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PH urges collaboration, planning, financing & communication to scale and speed up adaptation for developing world
March 17, 2024 Sunday

17 March 2024, Bonn, Germany. Representing developing nations, the Philippines underscored the importance of collaboration, planning, financing, and strategic communication to enhance climate change adaptation action and support.  The Adaptation Committee of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held its 25th meeting to discuss adaptation and support in line with the global stocktake and the new global goal on adaptation framework.  Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Philippines' Climate Change Commission (CCC), serving as Committee member representing non-Annex I countries, actively participated in the discussion, sharing first-hand experiences of developing nations in climate change adaptation.  Borje pointed out the need for close collaboration among all adaptation actors at global, subnational, and national levels, ensuring alignment and coherence in adaptation work.  With only 51 National Adaptation Plan (NAP) submissions by developing countries as of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), increased support for adaptation planning and implementation is a critical priority. “From adaptation planning to implementation, adequate means of implementation and support (MOIs) must be available and accessible for developing nations. To achieve this, strengthening collaboration among countries and stakeholders is crucial, towards  alignment and coherence in adaptation actions, and immediate delivery of MOIs by the developed world,” Borje said.  He added that the need to double adaptation finance from 2019 levels and the gaps in adaptation financing must be immediately addressed to support developing nations’ actions towards global climate resilience.  The Adaptation Gap Report 2023 of the UN Environment Programme estimated that investments of USD 387 billion are needed to close the gap on adaptation financing.  “With COP29 tagged as ‘Finance COP,’ we must take this opportunity to push for  increased adaptation financing to close these gaps and fully support formulation and implementation of NAPs,” Borje added.  For more holistic and inclusive adaptation action, Borje raised the importance of strategic communications in the Adaptation Committee’s approach.  “We must transition from communication strategy to strategic communications to address the need for urgent and transformative adaptation. We need to enhance our ways in communicating climate change and climate change adaptation in a way that would result in more holistic and inclusive climate action on the ground,” Borje said.  Anchored on the recently adopted outcomes of the first global stocktake, and the conclusion of the Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation, the UNFCCC constituted body now charts paths to enhance climate action and support, with a focus on particularly vulnerable and developing nations.  Immediate adaptation strategies include strengthening collaboration with UN and UNFCCC bodies, countries, and other stakeholders; providing support in NAP formulation and implementation; offering technical assistance in adaptation reporting, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL); and advancing strategic communications on adaptation.  The 25th meeting of the Adaptation Committee was held at the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany. Subsequent events include the 2024 Adaptation Forum from 18 to 19 March in Bonn, Germany, and the NAP Expo on 22 to 23 April in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  The Adaptation Committee is a constituted body under the UNFCCC tasked to provide guidance to the work of countries on climate change adaptation and resilience. The Philippines, through CCC Secretary Borje, serves as a member of the Adaptation Committee, following nomination and election by developing countries, and appointment in COP28 in Dubai, UAE. This is the first time a Filipino national sits on the Adaptation Committee in the latter’s 14-year history. As the lead agency on climate change, the CCC continues to further deepen and broaden Philippine engagement in the UNFCCC and other relevant and related fora to advance core national and developing world interests, consistent with the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.  Under the Marcos Administration, advancing climate resilience of the Philippines through climate change adaptation and mitigation remains a priority.  

CCC urges public vigilance amid heightened risk of fires exacerbated by climate change
March 15, 2024 Friday

