MANILA, 1 July 2024 — As the country observes the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) this July, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the critical role of climate resilience in safeguarding the Philippines from the escalating impacts of climate change. Under the theme "Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan" (Pillar of Resilience and Uniting for Preparedness), this year’s observance emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures to enhance the country’s ability to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters. As the impacts of climate change become more evident, embracing climate resilience is crucial. The CCC advocates for preparedness by urging individuals and communities to stay informed about climate-related risks and integrate climate considerations into their disaster plans. Families are encouraged to create emergency plans that account for climate hazards and to prepare disaster supply kits with essentials such as water, food, medication, and important documents. Adaptation plays a pivotal role in enhancing climate resilience. The CCC calls for support for climate-resilient infrastructure improvement and the adoption of sustainable practices, including recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable transportation. Engaging in local disaster risk reduction programs and integrating climate adaptation strategies into community planning are vital steps in building resilient communities. Solidarity and collective action are fundamental to climate resilience. Building strong connections with neighbors and community organizations, participating in local volunteer efforts focused on climate-related disaster response and recovery, and spreading awareness about climate resilience through schools, workplaces, and social networks are also important. The CCC encourages everyone to support climate initiatives that enhance disasterresilience, educate others about the importance of climate resilience, and take proactive steps to reduce vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. “Effective climate resilience measures can save lives, reduce economic losses, and protect livelihoods. They contribute to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. As we observe National Disaster Resilience Month, let us commit to integrate climate considerations into our preparedness efforts, enhance our adaptive capacities, and foster solidarity,” said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director. The observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month, as mandated by Executive Order 29 s.2017, shifts focus from disaster awareness building to disaster resilience. This transition underscores the importance of equipping individuals, communities, organizations, and local government units with the capacity to adapt to and recover from the effects of hazards and disasters through effective risk management. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
MANILA, 28 June 2024 —Nominations for the 2nd Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA), an initiative that recognizes outstanding contributions to climate action and disaster resilience, are now open. Under the theme “Kabataan at Kababaihan: Katatagan ng Bayan,” this year’s awards will honor both women champions and youth leaders from across the country. Last year’s notable PRA awardees included Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City; Director Alicia Ilaga from the Department of Agriculture; Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral of the Department of Public Works and Highways; Dr. Shirley Agrupis, University President of the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Dr. Joy Mirasol, University President of the Bukidnon State University; and Maria Vicente Jalandoni, President of the Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. These women exemplified resilience and dedication to climate action and disaster risk reduction. Following the success of last year’s awards, which highlighted the remarkable achievements of women champions, the PRA now broadens its scope to include the youth, to reflect the program's commitment to inclusivity and recognition of leaders across multiple sectors. Women Resilience Champions showcase exceptional leadership in climate risk reduction, emphasizing their central role in resilience building. Youth Resilience Champions are young leaders committed to build resilient communities through science-based and evidence-informed risk and resilience governance. “Together, under the banner of “Kabataan at Kababaihan: Katatagan ng Bayan,” let's move towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Join us in recognizing and empowering the champions leading the way in climate action,” said Senator Loren Legarda. Initiated by the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the PRA is supported by a distinguished group of partners: the Climate Change Commission, Philippine Commission on Women, National Resilience Council, Carlos P. Romulo Foundation, SM Prime, ARISE Philippines, and Women’s International Network on DRR - Philippines. Qualified nominees are invited to submit their applications through the PRA nomination portal. The nomination period is open until July 31, 2024. For more information on nomination guidelines, eligibility, and submission procedures, visit https://bit.ly/2024PRA-NominateWomen for Women Champions and https://bit.ly/2024PRA-NominateYouth for Youth Champions.
