Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasizes the importance of circularity, sustainability, and resilience during the Climate Solutions Forum 2025: Scaling Circular Economy Solutions for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth held at Fairmont Makati. MAKATI CITY – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the crucial role of circular economy solutions in strengthening climate resilience, ensuring business continuity, and supporting sustainable economic growth during the Sustainable Forum segment of the Climate Solutions Forum 2025: Scaling Circular Economy Solutions for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje stressed that building resilience requires moving away from “business as usual” and adopting a systemic approach that minimizes waste and loss and protects value across supply chains. “We cannot do business as usual. Resilience is not how fast we rebuild, but how less we need to. That is where the circular economy matters. It is not only a sustainability ideal; it is a cradle-to-cradle design choice that keeps value in use and risk in check,” Borje said, emphasizing circularity as a practical and scalable strategy for resilience and competitiveness. Borje further underscored that circularity must be driven by policy, partnerships, and innovation. He cited government frameworks that guide this transition, such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Plan—all aimed at aligning design with data and ambition with execution. Highlighting the policies under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos that provide predictability and confidence for businesses and investors, Borje said, “our role at the Climate Change Commission is to help sustain that coherence: align science with policy, policy with implementation, and implementation with transparent reporting.” He added that credible data and consistent rules help lower risk and enable long-term investments. Key leaders from government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society participated in the forum to advance discussions on policies, partnerships, and innovations that support the country’s transition toward a circular and climate-resilient economy. The event was organized by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham Philippines) during its Annual General Membership Meeting. The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to work with industries, development partners, and local governments to scale circular economy models that reduce emissions, strengthen balance sheets and jobs, and build climate-resilient communities.
The Climate Change Commission joined the consultation led by the United Nations Development Programme with the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion sector to ensure that inclusivity and diverse perspectives are reflected in updating the Nationally Determined Contribution of the Philippines. MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) convened key stakeholders to reaffirm and strengthen the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which outlines the country’s strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience as part of global efforts to limit temperature rise and mitigate climate impacts. Aligned with the country’s commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the NDC Implementation Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) principle of "Leave No One Behind,” the CCC, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a series of regional consultations. These consultations, supported by the Philippine Commission on Women, National Council on Disability Affairs, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, aimed to ensure that the voices of vulnerable groups—who are disproportionately affected by climate change—are meaningfully represented in national climate policies. The discussions focused on six key sectors: agriculture, waste, industrial processes and product use (IPPU), transportation, forestry, and energy. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera emphasized that while vulnerable groups face heightened risks to their livelihoods, health, and safety, they also play a vital role in driving transformative climate action and are powerful agents of change whose contributions can make our NDC more effective. Herrera said the GEDSI approach allows sectors to articulate their unique needs and vulnerabilities, thereby ensuring that national climate actions effectively respond to local contexts. In Metro Manila, participants co-developed recommendations to strengthen policy and implementation measures. They called for community-scale renewable energy projects such as solar and micro-hydro in Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) areas, improved accessibility of transport fleets and terminals, and urban agriculture, including rooftop and school gardens to cut food costs and support key relevant sectors and stakeholders. For waste and industry, they pushed for neighborhood circular economy practices, segregation at source, composting, and small-scale upcycling enterprises—linking composting to gardens and schools to close local loops and promote sustainability. In Baguio City, communities urged stronger support for farmers in agriculture and forestry, capacity building for vulnerable sectors to climate change, and greater empowerment of grassroots communities. They also recommended policies on surplus food management and wider adoption of organic farming to aid the waste and industry sectors. For transport and energy, participants proposed assistive devices for PWDs and improved access to financial resources, such as the Peoples’ Survival (PSF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF). In Bacolod City, participants prioritized scaling up renewable energy investments and capacity-building initiatives, as well as designing inclusive transport systems that consider marginalized sectors. They also called for reforestation using endemic fruit species and the strengthening of community-based forest management. For waste and industry, participants emphasized the need for financial and technical support to LGUs for establishing waste management facilities and food processing centers for IP farmers. In Cagayan de Oro City, participants shared practical recommendations across the sectors of waste, transportation and energy, agriculture, and forestry. These include sustained cleanup and information drives, waste-to-resource initiatives, and incentives for composting. They also suggested reviewing coal plant operations for compliance, promoting solar energy in shared spaces, and providing electricity discounts for persons with disabilities. For agriculture and forestry, participants