Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje delivers the keynote address at the recent State of Climate Change 2025 Forum, emphasizing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the integral role of businesses in driving climate resilience. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined key stakeholders at the State of Climate Change 2025 Forum, organized by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy. Held at Makati Diamond Residences, the forum provided a crucial avenue for the CCC to rally the private sector toward proactive climate action. This year’s forum, themed “Advancing Private Sector Engagement and the National Adaptation Plan,” focused on strengthening partnerships between the private sector, government, and civil society to build climate resilience in the Philippines. In his keynote address, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in advancing climate resilience. Noting that the private sector contributes 93% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he emphasized its capacity to drive innovation and mobilize investments. “The private sector holds the power to drive innovation, unlock investments, and create scalable solutions for a climate-resilient future,” Borje said. “By aligning private sector innovation with national strategies, we can accelerate climate action and build a climate-secure future where businesses and communities thrive together.” The CCC is leading efforts to localize the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and update the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) — both key frameworks designed to strengthen the country’s climate resilience and sustainable development efforts. “The NAP is our collective roadmap to climate resilience, guiding strategic actions to protect communities, economies, and ecosystems.” Borje said. "Preventing losses and damages starts with turning our adaptation plans into tangible solutions, with the private sector stepping up as a driving force in building a climate-resilient future." The forum highlighted the growing Philippines–New Zealand partnership on climate action, with New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador Stuart Horne reaffirming his country’s commitment. This collaboration was formalized in November 2024 through the Joint Declaration on Climate Change Cooperation, which outlines an 18-month plan for deeper cooperation in innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth. Finally, Secretary Borje emphasized how the forum echoes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s call for a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach to climate action—further strengthened by the Philippines' growing partnerships with countries like New Zealand in advancing inclusive, science-based, and locally led climate solutions. A panel discussion featuring Secretary Borje, Ambassador Horne, and San Miguel Corporation Foundation Chair Cecile Ang explored how businesses can drive climate action. The discussion highlighted successful private sector initiatives in climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster resilience — with speakers emphasizing that climate action cannot succeed without business engagement. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from PDRF to continue working closely with the New Zealand Embassy, the Philippine government, and the private sector to accelerate climate resilience initiatives. “We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners,” said PDRF Chief Resilience Officer Guillermo M. Luz. “By working together, we can create lasting solutions that protect vulnerable communities, drive innovation, and secure a more sustainable future for the Philippines.” The State of Climate Change 2025 forum reinforced that climate resilience requires collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained action — a challenge the Philippines, New Zealand, and the private sector are dedicated to addressing together. The event was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Embassy, Aboitiz Foundation, Coca-Cola Philippines, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, and San Miguel Corporation — all of which have been strong advocates of climate action and disaster resilience. As the Philippines' lead policy-making body on climate action, the CCC is driving private sector engagement beyond commitment—transforming ambition into investment, innovation into impact, and collaboration into climate resilience.
The Climate Change Commission conducts the pilot run of the Accelerated Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities (ACT LOCAL) program in Caloocan City. CALOOCAN CITY - The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the vital role of barangay health workers (BHWs) in addressing climate-related health issues during the modules pilot run of the Accelerated Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities (ACT LOCAL) program for BHWs in Caloocan City. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, highlighted the significant threat climate change poses to public health, particularly due to the intensifying impacts of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and shifting disease patterns. "Ang pagbabago ng klima ay hindi lang usaping pangkalikasan, kundi ito rin ay isyu ng kalusugan. Ang patuloy na pagtaas ng temperatura at pabago-bagong panahon ay nagdudulot ng paglaganap ng iba't ibang sakit." Borje said. At present, there are 253,000 trained Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the Philippines who provide first aid, child healthcare, and community-based interventions. These health volunteers also conduct house-to-house immunizations and support various health programs. Borje stressed that BHWs are vital in responding to these health threats, making them the frontline defenders in climate-related health emergencies. “Kayo po ang unang rumeresponde sa mga naapektuhan ng pagbabago ng klima. Kayo ang frontline ng mga komunidad at katuwang sa pagsagip ng buhay mula sa anumang epekto ng climate change sa kalusugan ng tao.” “Kaya’t kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyo sa pagiging bahagi ng isang mas malusog