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At 2025 Sustainability Forum: CCC advances PH commitment to green economy
February 06, 2025 Thursday

The Climate Change Commission emphasizes the value of public-private collaboration to achieve the Nationally Determined Contribution targets. MAKATI CITY, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to achieving climate action goals through green economy pathways at the “2025 Sustainability Forum: The Green Economies of Tomorrow” recently held in Makati City. Key leaders from the private sector, government, and international organizations participated in the forum, which focused on accelerating the transition to sustainable, low-carbon economies. The event was organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in collaboration with the German Embassy. Discussions emphasized the role of green innovation in fulfilling the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, reiterated the Philippines’ climate commitment, including the NDC target of a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a business-as-usual scenario. He outlined key sectors—energy, transport, waste, industry, and agriculture—that are central to the country’s NDC Implementation Plan (NDCIP). Borje emphasized the need for strong public and private sector collaboration to drive investments in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green technologies. He noted that green industries not only reduce emissions but also boost economic growth and job creation.   “The private and public sectors are crucial partners in this transformation. The shift to renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture are all areas where we can advance,” Borje stated. He also underscored the importance of a just transition to a green economy, ensuring that workers and communities, especially those in vulnerable sectors, receive adequate support.  "This transition must be  equitable, inclusive, and resilient, leaving no one behind." Meanwhile, Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, President of GPCCI, said the event presents an opportunity to foster collective action and develop effective solutions. “This forum is a space for meaningful dialogue, alignment of strategies, and strengthened partnerships to drive lasting impact.”  The forum also served as a platform to explore how the Philippines can align its climate policies with international commitments while also addressing local development priorities. Borje highlighted that the Philippines’ updated NDC, set to be released this year, would reflect evolving priorities and emerging  technologies–scaling up both adaptation and mitigation efforts. He urged the private sector to collaborate with the CCC in advancing climate action through green and climate-smart initiatives, emphasizing that “while the journey will not be easy, collective efforts can make it possible.” “Together with our partners, let’s push the boundaries of what is possible. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to turn our climate ambitions into realities, for a climate-smart, climate-resilient, and low-carbon sustainable future,” Borje said.  The “2025 Sustainability Forum: The Green Economies of Tomorrow” brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society, including Christopher Zimmer, Executive Director of GPCCI; H.E. Andreas Faffernoschke, German Ambassador to the Philippines; and Lucas Zaehringer, CEO of Planet 2050. Also present were Edward Gacusana, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, and Naeeda Crishna Morgado, Senior Infrastructure Specialist at the Asian Development Bank. The CCC remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with various stakeholders across  sectors to achieve the country’s NDC targets and advance a sustainable, low-carbon economy. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

PH, Germany’s TRANSCEND Project Launches with Convergence Workshop and PSC Meeting
January 20, 2025 Monday

The consortium, implementing partners, and government stakeholders of the TRANSCEND Project in its convergence workshop and First Project Steering Committee meeting.   MANILA, 20 January 2025 – The Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development  (TRANSCEND) Project, a joint initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the Republic of the Philippines, commenced with a convergence workshop on January 13 and the First Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting on January 14. The convergence workshop focused on aligning the project's goals with government priorities. It brought together the consortium, implementing partners, and government stakeholders, including the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), and Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft gGmbH (ZUG) which is responsible for IKI programme management.  CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the project's potential to deliver tangible impacts to communities and its role in protecting both ecosystems and the Filipino people. “Let us remember that our work through TRANSCEND covers the core values, needs and interests of our people. Through TRANSCEND, we are focused on transforming these into core strengths to secure a resilient future for our people,” Secretary Borje said. Meanwhile, the PSC meeting, co-chaired by CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta Teh, focused on future milestones and the project's steering structure.  Commissioner Herrera highlighted the importance of collaboration in attaining the goals of TRANSCEND.  “TRANSCEND is more than a project – it is a catalyst for transformative change toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and biodiversity-friendly Philippines. Through our collective wisdom and decisive action today, we set the strong foundation for this ambitious journey,” Commissioner Herrera said. Undersecretary Teh highlighted the project’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, as evidenced by the diverse sectors represented by the committee members. “There is an urgent need to strengthen the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to adopt actions that would lead the Philippines towards climate resiliency. As evidenced by your presence in today’s Project Steering Committee meeting, TRANSCEND is designed to work across different sectors and targets a multi-level governance approach.” Usec. Teh said. This vision was captured in the joint statement developed by the project, which was adopted by committee members through a celebratory signing. Presenting the joint vision statement, TRANSCEND Program Manager Johanna Sibbert reiterated that the envisioned future would serve as the guiding compass for their work. “May the image of an inclusive, equitable, climate-resilient, and nature-positive future inspire us to act collectively for climate action.” The TRANSCEND Project, with an implementation period from 2024 to 2029 and a total funding of €32.7 million, aims to support the Philippines' transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and biodiversity-friendly society. It aligns with international and national climate and biodiversity agendas and contributes to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The project is implemented by a consortium that includes ​​the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or German Development Cooperation, Conservation International Philippines Foundation Inc. (CIPFI), Rare, United Nations Human Settlements Programme(UN-Habitat), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).  The project also receives targeted implementation support from the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Wuppertal Institute, International Council for Clean Transportation, Clean Air Asia, Climate Analytics, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies.