emphasized inclusive training for farmers, stronger participation of marginalized and Indigenous communities, and support for non-timber livelihood programs. Meanwhile, Floradema Eleazar, Head of the Climate Action Programme of UNDP Philippines, underscored the organization’s continued commitment. “UNDP reaffirms its strong support for the Government of the Philippines’ leadership in integrating gender equality, disability, and social inclusion in the country’s NDC process. We believe that climate action is most effective when everyone has a voice." The consultations gathered participants from diverse backgrounds, ensuring gender balance and inclusive representation across priority groups. These included women’s organizations, civil society organizations, youth leaders, student organizations, persons with disability organizations, indigenous peoples, and older persons living in poverty. Through these dialogues, the Philippines continues to emphasize that inclusive climate action, grounded in the perspectives of marginalized and vulnerable groups, is essential in achieving a just and equitable transition toward a climate-resilient and sustainable future. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Quezon City Mayor Josefina Belmonte, Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, CARE Philippines Country Director Reiza S. Dejito, and fellow advocates for women’s and girls’ rights call for the empowerment of girls as leaders in climate resilience at the Girls Summit 2025. MANILA, 11 November 2025 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the critical need to empower girls and young women as leaders in climate action. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera served as a key panelist during the Girls Summit 2025 held in Quezon City. In the session, “Resilience in Crisis: Protecting and Empowering Girls,” she discussed the impact of climate change on women and girls and outlined the Commission’s gender-responsive initiatives. “Climate change does not affect everyone equally. It disproportionately impacts women and girls, exacerbating existing inequalities and threatening their livelihoods, health, and safety,” Herrera stated. “Our policies must integrate gender considerations at every step, from planning and financing to implementation, to ensure we are building a resilience that truly protects and empowers every girl.” She described how climate change acts as a “threat multiplier,” increasing risks of gender-based violence, disrupting education, and placing heavier burdens on girls. She highlighted the CCC’s comprehensive approach, which includes mandating the use of sex-disaggregated data in local climate plans and strengthening climate budgeting to track spending that benefits women and girls. This aligns with broader local government efforts, as emphasized by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. “As part of a larger effort to promote gender inclusivity, we are focused on our Gender and Development Framework, with interventions designed to address the full cycle of care, from education and health to social protection and recovery,” said Mayor Belmonte. Commissioner Herrera also called for greater youth involvement, urging girls to claim their seats in decision-making bodies, become advocates for citizen science and early warning systems, and lead community-based adaptation projects. “Women and girls are not just beneficiaries; they are leaders and often the first responders who knit communities together. Our job is to open the doors and fund the seats. We ask you to be in the room where plans are made, co-design solutions, and help us measure what matters,” she said. The event highlighted the intersecting challenges that girls face, a point reiterated by Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang who emphasized that, “Every day, young women across the country are forced to navigate challenges that threaten their safety, silence their voices, and limit their potential.” The Girls Summit 2025 was organized by Plan International Pilipinas, in partnership with the Quezon City Government and the Quezon City Gender and Development Council Office, in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. The event culminated in the handover of The Girls’ Agenda, a list of priority rights and calls to action presented to government and private sector leaders. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, joined partners from Germany, the United Nations, government agencies, and non-government organizations at the 2nd Project Steering Committee Meeting of the TRANSCEND Project to review progress and align strategies for nature-positive resilience. MANILA, Philippines – The partnership between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Government of Germany continues to drive transformative climate and biodiversity action through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project — a joint initiative that strengthens climate governance, empowers communities, and protects ecosystems. During the 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the need to turn climate projects into lasting systems and institutional reforms that sustain impact beyond project cycles and empower communities to take climate action that endures. “The Philippines’ climate response must move beyond isolated pilot projects toward coherent systems that sustain impact beyond budget cycles,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, speaking before partners from the Government of Germany, the United Nations, other government agencies, and non-government organizations. “Our partnership must move beyond pilots. It must translate innovation into institutional practice, and good practice into national policy,” he added. Jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the CCC, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the TRANSCEND Project embodies the Philippines–Germany partnership’s shared commitment to climate and ecological transformation. It aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to integrate climate and biodiversity priorities into planning, investment, and policy — ensuring that climate action and ecosystem protection advance hand in hand. Borje highlighted the CCC’s initiatives to integrate climate resilience into regular government operations by strengthening policies and financing mechanisms that link plans, budgets, and outcomes. These include scaling up Local Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (LCCET) to improve transparency in public spending, accelerating the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) for community- and nature-based adaptation projects, and integrating climate criteria in procurement to make green and resilient practices standard across