MANILA, 15 March 2024 – The Climate Change Commission urged the public to take preventive measures against urban and forest fires exacerbated by the ongoing El Niño. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the combination of heat and the absence of moisture effectively dries up most materials, making them more vulnerable to sparking widespread fires that cause significant losses to lives and livelihoods. As of March 5, 2024, a total of 3,200 fire incidents were recorded nationwide, marking a 26% increase compared to approximately 2,539 occurrences during the same period last year, according to BFP Director Louie Puracan. He also shared that the 2024 fires have already claimed 70 lives —  representing a 37.25% rise from the 51 lives lost in fires that occurred in 2023 around the same quarter. Similarly, this year’s fires have resulted in an estimated P2.33 billion loss and damage to property, indicating a 59.6% increase compared to the P1.46 billion during the same period last year. The BFP tagged El Niño as a significant contributor to the fires, especially wildfires and forest fires, citing the current wildfires unfolding in the Cordillera Region as an example. “Isa pa ring challenge natin ngayon ay yung El Niño. Nakikita po natin sa news, na particularly sa Cordillera area, we have recorded 72 fire incidents na,” said Puracan. Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos tracked some forest fires to root from embers left out by campers in the wild. Given this, he encouraged the masses to be responsible and ensure that the fires they start during camping be securely put-out. “Let’s be responsible for our actions kase minsan, yung mga naiwan na pinagsawaan nilang apoy dun nagsisimulang lumiliyab at ang daming mga kahoy ngayon ang talagang tuyo. Ang problema natin sa bushfire, ang hirap patayin nito, lalo’t gubat ang sinusunog niya,” Abalos said. The CCC emphasized the importance of preemptive measures against fires during the intensified dry season. The Commission shares methods to prevent fires during this period, rallying the Filipino people to fireproof their properties, practice safe and responsible cooking at all times, and prepare for fire emergencies. Recognizing the risks associated with climate-induced phenomena like El Niño, the CCC, in partnership with other national government agencies, has crafted policies and strategies that prepare the nation for climate-related impacts and disasters. These strategies are outlined in the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the National Climate Risk Management Framework (NCRMF). Similarly, the draft National Adaptation Plan (NAP) serves as a blueprint for initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience at both sectoral and community levels against the impacts of climate change. It prioritizes eight sectors requiring urgent interventions: agriculture, fisheries, and food security; water resources; health; ecosystems and biodiversity; cultural heritage, population displacement, and migration; land use and human settlements; livelihood and industries; energy, transport, and communication. “Implementing the strategies and recommendations outlined in these policies and frameworks strengthens our adaptive capacity to face climate risks such as El Niño, ultimately leading to more climate-resilient communities,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. PAGASA has issued a warning about the onset of a severe El Niño event this month, with most global climate models projecting its persistence from March to May. In response to this forecast and in celebration of the 2024 National Fire Prevention Month with the theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa,” the CCC stands with the BFP in reminding everyone to undertake proactive measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño in their households and communities.

PH joins UNFCCC Adaptation Committee
March 15, 2024 Friday

15 March 2024, Bonn, Germany. The Philippines formally joined the Adaptation Committee of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the first time, paving the way for deeper engagement to advance adaptation interests for developing countries. The Philippines’ Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje is participating in the meeting of the Adaptation Committee, following his appointment during the 28th Sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP28).  This is the first time a Filipino national was appointed to the Adaptation Committee in the body’s 14-year history since being established in 2010 through the COP16 Cancun Agreement. “Much needs to be done for at-risk developing countries, including the Philippines. Our active involvement in the multilateral process, such as through the UNFCCC’s Adaptation Committee, is crucial to ensure that advancements in the global climate agenda particularly on adaptation aligns with national circumstances, and supports addressing the needs and priorities of nations most affected by climate change,” Borje said. The Adaptation Committee convened its first meeting this year after the COP28 adoption of the following milestone decisions: outcomes of the first global stocktake, and the global goal on adaptation framework. With adaptation gaps at global-level recognized, the Adaptation Committee will now focus on identifying recommendations anchored on the objectives of the Global Goal on Adaptation Framework: to enhance adaptation action and support, and reduce adverse impacts and risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Membership in the Adaptation Committee, as well as participation in these meetings are aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s guidance for the Philippines to advance core Philippine interests in transformative climate action and to actively engage in multilateral fora and events, as part of the country’s commitment to address climate change.   President Marcos’ guidance reflects climate change as a priority of the Philippine government, with the meetings seen as a means to encourage countries to further accelerate climate action, and discuss resourcing to support actions by developing nations. Borje served as the Philippines’ lead negotiator for global stocktake and transparency workstreams in COP28, and was appointed member of the Adaptation Committee to represent developing countries at the same conference. The Committee comprises 16 members: 2 each from the 5 United Nations regional groups, 1 from a least developed country Party, 2 from Annex 1 Parties, and 2 from Parties not included in Annex 1. The Adaptation Committee is a constituted body under the UNFCCC tasked to provide guidance to the work of countries on climate change adaptation and resilience. The 25th meeting of the Adaptation Committee is being held at the UN Campus, Bonn, Germany. This will be followed by the 2024 Adaptation Forum from 18 to 19 March in Bonn, Germany, and the NAP Expo in April in Dhaka, Bangladesh