Dr. Rex B. Demafelis, Vice Chancellor for Research of UPLB; CCC VCED Robert E.A. Borje; Senator Cynthia Villar, Senate Chairperson for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change; Congressman Jose Manuel Alba, District Representative for the 1st District of Bukidnon; Dr. Nathaniel Dugos, Professor at DLSU and National President of PIChE; and Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of UPLB, shared insights on the country’s Net Zero efforts during the launch of the Philippine National Consortium on Net Zero Initiatives. MANILA, June 24, 2024 - The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the integral roles of Filipino chemical engineers, the academe, and the private sector in supporting the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets during the launching ceremony of the Philippine National Consortium on Net Zero Initiative. Recognizing the expertise of chemical engineers in applied sciences and engineering, and the knowledge and resource support that the academe and the private sector offer, the CCC underscored their vital contributions to the successful implementation of the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP). “Your expertise in process optimization, materials science, environmental engineering positions, climate education, and scientific research can greatly contribute to our Net Zero initiatives. By innovating and implementing cleaner production technologies that develop sustainable materials and enhance waste treatment processes, we can significantly impact the reduction of emissions and support the country’s NDC goals,” stressed CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The NDCIP outlines a roadmap for achieving the country’s target of 75 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It assures substantial progress in the Philippines’ efforts through energy transition, sustainable agriculture and forestry, strengthened waste management, and resilience building across sectors– areas where chemical engineers, scientists, and businesses can make significant contributions. Aligned with United Natrion's Race-to-Zero (R2Z) campaign objectives, the NDCIP and the consortium mobilize leadership and support from the academe, businesses, local governments, investors, and industries to achieve a decarbonized Philippines. They adhere to the R2Z framework by engaging stakeholders across sectors to commit to net-zero carbon emissions. “Our NDCIP is the country’s guiding light in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, paving the way for the decarbonization of our economy. Beyond a mere plan, it embodies the government’s commitment to a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach in addressing climate change and its impacts,” said Borje. “Likewise, the Philippine National Consortium on Net Zero Initiative is crucial for climate change mitigation and sustainability promotion, protecting our environment and future generations of Filipinos. It provides much needed technical support to groups and organizations across sectors to integrate sustainability effectively into their operations,” he added. Co-convened by the Philippine National Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) and the University of the Philippines Interdisciplinary Life Cycle Assessment Laboratory (UPLB ILCAL), the consortium aimed to encourage organizations to align their sustainability initiatives with the UN’s Race-to-Zero (R2Z) campaign. The consortium marked the official signing of the collaboration declaration between PIChE, UPLB ILCAL, and Charter Members. The CCC is dedicated to creating an environment that enables stakeholders from various sectors to connect and collaborate effectively. By leveraging the expertise of professionals across different industries, the CCC strives to achieve a climate-smart, climate-resilient, and net-zero Philippines. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The CCC, DENR, DOF, and NEDA led a high-level round table discussion with national and international development partners to ramp up implementation of the NAP and the NDCIP. MANILA, JUNE 24, 2024 - The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), spearheaded a high-level roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening cooperation to support the Philippines' climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. This forum is a vital step in mobilizing support for the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Held in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Government of the United Kingdom, the roundtable highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and development organizations to enhance the country’s climate action plans. It provided a platform for participating organizations to articulate their strategies, identify gaps, and explore potential opportunities for collaboration. DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized the significance of collective efforts to achieve the Philippines' climate goals, following the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "As the Philippines moves forward from planning to action, it is essential to take stock and leverage support from international development partners that will complement domestic public financing and design the way forward," she stated, underscoring the need for strong partnerships. Key challenges identified during the discussions included data and information gaps, financial constraints, capacity and training deficits, low public awareness, and technological barriers. Participants stressed the urgency of localizing national climate plans to meet the specialized needs of local communities effectively. Development partners such as the Asian Development Bank, British Embassy, German Development Cooperation, Global Green Growth Institute, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Korean International Agency proposed solutions to address these gaps. These included creating collaborative platforms, intentional programming, private sector engagement, and enhancing capacity and data management through robust partnerships. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, underlined the relevance of holding the forum, citing the need for innovative financing instruments, among others, to support the country’s climate goals. “Our discussions underscored the need for innovative financing instruments beyond conventional grants and loans. We must explore options from a range of entities, including financial institutions, private investors, and philanthropists. These innovative tools can unlock more funding and attract investors with diverse risk profiles and investment horizons,” he said. Borje highlighted the crucial role of development partners in achieving a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines. "Our partners from governments, bilateral development agencies, and international development organizations, are our vital link in accessing and leveraging the climate funds, technical expertise, and cutting-edge innovation our country needs to deliver the adaptation and mitigation actions outlined in our NAP and NDCIP,” he stressed. He also pointed out the importance of defining priority areas for development partners to support and align their strategic and programmatic results more effectively. Borje said that identifying strategic directions towards addressing climate and green financing gaps, and exploring sustainable coordination and reporting mechanisms between the Philippine government and its development partners, are crucial steps. The forum provided an opportunity to define priority areas for development partners to support and align their strategic and programmatic results more effectively, identify strategic directions towards addressing climate and green financing gaps, and explore sustainable coordination and reporting mechanisms between the Philippine government and its development partners. The success of these plans relies on robust collaboration and sustained coordination. The CCC is committed to establish a supportive and enabling policy environment where all climate stakeholders can efficiently, effectively, and sustainably carry out their intertwining responsibilities to take action against climate change. Through close collaboration with stakeholders from the government and different sectors, as well as with international partners, the CCC aims to unlock financing, knowledge, and technical support that will advance the country’s progress in climate change mitigation and adaptation. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Arroceros Forest Park, the “last lung of Manila,” provides sanctuary for urban dwellers seeking refuge from the extreme heat. MANILA, 24 June 2024 — In Metro Manila, where concrete and steel dominate the skyline, urban forests offer services that reduce the impacts of urbanization and climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, which stores carbon in their biomass and soil. Trees also produce oxygen, essential for all life forms. Forests in metropolitans and cities help reduce the urban heat island effect, where city temperatures are higher than surrounding rural areas due to heat-absorbing materials and structures such as asphalt and buildings. Trees provide shade and release water vapor through transpiration which cools the air. They also decrease the risk of flooding and erosion as their root systems enhance soil structure and permeability. In densely populated cities like Metro Manila, air pollution poses a health risk. Urban forests filter and improve air quality. Trees remove pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone from the air. Beyond environmental benefits, urban forests are biodiversity hotspots as they offer nesting sites, shelter, and food for birds, insects, and small mammals. They can also be planted with native tree species to promote the conservation of local flora and fauna and maintain ecological balance. Access to green spaces is linked to health benefits as it promotes both physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. Activities like walking, jogging, or simply relaxing in urban forests contribute to better physical and mental health. Urban forests serve as classrooms that provide educational opportunities about ecology, conservation, and sustainability. Schools and organizations use urban forests for hands-on learning experiences to teach students and the public about the importance of environmental stewardship and biodiversity. Urban forests also offer a natural laboratory for scientists and researchers to study ecological processes, climate impacts, and conservation strategies, which contributes to scientific knowledge and environmental policy. Additionally, urban forests offer economic benefits. Green spaces serve as communal areas where people gather for recreation, socializing, and cultural events. Properties near well-maintained urban forests often see increased values, which attract residents and businesses, and contribute to the local economy. Moreover, urban parks and nature reserves are popular recreational destinations that attract tourists and residents alike, thereby boosting local businesses and tourism revenue. Here’s a closer look at some of the urban forests in the Metro Manila: 1. Arboretum Forest Nestled within the campus of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, the Arboretum Forest is a 22-hectare green haven. This urban forest serves as a living laboratory for environmental research and education. With its rich biodiversity, including rare tree species, the Arboretum Forest offers a vital green space for recreation and learning amid the university’s academic environment. 2. Arroceros Forest Park Often referred to as the “last lung of Manila,” Arroceros Forest Park spans 2.2 hectares along the banks of the Pasig River. Despite its modest size, this park contains over 3,500 trees and shrubs. It was reported in April that the park's temperature was 5°C lower than the city's average temperature. This proves the importance of trees in the city to have a cooler and healthier environment. 3. La Mesa Nature Reserve La Mesa Nature Reserve, part of the larger La Mesa Watershed, is a sprawling 2,659-hectare area that serves as a crucial water reservoir for Metro Manila. This reserve is also a prime example of successful reforestation efforts and environmental conservation. 4. Pasig Rainforest Park Pasig Rainforest Park, or Pasig City Rainforest Adventure Experience (RAVE) Park, is a unique 8-hectare urban forest that combines recreation, education, and conservation. Located in Pasig City, this park features a mini-zoo, botanical garden, butterfly pavilion, and adventure facilities. As Metro Manila deals with rapid urbanization and climate challenges, there is a need for continued investment in these green spaces and to ensure that they remain part of the city's landscape and culture. Embracing and expanding these green areas will be vital in building a greener, healthier, and more resilient Metro Manila. — Arbor Day, or the day dedicated to planting trees, is celebrated every June 25th in the country to develop greater public awareness on the importance and role of trees in environmental health and human life.
