The Climate Change Commission joins the stakeholders meeting organized by the Municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, looking at opportunities to support climate efforts of the local government unit. LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO - The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has emphasized the importance of science-based, data-driven preservation and conservation efforts in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, as part of a key integrated, long-term strategy to build climate resilience in the community. Lake Sebu, a designated protected area covering 102,350 hectares, is home to three major lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton, and Lake Lahit. These bodies of water are vital for the local economy, tourism industry and ecological stability of the region. During a recent stakeholder meeting organized by the Local Government of Lake Sebu under Mayor Remie Mann Unggol, the municipality’s potential for growth and development, natural beauty and cultural richness were discussed while the urgent ecological concerns and impacts of climate change were highlighted. Despite its economic potential, Vice Mayor Liezel Tupas-Isuga said Lake Sebu faces critical ecological threats such as fish kills, deforestation, siltation, overcrowded fish cages, poor waste management, and climate-related vulnerabilities. These challenges underscore the need for immediate and long-term efforts to significantly lower climate risks. The event gathered key partners, including representatives from the academe, the local government unit (LGUs), and ecologists to develop a comprehensive conservation and protection plan with a climate change lens. While discussions focused on ecotourism and the carrying capacity of tourism destinations, climate-proofing Lake Sebu against ecological threats, and resilience-based rehabilitation of its coastal and riparian habitats became an area of overarching focus. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, acknowledged the concerns of Lake Sebu officials and reiterated the importance of data-based, science-driven approach as part of a key integrated, long-term strategy to build climate resilience. “Climate resilience can be seen as both an object and instrument of policy, and this approach can help further bolster community efforts to preserve and conserve Lake Sebu,” Borje stated. In this regard, he also assured that the CCC would provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to help LGUs enhance their local climate change adaptation plans, as well as improving capabilities to access climate funding. Meanwhile, Ms. Lenly Gula, a writer and advocate for cultural work, stressed the need to integrate climate action into social media platforms. “We need to mobilize and maximize social media for call-to-action campaigns, particularly in promoting care for our ecosystems. Creating one- to two-minute reel content backed by scientific knowledge and clear calls to action can help raise awareness and inspire action for Lake Sebu,” she stated. The CCC remains committed to collaborate with various stakeholders to further mainstream climate resilience and conservation efforts in Lake Sebu and beyond. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission booth showcases the Philippine Resilience Awards. PASAY CITY, 10 March 2025 – Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA) 2024 Champion for Women, Senior Fire Officer 3 (SFO3) Daisy Leal-Cabauatan, talked about the leadership role of women in building disaster-resilient communities at the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) Kick-Off Activity. Cabauatan’s experience as Provincial Chief and Operations Program Director of the Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection was among the inspiring stories of PRA champions showcased by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) at the NWMC, part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to recognize and support partners in building a more resilient Philippines. She highlighted how women are often at the forefront of disaster response, using their knowledge of local resources and community networks to ensure safety during emergencies. She emphasized the importance of equal participation and leadership in disaster resilience efforts as part of adapting to climate change. Cabauatan underscored the importance of mentorship and networking for women. She called for more leadership opportunities in the disaster management sector and encouraged women to continue leading the way in building resilient communities. “When Juana is always prepared, the whole community is safer,” she said. The NWMC Kick-Off Activity, led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares, was attended by women leaders from various sectors, including government, business, and civil society. Held at the SM Mall of Asia, the event served as a platform for promoting gender equality and women empowerment through service booths, livelihood support, and lectures on various topics, including disaster resilience. In her presentation of the "State of the Filipino Women" report, PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla emphasized the importance of gender equality in resilience efforts. "Climate change disasters do not sit down and negotiate; they do not choose who you are. They can strike whenever they want,” she said. “We cannot win against them, so our fight is about resilience. Let us teach our women and our communities how to strengthen resilience." This year’s theme for National Women’s Month, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” encapsulates the vision of a brighter future through women’s leadership and participation in nation-building. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje praised the active leadership of women in building climate resilience. "Women have always played a key role in shaping the resilience of our communities. Their insights and actions in disaster response and climate adaptation are indispensable in building a better, more prepared nation," Borje emphasized. Meanwhile, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera said that women are not only the first responders in times of crisis, they are also at the forefront of climate resilience efforts. “By organizing the PRA as a kind of space where women can lead and innovate, we are helping build stronger, more adaptive communities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change," she said. The Philippine Resilience Awards, which recognizes outstanding leadership in disaster resilience and climate action, is convened by the Climate Change Commission, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the National Resilience Council, SM Prime, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction. For more information on the Philippine Resilience Awards, visit the PRA website and Facebook page.