CCC, DBM ramp up climate mainstreaming into nat’l budget
March 04, 2024 Monday

MANILA, 4 March 2024 — In a concerted effort to strengthen the systematic incorporation of climate considerations within the government's budget, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently convened National Government Instrumentalities (NGIs) for the Annual Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) Orientation.  Aligned with the National Budget Call for FY2025, this year's CCET Orientation provided up-to-date information on NGIs’ climate budget programming, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision for sustainable development and climate resilience. The orientation was held in four batches, catering to budget officers, planning officers, and climate change focals of National Government Agencies (NGAs), agency members of the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) Risk Resiliency Program (RRP), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Government Owned- or Controlled-Corporations (GOCCs).  Highlighting the significance of their roles, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized, “As stewards of public funds, your roles extend beyond routine budgeting and programming. You help build the architecture of our nation’s climate resilience. Your meticulous planning, programming, and budgeting activities are the building blocks that contribute to the success of CCET and our nation’s adaptation and mitigation strategies.” “We are reminded of our duty as public servants to be at the forefront of the national government’s transformative climate agenda”, DBM Undersecretary Joselito R. Basilio added. In December 2023, the DBM issued National Budget Memorandum No. 149 to guide agencies in coordinating their resources toward achieving banner government programs such as climate change and risk resiliency. “Let us remember that the delivery of climate actions within our respective mandates is a necessity”, said CCC Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz Sr.  The event was attended by 356 NGIs to enhance their capacity to tag, identify, and advance public resources for climate action.  The orientation marks the beginning of the CCET Quality Assurance and Review (QAR) approval process where the CCC reviews the climate-related programs identified by NGIs.  Pursuant to the CCC Memorandum Circular 2024-01, NGIs are expected to submit their climate budget proposals to CCC from 13 March 2024 until 12 April 2024 for issuance of an approval letter, as part of the DBM’s requirement for climate budget tagging.  In the 2024 National Budget Call, 260 out of 364 NGAs participated in the CCET process, making a significant advancement from the previous fiscal year, where 210 out of 326 NGAs participated in CCET. The CCET serves as the government’s tool to track, monitor, and report public climate expenditures within its annual appropriations.  For more information about the CCET, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/climate-finance/ccet.

