civil society to push for urgent action against the climate crisis. Statements from this consultation will be presented to key decision-makers during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), taking place from October 14-17 in Manila. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca delivers a speech on behalf of Secretary Robert EA Borje during the "Scaling Up Climate Action Against Loss and Damage" event at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, Philippines (October 14, 2024). Manila, Philippines (October 16, 2024) — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the importance of loss and damage mechanisms in advancing transformative climate actions at the "Scaling Up Climate Action on Loss and Damage," a special event of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca described climate change as "the governance challenge of our generation." With the Asia-Pacific region home to 4.7 billion people—60% of the global population—Cuenca emphasized that climate change impacts, including stronger typhoons and rising sea levels, are creating significant economic and non-economic losses across borders. "Addressing these losses requires going beyond mitigation and adaptation," he stated. He highlighted the Santiago Network and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) as key milestones in global climate governance. "These mechanisms are essential to support particularly at-risk developing countries, which bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions," he stated. Cuenca underscored the Philippines' role as host of the FRLD Board as an opportunity for the Asia-Pacific region to lead efforts in addressing the irreversible impacts of climate change. He highlighted how the FRLD’s implementation will provide much-needed resources and technical assistance to vulnerable countries, in alignment with disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development goals. "The operationalization of the FRLD offers an opportunity to integrate climate action into our development goals," Cuenca said, stressing that this initiative will strengthen institutional capacities and foster collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector. Cuenca also stressed the need for financial support from global sources to help developing nations cope with increasingly severe climate-related disasters. He affirmed the CCC's commitment to ensure that the FRLD delivers tangible benefits, while emphasizing the role of international partnerships and knowledge exchange. "In operationalizing this Fund, we have the potential to integrate loss and damage into our national climate commitments, such as the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement," Cuenca explained, calling for a united effort to address the climate crisis for the benefit of future generations. The special event, which brought together global and local leaders, policymakers, and climate advocates, provided an update on the rollout of loss and damage mechanisms and discussed challenges and opportunities in doing so in the region. The APMCDRR is Asia-Pacific's primary platform for monitoring and advancing regional cooperation on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. This year, the Philippines partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to host the event, which gathered international governments, organizations, the private sector, and stakeholders to accelerate disaster risk reduction efforts.
From left to right: Annray Villota-Rivera (Department of Agriculture), Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla (Philippine Commission on Women), Director General Winfried Wicklein (Asian Development Bank), Ambassador Marie Fontanel (Ambassador of the French Republic to the Philippines), Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera (Climate Change Commission), Director Michael O. Sinocruz (Department of Energy), Pavit Ramachandran (Asian Development Bank), Selva Ramachandran (United Nations Development Programme) MANILA, PHILIPPINES (7 OCTOBER 2024) — The Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC) has launched the Gender Action Plan (GAP) of the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2024-2030, signifying the country’s deep commitment towards gender-responsive climate action. The plan, adopted for the agriculture, energy, waste and industry, and transportation sectors, was developed through technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and will be rolled out with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The Gender Action Plan is aligned with the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and its Implementation Plan (NDCIP), with the latter finalized under the current administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Consistent with President Marcos’ vision for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, the NDC Gender Action Plan ensures that gender considerations are central to the Philippines’ efforts to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and increase the share of renewable energy to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. “ADB is pleased to work with the Government of the Philippines to integrate gender equality in climate change strategies and programs. While evidence shows that women are disproportionately affected by disasters and climate change impacts, they have limited opportunities to participate in the decisions that affect them or to lead climate responses,” said Winfried Wicklein, ADB Director General for the Southeast Asia Regional Department. The Asia and the Pacific region are building momentum in recognizing the importance of gender equality in climate action and implementing concrete measures to achieve it. As of 2023, 37 out of 49 countries with NDCs acknowledge the interlinkages between gender and climate change. “Our Gender Action Plan resolves that, first, greenhouse gas reduction efforts will ensure women are less disproportionately impacted by climate change; second, financial assistance will be equitably distributed and prioritize those most vulnerable; and finally, economic gains, improved security, and resilience will be enjoyed more equitably across all communities," said DENR Secretary and Official Representative of the President in the CCC, Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. The NDC Gender Action Plan is a landmark achievement as the Philippines now joins the ranks of countries on a clear path towards gender-responsive climate policy implementation. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) plays a key role in providing critical operational and technical assistance for its successful implementation. “Climate change is a cornerstone of French diplomacy, and we are equally committed to advancing gender equality through our feminist foreign policy. This is why France proudly supports the Philippines’ NDC GAP by providing technical assistance to the CCC through AFD,” said Her Excellency, Ambassador Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Philippines. In March 2024, AFD signed a grant financing agreement with the CCC to provide 255.000 euros to further advance the implementation of the NDC GAP, ensuring that gender considerations are fully integrated into climate change policies across critical sectors. The NDC GAP ensures that policies on reducing emissions integrate gender considerations in the critical sectors of agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy. The plan provides for the establishment of a Gender and Climate Change Advisory Group, customized gender guidelines for climate change adaptation and mitigation projects, capacity building and development, sex-disaggregated databases, climate and vulnerability assessments, and monitoring and evaluation. “With this plan in place, we look forward to seeing more women equipped with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions, access resources, and take timely climate action in their communities,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. National Gender and Climate Change Focal Point and CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera thanked the government partners and ADB for the collaborative process that produced the NDC GAP. “This Plan will serve to improve the capacity of gender focal points in our NDC sector-specific agencies to design and implement emissions reduction programs while addressing the inequitable impacts of climate change on women,” she said. “We look forward to seeing increased collaboration on gender integration among climate change multi-agency committees and councils, and enhanced GAD strategies and gender actions to address climate change.” “I also want to commend the efforts of the various sectors involved and their commitment to driving the NDC GAP forward,” Herrera further noted. The Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Transportation affirmed their commitment to the NDC GAP and will supervise the progress of its implementation. Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla of the Philippine Commission on Women capped the event by emphasizing, "The GAP NDC is not just a plan; it’s a call to arms for collective action wherein everyone commits to roll up their sleeves and work together for a sustainable future." Overall, the launch event aims to celebrate and raise awareness of this landmark framework, demonstrating the Philippines’ deep commitment to gender equality and climate action. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Little Egret. Photo courtesy: WildSiargao Facebook Page. Traveling thousands of miles and connecting ecosystems across the globe, migratory birds are vital in sustaining the health of our planet. Their incredible journey highlights the wonders of nature and reminds us of the delicate balance they help maintain in the environment. Migratory birds are species that move between regions and continents in search of food, better climates, and suitable breeding conditions. Many follow specific migration routes called “flyways,” often guided by natural landmarks like mountain ranges, river valleys, or coastlines, which help them navigate across geographic areas. These birds play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems healthy, particularly by controlling insect populations. Acting as natural pest controllers, they feed on insects, preventing overpopulation that could damage crops and harm agricultural productivity. This ecosystem service is crucial to natural habitats and human food security. In addition to pest control, migratory birds contribute to pollination, helping plants grow and sequester carbon– critical for combating climate change. By supporting plant biodiversity, they ensure ecosystems function properly and maintain their resilience in the face of ecological changes. However, these environmental stewards face increasing threats from habitat loss and shrinking food sources. Urbanization and expanding agricultural areas have reduced their natural habitats. Light pollution from cities disrupts their migration patterns, and the widespread use of pesticides diminishes their primary food sources, such as insects. When insect populations decline, the entire food chain suffers.This weakens the ecological balance and puts added pressure on migratory birds, whose survival depends on a thriving environment. The decline in these birds can serve as a warning signal for broader environmental health issues. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission, highlighted the crucial role of migratory birds. "These species are integral to the health of our ecosystem, making it imperative that we take immediate action to ensure their preservation," he stated. To address these challenges, proactive conservation efforts are needed. Reducing pesticide use, promoting organic and sustainable farming, and preserving natural habitats are crucial steps to protect migratory birds and the ecosystems they support. For example, creating wildlife corridors and maintaining safe nesting grounds can provide them with the shelter they need during their journeys. Moreover, reducing gas emissions and embracing sustainable practices can help mitigate the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events like tropical cyclones and droughts that further threaten these birds’ habitats. Protecting migratory birds ultimately means safeguarding the natural systems on which we all depend. World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated every second Saturday of May and October, emphasizing the positive participation in raising awareness about the importance of these remarkable creatures and the environments they rely on. It offers individuals and communities an opportunity to take part in protecting migratory birds through small yet impactful actions, from planting trees to reducing light pollution. Migratory birds are more than just travelers. They are vital to our planet’s health. By ensuring their survival, we also protect the intricate web of life that sustains us all.