Marikina City residents enjoy a vibrant, car-free Gil Fernando Avenue every Sunday, embracing biking, jogging, and community activities in the city’s latest move toward Car-Free Sundays. [Photo Courtesy of Marikina City Public Information Office] Metro Manila is seeing a growing trend of local governments designating streets as car-free zones on Sundays, a move that promotes sustainable transport, public health, and community engagement. Marikina City joins the Car-Free Sunday movement, closing part of Gil Fernando Avenue every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. This initiative strengthens its commitment to people-friendly, green urban spaces. With 52 km of interconnected bike lanes, Marikina is shaping a city where cycling and walking are a way of life. “We are promoting walking and biking to school and work. This is one way of giving residents a safe space so they can bond with their families and friends,” Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said. In Quezon City, the local government’s “Car-Free, Carefree Tomas Morato Sundays” closes a stretch of Tomas Morato Avenue to motor vehicles every Sunday morning, allowing residents to walk, bike, and enjoy the open space. Similarly, in Manila, the city’s Roxas Boulevard has been designated car-free under Ordinance No. 9047, providing dedicated lanes for cyclists and joggers along a 2.3-kilometer stretch from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Sunday. In Makati City, the local government’s initiative on Ayala Avenue transforms one of the busiest business districts into a pedestrian-friendly zone on Sundays, while Mandaluyong City’s Greenfield District and Taguig City’s Fifth Avenue in Bonifacio Global City offer weekend car-free spaces for recreation and fitness activities. Pasig City is also implementing its People’s Streets program, which turns multiple streets into pedestrian-friendly spaces on Sundays. Other areas such as UP Diliman, Quezon City and Filinvest City in Muntinlupa City have long embraced the car-free movement, encouraging healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. The movement has also expanded outside Metro Manila. In Davao City, Car-Free Sundays started in December 2024 along the Coastal Road, running from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. This initiative promotes an active lifestyle and enhances public well-being by offering residents a safe space for jogging, walking, and cycling. With a growing list of local government units (LGUs) adopting car-free programs—including Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Baguio City—this movement reflects a nationwide shift toward sustainable urban planning and healthier public spaces. “The Philippines has the potential to become a cleaner, more resilient, and people-first region by prioritizing sustainable mobility,” said Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “Establishing car-free zones lowers carbon emissions, improves air quality, and encourages active, healthier lifestyles. Beyond reducing traffic congestion, these initiatives reimagine our cities as spaces designed for people.” As more LGUs consider expanding car-free initiatives, the growing movement signals a cultural shift toward prioritizing people over vehicles in urban spaces. With public support and sustainable policies, Car-Free Sundays may soon become a nationwide norm in the Philippines. The CCC, in line with its mandate to mainstream climate resilience and low-carbon development, supports these efforts as part of broader strategies to reduce emissions, promote sustainable urban mobility, and create healthier, climate-adaptive communities.
The Climate Change Commission underscores the crucial role of local action in the fight against climate change during its latest visit to Bacoor, which coincided with World Wetlands Day. BACOOR CITY, Cavite — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reaffirmed its support for Bacoor City's climate action initiatives, recognizing the local government's efforts to enhance resilience against flooding, rising sea levels and other climate-related threats. During the CCC’s recent visit to Cavite, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of local governments like Bacoor in leading the fight against climate change, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather events. "Ang Bacoor ay isa sa mga lugar na direktang naaapektuhan ng climate change. Ayon sa ating National Adaptation Plan, ang Cavite, kung saan matatagpuan ang Bacoor, ay may high exposure sa pluvial flooding o ang pagbaha na dulot ng malalakas na pag-ulan at tubig na naiipon sa mga kalsada, mabababang lugar at iba pang bahagi na walang sapat na daluyan," said Secretary Borje. "Kaya't mahalaga ang ginagawang aksyon ng lokal na pamahalaan upang makapagpatupad ng mga hakbangin para sa klima." Bacoor has faced increasingly severe climate challenges in recent months. In July 2024, the city was placed under a state of calamity after Typhoon Carina displaced over 2,000 residents due to severe flooding. In September 2024, Bacoor was also hit by Typhoon Enteng. In October 2024, Super Typhoon Kristine struck, which led the entire province of Cavite to declare a state of calamity as 11 cities were affected by flash floods. These events highlight the urgency of strengthening local climate adaptation measures. In response, the CCC is actively working with Bacoor LGU to enhance its Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) and support its People’s Survival Fund (PSF) submission. These endeavors are designed to improve the city’s capacity to adapt to climate impacts and ensure more effective disaster preparedness and long-term sustainability. Bacoor implements sustainable initiatives as part of its mitigation programs, which highlight its crucial role as an LGU at the forefront of disaster response. Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla reiterated the local government's proactive efforts. “Kami po ay nagsasagawa ng regular na clean-up drives at mahigpit na ipinapatupad ang tamang paghihiwalay ng basura. Isinusulong din namin ang tree-growing activities at mga programang nagtataguyod ng pagreresiklo at muling paggamit ng plastik.” “Bukod dito, may mga ilang parte din ng siyudad na gumagamit ng solar energy upang makatipid sa kuryente,” he added. “Patuloy kaming makikipagtulungan sa Climate Change Commission upang mapalakas ang mga inisyatibong ito at higit pang patatagin ang kakayahan ng lungsod laban sa mga disasters at climate change.” Recognizing the importance of nature-based solutions, Borje has also underscored the role of wetlands in climate resilience, particularly as a critical natural defense system, aligning with the recent observance of World Wetlands Day. Bacoor is home to a 40-hectare mangrove plantation in Barangay Sinbanali, which contributes to carbon sequestration and flood protection. Additionally, the nearby Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park serves as another vital ecological site that supports climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. “Ang mga bakawan o mangroves ng Bacoor ay isang halimbawa ng natural na proteksyon ng lungsod laban sa pagbaha. Mahalaga ang pangangalaga sa ating likas-yaman upang mapalakas ang ating kakayahang harapin ang mga epekto ng nagbabagong klima,” Borje said. He concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to adopt the CCC’s 4Ps framework. “Sa pamamagitan ng 4Ps—Pag-unawa, Pagpaplano, Paghahanda, at Pagsunod—kaya nating harapin ang mga hamon ng pagbabago ng klima. Sama-sama natin itong malalampasan, at sama-sama tayong bubuo ng Pilipinas: Bagong Bansang Matatag.” The Climate Change Commission remains committed to working closely with Bacoor City and other LGUs across the country, ensuring a whole-of-nation approach to achieving climate resilience through sustained collaboration, strategic planning and community-driven solutions. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya signed and exchanged notes with World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director in the Philippines, Regis Chapman, for “The Project for Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Vulnerable Communities in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. [Photo Courtesy of Embassy of Japan in the Philippines] MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauded the Government of Japan’s commitment of JPY 757 million (approximately USD 5 million or PHP 290 million) to bolster climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This initiative, which will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines for the next three years, will benefit around 36,000 decommissioned combatants and vulnerable communities through community-based climate adaptation activities. In a signing ceremony held recently, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya formalized the agreement with WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman. The project, Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Vulnerable Communities in BARMM, aims to strengthen disaster risk management and agricultural resilience in the region. Endo reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for peace and development in Mindanao, emphasizing the importance of sustainable livelihoods in fostering long-term stability. “Through more accessible livelihood opportunities, we aim to ensure that affected communities feel included in the peace process and are given hope for a better future through peaceful economic participation,” he stated. Meanwhile, Chapman underscored the role of collaboration in achieving meaningful impact, noting that the project will work closely with the Bangsamoro Food Security Task Force to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk while enhancing their access to markets. In addition, fortified rice will be provided to communities engaged in capacity-strengthening activities to address food security challenges. A key component of the initiative is the establishment of localized early warning systems and disaster risk management protocols to help communities prepare for extreme weather events. The project aims to support up to 36,000 individuals by enhancing access to climate services and equipping farmers and fisherfolk with critical information to safeguard their assets and optimize cropping schedules. Following the signing, WFP Programme Policy Officer for Smallholder Agricultural Market Support Toshio Murakami highlighted the next steps, which include identifying priority areas within BARMM, particularly those most susceptible to flooding and drought. Among the guests at the ceremony were Deputy Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Isidro Purisima, BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, and Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority Chief Hasna Abubakar-Adam. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, welcomed the initiative as a significant step in strengthening climate resilience in BARMM. “The impacts of climate change continue to challenge our most vulnerable communities, making climate-resilient development a necessity. This collaboration between Japan, WFP, and the BARMM government exemplifies how international cooperation can drive meaningful action,” he said. Borje further emphasized the CCC’s commitment to ensuring that climate adaptation initiatives reach the most at-risk communities. “We recognize that climate resilience is integral to sustainable peace and development. The CCC stands ready to support and work with our partners in advancing climate-responsive solutions that empower communities and promote a low-carbon, climate-resilient future,” he added. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine government continues to prioritize climate resilience and sustainable development as key pillars of national progress. This initiative aligns with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, both of which emphasize the need for localized, inclusive, and science-based adaptation strategies to protect communities against the risk of climate disasters. As the lead policymaking body on climate change, the CCC remains committed to advancing climate adaptation efforts across the Philippines, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of a resilient and sustainable future.