agencies. He noted that sustainable resilience depends on “systems that align, financing that rewards outcomes, and institutions that endure,” adding that these principles guide President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration in pursuing systemic, evidence-based, and inclusive climate governance. Running from 2025 to 2029, TRANSCEND aligns with national frameworks such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The project seeks to institutionalize transformative, evidence-based actions that promote inclusive, nature-positive, and sustainable growth. DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh welcomed the project’s role in strengthening convergence between climate and biodiversity efforts. “This meeting allows us to assess milestones, address gaps, and ensure our actions advance both climate resilience and ecosystem protection,” she said. German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke reaffirmed Germany’s support, emphasizing that climate change is a shared responsibility requiring collective resolve. “Our two countries will continue to work as strong and constructive partners in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of humankind,” he said. The ambassador added that the warming of the planet should not be viewed merely as a threat but as a challenge that calls for stronger commitment. He stressed that this should motivate nations to push harder toward ensuring a sustainable and livable planet for future generations. The 2nd PSC meeting reviewed project progress and ensured strategic alignment for the coming years, including monitoring and evaluation systems to measure tangible outcomes such as reduced risks, restored ecosystems, and improved access to sustainable services. Among those present were CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, who facilitated discussions on some agenda items; Undersecretary Henry Yap Sr. of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD); GIZ Country Director Dr. Immanuel Gebhardt; and representatives from the DENR, DHSUD, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other partner agencies and organizations. Borje concluded that the long-term success of TRANSCEND depends on building coherence across policies, financing, and institutions, ensuring that the project contributes not only to immediate climate and biodiversity goals but also to lasting reforms in public governance. “If we do our work right — with discipline, courage, and constancy — TRANSCEND will not just transform cities; it will transform governance itself,” he said. Through the TRANSCEND partnership, the Philippines and Germany reaffirm their shared goal of strengthening resilience, accelerating adaptation, and promoting low-carbon and biodiversity-friendly development across the country. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje calls on Filipino youth to lead climate action and help build a climate-resilient country in an event at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela on October 30, 2025. Valenzuela City, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) called on Filipino youth to transform awareness into meaningful action and redefine resilience as prevention, not repeated recovery from disasters. During the “Climate Action Now: Students for Resilience” event at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, in his keynote address “The State of Climate Emergency: Science, Policy and Duty,” urged students to take an active role in shaping the country’s climate-resilient future through science, policy, and a shared sense of duty. “Resilience is not about how fast we rebuild—it’s about how less we need to,” Borje said. “It’s not about surviving the next storm, but preventing the next loss.” He emphasized that climate change impacts are already part of everyday life for many Filipinos, seen in flooding, extreme heat, and the spread of diseases that disrupt lives, livelihoods, and learning. “These are not statistics. These are our stories—your stories,” he said. Borje encouraged young Filipinos to redefine resilience by learning, preparing, and preventing together, breaking the recurring cycle of disaster, relief, and repair. He stressed that building true resilience begins with science, continues through policy, and is sustained by duty—values that young people can champion in their homes, schools, and communities. “Science tells us what must be done. Policy shows us how. But duty ensures it is done,” he said. “Your curiosity and your willingness to act already make you part of the solution. Truth, like science, saves lives.” Recognizing the influence of the digital generation, Borje reminded students to practice discernment amid misinformation and disinformation online. “In this era of algorithms and echo chambers, truth itself is a form of climate action,” he said. Borje cited numerous youth-led initiatives—from mangrove planting and coastal cleanups to local disaster preparedness programs—as proof that small, consistent acts of care and cooperation can create meaningful change. “Across the country, young people like you are proving that small actions can lead to big changes,” he said. “These actions remind us that we don’t need to be rich to make a difference. We just need to care, to act, and to keep learning.” He also reminded adults of their role in empowering the next generation. “To the adults here, our role is not to take the future from your hands, but to steady them as you hold it,” Borje said. “To provide structure, opportunity, and trust.” He ended by affirming the youth’s central role in the country’s climate-resilient future. “We are not powerless—we are purposeful. We are not waiting for the future; we are building it together.” The event was organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in partnership with the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) and the Local Government of Valenzuela. It brought together students, teachers, and local leaders to strengthen climate awareness and inspire youth-led resilience initiatives across communities. The CCC recognized PIA for leading the initiative and reaffirmed its collaboration with the agency to further empower the youth and key sectors in advancing informed, science-based climate action. The “Climate Action Now: Students for Resilience” activity forms part of the CCC’s continuing effort to raise climate literacy and strengthen local resilience through education, collaboration, and community-driven climate action. The Climate Change Commission continues to work with academic institutions, local government units, and youth organizations nationwide to strengthen science-based, community-driven climate action. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