CCC: Brace against the effects of El Niño
February 23, 2024 Friday

MANILA, Philippines | 23 February 2024 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) urges the Filipino people to take proactive measures following the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) of an increased El Niño activity. PAGASA announced the possibility of an increase in the number of provinces to be affected by the El Niño phenomenon. From 41 provinces that experienced adverse effects in January, the number is projected to reach 51 by the end of this month.  According to PAGASA, Metro Manila and 23 other provinces may experience drought by the end of the month, according to state meteorologists. These provinces are Abra, Apayao, Aurora, Bataan, Benguet, Cagayan, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Pangasinan, Quirino, Rizal and Zambales. El Niño refers to a periodic weather event characterized by a warming of the ocean surface or above-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific. It is associated with droughts, heat waves, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events. While its effects are global, El Niño hits Asian countries the hardest. The Philippines, in particular, is currently experiencing extreme drought, one of the slow-onset effects of climate change. Drought is characterized by a decrease of 21 to 60 percent in rain occurrences for five consecutive months, or below normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months. These conditions adversely affect climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, energy, water, health and public safety, leading to food, energy and water insecurity. “The recurrence of the El Niño phenomenon calls for the implementation of both short and long-term solutions to ensure food, water and energy security, safeguard livelihoods, and improve the country's disaster and climate resilience," said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in signing the Executive Order No. 53 or the reactivation and reconstitution of Task Force El Niño. The CCC, in cooperation with other national government agencies, has developed policies and strategies that will prepare the nation for climate change impacts and disasters. These include: The National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which outlines strategies for building resilience to climate change impacts, including El Niño. It calls for improved water resource management, early warning systems, and climate-smart agriculture practices. The Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs). Developed by local governments, the LCCAPs provide context-specific adaptation measures tailored to local vulnerabilities. Integrating El Niño preparedness into LCCAPs ensures targeted and effective action. The National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC), which guides the country's long-term response to climate change. It underscores the importance of mainstreaming climate considerations into all development plans, including disaster risk reduction and management. The National Climate Risk Management Framework (NCRMF), which outlines a systematic approach to managing climate risks, including those associated with El Niño. Implementing its recommendations strengthens preparedness and response capacity. “Implementing the strategies and recommendations outlined in these policies and frameworks strengthens our adaptive capacity to face climate risks such as El Niño, ultimately leading to more climate-resilient communities,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. PAGASA has warned of a strong El Niño activity this month, while most global climate models foresee the phenomenon to persist from March to May. In light of this forecast, the CCC encourages everyone to take the necessary steps to minimize the negative impacts of El Niño in their homes and communities. What to do before and during El Niño These El Niño preparedness tips encompass preparing for the rising temperature, water shortages, fire prevention and safety, and typhoons and other extreme weather events.  Withstanding Rising Temperatures Insulate the home. Proper insulation is crucial to keep your home cool without depending on energy-consuming air conditioning. Check roofs, walls and windows to ensure they are insulated, and consider adding insulation to prevent heat from entering the home. Employ natural cooling methods. Take advantage of natural cooling methods that are both sustainable and culturally significant. Place plants strategically in the home to reduce heat absorption, provide shade and improve air quality.  Stay hydrated. Extreme heat requires extra attention to staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and prepare homemade electrolyte solutions using salt, citrus fruits and other easily accessible ingredients to replenish essential minerals and electrolytes that you lose when you perspire. Addressing Water Shortages Harvest rainwater. Collect and store rainwater by installing a rainwater harvesting system. This can provide water for non-potable uses such as cleaning, flushing the toilet and watering the plants. Rain barrels, gutters and filters can collect and store rainwater effectively. Make sure to seal the container of collected rainwater to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Adopt water-saving techniques. These include reusing gray water from washing machines and showers, using a bucket instead of a hose when washing vehicles, and fixing plumbing leaks promptly.  Find alternative water sources. Find out if there are alternative water sources in your area, such as community wells or springs. Work collectively to ensure they remain sustainable while maintaining cleanliness. Preventing Fires Fireproof your property. Choose fire-resistant landscaping techniques and plants to avoid the risk of wildfires. Avoid flammable materials such as lightweight wood or highly combustible plants. Instead, choose native plants that thrive in the local climate and soil conditions to also reduce the risk of them becoming invasive.  Practice safe cooking techniques. Avoid grilling or cooking outdoors on windy days and don’t leave cooking unattended. Check smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly, and keep fire extinguishers readily available. Prepare for emergencies. Create a fire safety plan and apprise all family members of evacuation routes and meeting points. Make sure you have grab-and-go-bags that contain flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, lightweight blankets, solar chargers and other essentials.  Bracing for Typhoons Reinforce your home. Protect your home from strong winds and rain and other extreme weather conditions by securing roofs, reinforcing windows with protective shutters, and making sure that doors are sturdy.  Create natural barriers. Plant trees around your property to provide shade and contribute to sustainability. Trees also can also help protect you against strong winds during typhoons. Work with your community to organize tree-planting activities for a stronger, collective impact. Craft emergency kits. Prepare a comprehensive emergency kit that contains essentials that are often overlooked, such as solar chargers and waterproof document protectors, to help you stay connected and informed during and after emergencies. Also pack non-perishable food, water, medication and raincoats. Preparing for and coping with El Niño requires community collaboration. The Climate Change Commission encourages individuals to form neighborhood watch groups to monitor and address El Niño-related challenges together. “Collaborative efforts can help identify solutions for common concerns and develop a stronger sense of resilience within your community,” Borje said. For more information about the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://www.facebook.com/cccphl.