at ligtas na kinabukasan,” he added. This strategy was part of the whole-of-government approach, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to strengthen the health sector and build resilience against the far-reaching impacts of climate change. While acknowledging the critical role of BHWs in emergency response, Borje also emphasized that prevention is better than cure. He underscored the importance of building resilience as the best strategy to combat the threats of climate change. During the session, around 50 Barangay Health Workers were trained. This marks the third leg of the module’s pilot run series, bringing the estimated total number of capacitated participants to 150 BHWs. ACT LOCAL is part of the CCC’s broader program to strengthen the capacity of local government units (LGUs) by providing technical assistance and support for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The CCC remains committed to empowering various sectors in the fight against climate change, ensuring that climate action is science-based and responsive to the needs of communities across the country. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl
Present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Katumbalikwasan exhibition were: Sec. Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission; Nancy Corpuz, Chief of Biodiversity Policy and Knowledge Management Division of the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau; Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP); Marivene Santos, NMP Museum Curator; Dr. Angelina Galang, Program Director of Ako Ang Bukas under Green Convergence Philippines; Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director of Forest Foundation Philippines; and John Leo Algo, National Coordinator of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas. In celebration of Earth Month, the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), in partnership with Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, formally launched the “Katumbalikwasan: Linking Climate, Nature, and People” exhibition, an immersive experience highlighting the deep interconnection between climate change, biodiversity, and people’s everyday lives. As keynote speaker, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between climate science, policy, and public understanding, especially given the Philippines’ high vulnerability to climate impacts and its status as one of the world’s megadiverse countries. “Our museums are not merely repositories of artifacts and stories, they are strongholds of the values we hold dear and the identity we share as Filipinos,” Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, emphasized. Celebrating the milestone of visitors to Philippine museums, he added, “To move toward the future we envision, we must first understand the history that shapes us.” Drawing from the lived experiences of climate-impacted communities, such as the T’boli people of Lake Sebu, Borje recounted the story of Rosie Sula, a T’boli leader, to illustrate that the climate crisis brings not only economic losses but also threatens lives, livelihoods, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage. He shared that while four in five Filipinos recognize climate change as a threat, awareness of its human-driven causes remains low. “Our challenge,” Borje noted, “is to translate science into stories and policies into lived truths. Exhibits such as Katumbalikwasan are essential in building a shared language for climate action.” The CCC also highlighted key national strategies as response to climate change, such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, and the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) These plans integrate nature-based solutions for sustainable and resilient development, and were developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. Borje emphasized that policies must go beyond jargon and speak truths that touch the heart and mobilize action. He underscored the need for a shared language that resonates across communities, one that honors indigenous wisdom while empowering people to act. “Katumbalikwasan is not just about resilience, it is about reclaiming our connection with nature, reviving our ecosystems, and renewing our commitment to a climate-safe future,” Borje said. He concluded by honoring the late Pope Francis, a steadfast advocate for ecological stewardship through Laudato Si’. He echoed the Pope’s call: “We are called to be stewards and caretakers of creation—not its abusers.” He emphasized that there remains meaningful space for the convergence of faith and its expression in public policy, urging everyone to be agents of Katumbalikwasan. In his opening message, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines, Jorell Legaspi, emphasized the timely relevance of the exhibition as part of the continuing Earth Day celebration. “This exhibition could not be more timely. It reminds us of the urgent climate crisis we are facing. In line with our commitment to sustainability, we affirm our responsibility to protect the planet. In the face of escalating climate impacts, we must rethink our actions.” he said. Through this exhibition, the NMNH aims to raise public awareness of the climate-nature-people nexus and promote individual and collective climate action. The exhibit will run for six months to one year and will engage thousands of visitors through educational installations, visual narratives, and science-based storytelling. Katumbalikwasan is sponsored by the Forest Foundation Philippines and supported by Green Convergence, World Vision Philippines, Living Laudato Si' Philippines, BIOFIN, Rice Watch Action Network Inc., and Manawari Southeast Asia. The CCC reiterates its commitment to support initiatives that bring climate discourse to the forefront, promote cultural and scientific understanding, and empower communities to take urgent, informed, and inclusive climate action. The CCC seeks to inspire collective responsibility and drive transformative solutions for a more resilient and sustainable Philippines. To learn more about the CCC’s climate awareness campaigns and activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/cccphl.
CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, NYC Chairperson Usec. Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, NYC Commissioner for Luzon Asec. Gervy James Gumarit, and UNICEF Representative ad interim Behzad Noubary join young climate leaders from across ASEAN at the Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Conference. MANILA, Philippines | 5 May 2025 – Youth leaders gathered on 1 to 2 May 2025 for the ASEAN Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Conference, focusing on building climate and disaster resilience. The event, led by the National Youth Commission, featured expert talks, workshops, and policy discussions, culminating in the Youth Output Declaration—a call for stronger, youth-driven climate solutions. In a message at the opening of the ASEAN Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Conference, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), issued a call to action for ASEAN youth leaders. “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the ocean in a drop.” In his keynote, Borje shared a moving story of a young woman from Mindanao who, despite poverty and the destruction of her home by landslides, pursued education as her form of resistance and peacebuilding. “Her journey,” he said, “is not just about personal resilience. It mirrors the broader struggles of many of our communities.” Borje praised the youth delegates for transforming “struggle into strategy, loss into leadership, and despair into action,” stressing that their grassroots climate initiatives are already reshaping national and regional climate discourse. With Southeast Asia facing worsening impacts from climate change, including 140 disasters in the Asia-Pacific in 2022 alone, Borje emphasized the need for urgent, united action. “ASEAN must move further, faster, and together. We suffer together, so we must find solutions together.” He also called for deeper engagement between youth and institutions. “The duty now is to co-partner, co-lead, and co-solve. We cannot do this alone.” Borje also emphasized that under the committed leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines is pursuing a unified, ‘one-country team’ approach—a whole-of-government strategy that engages youth as co-architects of climate solutions. Aligned with the CCC’s mandate to promote climate resilience, Borje reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to empowering youth voices and integrating them into national frameworks such as the National Climate Change Action Plan, National Adaptation Plan, and Philippine Youth Development Plan. “Building a climate-smart, disaster-resilient ASEAN is a generational mandate,” Borje said. “The CCC stands ready to walk this path with you.” The ASEAN Youth Declaration to be drafted during the conference will serve as a rallying call for youth-led climate action across the region and beyond, ensuring that young voices remain at the center of shaping a resilient future. The conference brought together 57 youth delegates from nine ASEAN countries and across the Philippines to shape the ASEAN Youth Declaration on Climate Action and Disaster Resilience, to be submitted at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. To know more about the CCC’s climate awareness campaigns and initiatives to strengthen youth engagement in climate governance, visit www.climate.gov.ph and follow @cccphl on social media
The Climate Change Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management, conducts a two-day virtual orientation on Climate Change Expenditure Tagging in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Budget. MANILA - The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), conducted the annual virtual orientation on Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) to promote fiscal transparency for the FY 2026 National Budget Preparation. The orientation provided an overview of the CCET process, which enables the tagging of climate-related Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs). It emphasized CCET’s importance as a tool for tracking, monitoring, and reporting climate expenditures. For the 2025 National Budget Call, 284 out of 370 national government agencies (NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) participated in the CCET process. These figures represent a 76% participation rate, an increase from 260 participants, or 71.43%, recorded for FY 2024. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, highlighted the growing engagement across government agencies. This increasing participation underscores the deepening awareness of climate issues and fiscal accountability across public institutions, reflecting a nationwide commitment to climate-responsive governance,” Borje said, in a message delivered by Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, CCC Deputy Executive Director. “CCET is a mechanism to ensure that every peso we invest is tracked, prioritized, and aligned with our National Climate Change Action Plan,” he added. This emphasizes the importance of budget transparency and ensures that the government is accountable in how it tracks and tags climate-related expenditures, which aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda to promote open governance in the Philippines. For FY 2025, the climate-tagged budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) has reached ₱1.156 trillion—equivalent to 18% of the total national budget. This record allocation highlights the country’s intensified investment in climate action and its continuing efforts to strengthen adaptation and mitigation strategies nationwide. The CCET serves as a critical platform for aligning government programs with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). By doing so, it reinforces a whole-of-government approach to building climate resilience and ensures that climate investments contribute to the country’s long-term strategic priorities. The NCCAP outlines the country’s agenda for climate adaptation and mitigation from 2011 to 2028. It focuses on seven thematic priorities: food security, water sufficiency, ecological and ecological stability, human security, climate-smart industries and services, sustainable energy, and knowledge and capacity development. DBM Assistant Secretary Mary Anne Z. Dela Vega highlighted the importance of this annual learning engagement in strengthening public financial management for climate change. “This session provides us with a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of how we can more effectively track, manage, and report expenditures that are crucial for adapting and mitigating the climate crisis,” she said. “Through effective expenditure tagging, we can closely demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing climate change, encompassing both adaptation efforts and mitigation strategies,” Dela Vega added. Secretary Borje stressed the importance of ensuring that tagged projects reflect the country's climate priorities. “It is important to identify the projects that we have and to make sure that they align with the policy of adaptation and mitigation. This way, we can ensure that every initiative contributes to building a climate-resilient future,” he said. The two-day orientation, which included two sessions per day, gathered representatives from various NGAs, GOCCs, SUCs, and NCCAP stakeholders. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
