CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera with the students of Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) DAVAO, 18 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) congratulated students and parents at the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus’s (PSHS-SMC) 35th Recognition Day Program, and encouraged them to take an active role in addressing the critical issue of climate change. In her address, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera shared a comprehensive overview of climate change, highlighting its profound impacts on both local and global scales. She shared poignant examples, including Davao’s own experience. It is a region historically unaffected by floods and typhoons, but in 2012, it was not spared from the wrath of Typhoon Pablo – the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit Mindanao, destroying villages and killing over 1,000 people. Highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, Herrera drew attention to the recent record-breaking heat in July 2023, recognized by the World Meteorological Organization as the hottest month ever recorded. She echoed the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating that "the era of global warming has ended, and the era of global boiling has begun." She underscored that vulnerable communities, including youth, children, and women, are disproportionately affected by climate change, with severe floods, droughts, and temperature increases wreaking havoc on lives and livelihoods. Commissioner Herrera emphasized the transformative power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation and the world, including climate change. She urged the students to recognize their significant role in climate action, emphasizing that climate change is a challenge that we are already facing and must be addressed head-on. In closing, Commissioner Herrera, an esteemed alumna of PSHS-SMC, encouraged students not only to engage in discussions about climate change within the classroom, but also to actively participate in decision-making processes within their school organizations and local and national government bodies to drive climate action. She gave them a powerful message: “You are not just the future, you are the present. Start small if you must, but create a ripple effect through your contributions. Reshape the world through science. Embrace your role as Earth’s stewards.” For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.
Participants of the training workshop on Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, organized by the Climate Change Commission PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, 18 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recently concluded a series of capacity-building activities in Palawan aimed at strengthening the province’s Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) and facilitating access to the People's Survival Fund (PSF). The training workshop on Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP) provided a comprehensive understanding of the key components of the LCCAP, and knowledge about developing science-based and risk-informed plans. The training featured lecture-discussions and hands-on workshops covering a wide range of topics. These include understanding climate projections and Climate Extremes Risk Analysis Matrix (CERAM), an introduction to the eLCCAP formulation process, climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA) procedures, an overview of community-level greenhouse gas inventory and data requirements, methodologies for estimating GHG emissions across sectors, and a walkthrough of the GHG Inventory Toolkit. Additionally, it encompassed climate change expenditure tagging (CCET) and the PSF process. A total of 78 representatives from 23 local government units (LGUs) participated in the training workshop, representing various offices such as the Planning and Development Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Agriculture Office, Environment and Natural Resource Office, as well as members of the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) Palawan Chapter. “We recognize the vital role of LGUs in adaptation and climate resilience. Through these capacity-building activities, we aim to enhance the capacity of our LGUs to access and utilize the PSF in initiatives that will help their communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The CCC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support and resources to strengthen the capabilities of LGUs throughout the country. This commitment includes the continuous provision of capacity-building programs focused on CDRA, GHGI, and PSF proposal development, as well as establishing a contact group mechanism between CCC, LGUs, the Provincial Government of Palawan, and PIEP Palawan Chapter to monitor the progress of LGUs' eLCCAP development. “We will continue working closely with the Province of Palawan, along with other LGUs in the country, to ensure the successful implementation of the eLCCAP and further enhance resilience against climate change impacts,” VCED Borje added. The LCCAP serves as a roadmap for local-level climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, outlining specific actions and measures tailored to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of each locality. The submission of the LCCAP is a key deliverable mandated by Republic Act 9729, or the Climate Change Act, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2021-068. As of 23 August 2023, 85.95%, or 1,474 out of 1,715 LGUs across the country, have successfully submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Notably, the Province of Palawan has achieved a 100% compliance rate, with all 25 LGUs having submitted their LCCAPs. The CCC is actively collaborating with the Department of Interior and Local Government - Local Government Agency and other relevant partners to equip LGUs and other stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required to develop effective climate action plans and implement climate adaptation and mitigation measures. These capacity-building initiatives have benefited 1,342 LGUs, representing 78% of the total 1,715 LGUs in the country. Additionally, 167 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs) have also gained from these activities. For more information on the Climate Change Commission’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje addresses students during "Insights: Climate Change, Changing Landscapes, and Behaviors" event at the Far Eastern University. MANILA, 13 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) engaged students from the Far Eastern University (FEU) to bring to the forefront the critical issue of climate change and to highlight the role of the youth in addressing the crisis. In a discussion on "Insights: Climate Change, Changing Landscapes and Behaviors," CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that “climate change stands as the global governance challenge of our generation. Its systemic and historic nature transcends borders, and no nation or locality can effectively combat it in isolation.” He pointed out the pivotal roles that the academe, students, youth, and communicators play in the realm of climate change and resilience-building. Borje expressed great confidence in the youth, as they are bound to assume leadership roles in the near future, making their active involvement important. Addressing the students directly, Borje issued both an encouragement and a challenge, stating, "I encourage and challenge you to be part of the solution. Our actions and initiatives are the means to save lives, protect our livelihoods, and secure our future." He emphasized that climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable, especially developing countries like the Philippines, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its devastating effects. The CCC's National Panel of Technical Experts identified 10 climate-induced risks in the Philippines. These risks are affecting communities and livelihoods, particularly economic growth and development, food security, and migration and displacement. Borje shared that the CCC has been instrumental in developing policies and programs to support local communities, including the Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Substantial budget allocations have also been made to advance climate initiatives. He highlighted the significance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners, to advance climate action. The Commission is currently pursuing advocacies such as the Net Zero Carbon Challenge to engage stakeholders in collective action. Borje concluded with a unifying message, "As partners, sama-sama tayong magkaisa tungo sa isang bagong bansang matatag" (Together, let us unite towards a stronger nation). The event was attended by students pursuing Bachelor of Art in Communications, Humanitarian Communication, and National Service Training Program courses. The CCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to inspire change, raise awareness, and foster unity in securing a sustainable future through meaningful collaborative contributions to climate action. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.
CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Atty. Siavash Rahbari, Country Manager of IDLO Philippines, Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, PCW Executive Director, and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh led the virtual ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for “Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Action through the Rule of Law” project. MANILA, 08 SEPTEMBER 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is committed to a whole-of-government and whole-of-world approach in advancing women's and girls' engagement in climate action. The CCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the IDLO’s “Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Action through the Rule of Law” project. The project will provide technical assistance to the government on: (1) the conduct of legal assessment on Gender, Climate Change, and Environment-related laws and policies; and (2) capacity-building on Gender and Climate Change for civil society organizations. The MOU was signed through a virtual ceremony led by CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Chair of the CCC Gender and Development Focal Point System, Atty. Siavash Rahbari, Country Manager of IDLO Philippines, Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, PCW Executive Director, and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Chair of the DENR Gender and Development Focal Point System. "This partnership will be instrumental in our efforts to assess how our current laws and public resources enable, or if they at all hinder, the empowerment of women and other vulnerable sectors. Ultimately, we want to address policy gaps and pave the way for women to take on more leadership and decision-making roles in climate programs so that our actions are more effective as they consider women’s perspectives," Herrera said. Building partnerships is among the thrusts of the CCC in its role as the lead policymaking and coordination body within the government on climate change matters. Under the Climate Change Act, the CCC is mandated to ensure that all government policies, plans, programs, and projects are gender-sensitive. “This MOU will catalyze and reinforce gender mainstreaming through environmental and climate change policies and legislation,” emphasized CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. IDLO is an intergovernmental entity that promotes the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development based in The Hague, Netherlands. For more information about the CCC’s gender mainstreaming activities, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.
Tons of plastic waste are suffocating coastal and mangrove ecosystems, such as in the Tanza Marine Tree Park in Navotas. MANILA, 8 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) commits to safeguarding mangrove ecosystems against the dual threat of climate change and plastic pollution. Mangroves, found in many coastal areas around the world, are ecosystems that serve as crucial carbon sinks. It also protects coastal communities from storm surges, and provides habitat for various species of animals. However, plastic pollution poses an immediate threat to mangroves. Plastic waste disrupts their growth and function, ultimately leading to their degradation as well as to the animals that rely on these habitats for survival. Its ability to sequester carbon and act as a natural coastal defense is also compromised. “Recognizing the benefits of mangroves, we must understand that enhancing our environment for improved climate resilience demands cross-sector collaboration,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. To mark the National Cleanup Month this September, a coastal cleanup drive was conducted at Tanza Marine Tree Park, Navotas City, led by Nestlé Philippines. Tanza Marine Tree Park, also known as "Isla Pulo," stands as the guardian of Metro Manila's last naturally grown mangrove forest, stretching over 26 hectares along the Manila Bay coastline. A total of 1,320 kilograms of waste composed of PET bottles, sachets, styrofoams, and rubbers, were collected by 140 volunteers from the CCC, Nestlé, GMA Sparkle, Pure Oceans, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and local community members. “As we clear these shores of debris, let us also gather hope, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let us leave knowing our potential to shape a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future,” Borje added. In observance of National Cleanup Month, the CCC encourages individuals and communities to organize and partake in cleanup activities and similar initiatives to protect and conserve not only mangroves but all ecosystems, moving towards a future free from plastic pollution and resilient against climate change. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl.