100 Paete Farming Families Benefit from CCC Christmas Outreach
December 24, 2024 Tuesday

LAGUNA, 24 December 2024 — In the spirit of the holiday season and in line with the directive of the Office of the President, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted an outreach program that benefited 100 farmers and their families in the municipality of Paete, Laguna. This initiative is part of the CCC’s ongoing efforts to engage with communities affected by recent typhoons and promote resilience amid the impacts of climate change. Paete, a fourth-class municipality, relies heavily on agriculture for livelihoods, making it particularly vulnerable to climate-related challenges. One of the key sectors of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) focuses on agriculture, fisheries, and food security. The NAP aims to achieve three key outcomes for agriculture: productive and resilient agriculture and fisheries, conservation of natural resources critical for agriculture and aquaculture, and protection of farmers' and fisherfolk’s livelihoods amid climate change.  The CCC continues to work closely with local governments through the development of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) to ensure that farmers and their communities have the resources and knowledge needed to build climate resilience. "This holiday season, we are undertaking this outreach program as part of our community-building activities, underscoring the reason for this season. We recognize that our farmers are at the frontline of climate impacts and we hope this outreach program helps ease the burden of those most affected and empower them to not just survive, but thrive," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The Municipality of Paete submitted its LCCAP for 2021-2026 and Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2023 to the CCC in May last year. The LCCAP outlines the LGU's strategies and actions to address climate change impacts on their community, infrastructure, and economy, while the AIP contains the programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) of the LGU, including on climate action. As the CCC strengthens its efforts to combat climate change and strengthen adaptation measures, it continues to focus on helping vulnerable communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward a climate-resilient future. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

CCC Lauds CAR LGUs for Climate Resilience through Gawad KALASAG Awards
December 20, 2024 Friday

The Climate Change Commission commends the 24th Gawad KALASAG awardees for their efforts in disaster resilience and climate action during the National Ceremony in Baguio City. BAGUIO, Philippines –The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has commended the local government units (LGUs) and private sector organizations in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for their outstanding contributions to climate resilience. These efforts were recognized through the prestigious 24th Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal and Special Awards.  The Gawad KALASAG Awards, organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), are the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster preparedness and resilience. This year,  74 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) councils and 13 special awardees were honored for their achievements in advancing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The CCC underscores the significance of these achievements, noting that 95.18% of LGUs in CAR have submitted their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP), a vital requirement for the Gawad KALASAG Seal. “This reflects the effectiveness of your local policies on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CCAM-DRR). This also serves as the backbone for your risk-informed actions, from tech innovations in disaster response to the deep community engagement that truly saves lives,“ said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of CCC. He further encouraged stakeholders to sustain their efforts in the fight against climate change. “Resilience is not built overnight—it requires continuous effort, collaboration, and innovation. Let’s aim for a Cordillera where every LGU, every community, and every citizen is prepared for the uncertainties ahead,” Borje added. Regional Director Albert A. Mogol, Chairperson, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), underscores the importance of unified response in a global crisis. "In this situation, a unified response is crucial to confront these challenges, particularly as multi-stakeholder efforts pave the way for effective disaster management," Mogol stated. He underscored that the collaboration and active involvement of various stakeholders are vital to enhance readiness and ensure swift action. Awardees include LGUs from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province for their exemplary leadership and initiatives in disaster risk reduction management. Special awards were also presented to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, SN Aboitiz the private sector category, recognizing their efforts in implementing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and climate change action plans across the four thematic areas of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The University of the Cordilleras also received an award for their innovative approaches and resilience in overcoming challenges. The CCC remains committed to support LGUs to translate climate plans into actionable strategies and encourages greater participation in resilience-building programs. The CCC urges local governments to continue enhancing their LCCAPs and integrating them with broader national efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and preparedness. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

CCC highlights role of 3 new ASEAN Heritage Parks from PH in biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation
December 17, 2024 Tuesday

The Apo Reef Natural Park, the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and second largest in the world, stands out for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Photo courtesy of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity MANILA, 17 December 2024 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the inclusion of three Philippine natural wonders—Apo Reef Natural Park, Turtle Islands, and Balinsasayao Twin Lakes—among the five newest ASEAN Heritage Parks, announced by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.  This latest milestone brings the total number of Philippine ASEAN Heritage Parks to 14, with unique habitats that serve as sanctuaries for endangered species and vital resources for local communities. Apo Reef Natural Park, the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and the second-largest in the world, is home to over 482 fish species and 63 coral genera, along with rare marine invertebrates and iconic species such as dugongs and whale sharks. The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, recognized as the only major nesting habitat of the Green Sea Turtle in ASEAN and the 11th largest nesting site globally, plays a pivotal role in conserving this endangered species. Its critical importance for biodiversity conservation was recognized through various national and international legal frameworks, ensuring its long-term protection. Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, with its mountainous landscape and diverse ecosystems, is a vital source of clean water and supports a wide range of wildlife, making it essential to both biodiversity and local livelihoods. Ocean ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. They absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as natural carbon sinks. Healthy marine environments also help regulate global temperatures and protect coastal communities from extreme weather events. “We must integrate climate change considerations into the management of these protected areas. By prioritizing sustainable practices, such as reducing pollution and overfishing, we can enhance the resilience of our marine ecosystems and safeguard their contributions to climate change mitigation,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje urged. The CCC also highlighted the connection between the newly recognized ASEAN Heritage Parks and the two recently designated Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance: Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve and Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve. These Ramsar sites, like the ASEAN Heritage Parks, also play critical roles in climate change mitigation and adaptation by providing vital ecosystem services, such as flood control and biodiversity protection. “Their protection and sustainable management are key priorities as we implement the National Adaptation Plan and our Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan,” Borje added. Amid the escalating impacts of climate change, these protected areas contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The CCC remains committed to supporting the protection and sustainable management of these areas in collaboration with local communities, stakeholders, and government agencies. The inclusion of these parks in the ASEAN Heritage Parks network reaffirms the Philippines' leadership in biodiversity conservation and climate action within the ASEAN region. The CCC urges continued cooperation and investment in safeguarding these critical ecosystems for future generations.

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