Bamboo, a type of grass, stands tall as a nature-based solution that advances climate action while supporting resilient and inclusive economic growth. MANILA —The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recently launched the campaign “Kawayan: Kabalikat ng Klima at Komunidad” to advance progressive bamboo development as a nature-based solution (NbS) that supports climate action, strengthens resilience, and unlocks sustainable economic opportunities for communities. Featuring a series of informational materials released through the Commission’s Facebook and Instagram platforms, the campaign aims to raise public awareness on bamboo’s role in climate action and promote inclusive and sustainable development that places communities at the center of resilience building. Bamboo offers multiple benefits to communities, as it absorbs carbon emissions that drive global warming, stores water, and provides natural protection against climate impacts such as strong winds and flooding. The Philippines has an estimated 39,000 to 53,000 hectares of land suitable for bamboo cultivation. This vast potential highlights opportunities to strengthen community livelihoods while contributing to a more resilient and progressive economy, particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable areas. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized bamboo’s strategic value as both an ecological solution and an economic driver, underscoring the need to expand and diversify bamboo species as part of the country’s long-term climate and development agenda. “Bamboo is a powerful partner in climate action. It captures carbon, reduces the impact of strong winds and storms, and supports ecosystem stability. These outcomes reflect the strength of nature-based solutions anchored in the National Adaptation Plan to advance science-based and evidence-driven adaptation efforts,” Borje said. “With wider and well-planned bamboo development, we can strengthen climate resilience, reinforce adaptation measures, and protect communities, especially those most exposed to climate risks,” he added. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) serves as the country’s primary policy framework for climate adaptation, providing a science-based and evidence-informed roadmap for reducing climate risks. Developed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the NAP advances the government’s vision for climate-smart development and more effective, coordinated adaptation action. Borje further noted that bamboo contributes to national economic growth, particularly through furniture manufacturing and engineered bamboo products that offer strong domestic and global market potential. “Engineered bamboo alone has the capacity to generate up to ₱400 billion in annual revenue. This figure does not yet account for the many small-scale enterprises that depend on bamboo for crafts, housing materials, and local products. Through bamboo cultivation, we create jobs, support local industries, and advance climate action at the same time,” Borje said. The Philippines is home to around 70 bamboo species, 21 of which are endemic and found only in the country. This biodiversity reflects the country’s natural wealth and supports its position as the sixth-largest bamboo exporter globally, while opening pathways for green jobs that align with global climate goals. 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, met with Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano to discuss climate action, sustainability, and collaboration. TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) met with Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni “Lani” Lopez Cayetano to discuss the city’s climate initiatives, sustainable practices, and potential areas of cooperation aligned with national strategies to strengthen local climate action and urban resilience. The meeting highlighted Taguig City’s ongoing efforts in sustainability and climate governance, as well as opportunities to further enhance the implementation and mainstreaming of its local climate plans. Discussions centered on nature-based and people-centered solutions that respond to the city’s unique context as a lakeside urban community, with particular attention to protecting livelihoods dependent on Laguna Lake, following its trademark identity as a “Probinsyudad,” a portmanteau of probinsya (province) and siyudad (city). “These are not merely projects for their own sake; they are initiatives designed to address the real needs of our people, ensuring that no one, including fisherfolk, is left behind,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “Taguig City’s Probinsyudad concept, which redefines progress and prosperity, offers a valuable policy lesson for other LGUs in Metro Manila to develop their own localized models of sustainable development.” “True progress is not measured only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by whether communities are safer, livelihoods are protected, and future generations inherit a stable and healthy home,” Borje further pointed out. Mayor Cayetano emphasized the city's commitment to urgent climate action, fostering partnerships, and advancing sustainability and community participation through initiatives, including youth-focused climate advocacy. "Climate action is more urgent than ever, and our City continues to take meaningful steps by partnering with organizations that champion sustainability and community participation,” Mayor Cayetano said. “Through collaborations on youth leadership and climate advocacy, we are moving closer to a sustainable and climate-conscious Probinsyudad." The CCC recognized Taguig City’s integrated approach to urban sustainability, which balances development with heritage conservation, livelihood protection, and inclusive growth, highlighting the city’s approach as a potential model for other local governments. The Commission also emphasized that initiatives such as sustainable lakeshore management, urban and water-based farming, public open spaces, and climate-responsive urban planning are consistent with the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, both developed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. The meeting also explored opportunities for capacity building and collaboration in climate planning, urban adaptation, sustainable agriculture, climate finance, youth engagement, and public awareness campaigns. The engagement attests to the CCC’s commitment to support local governments in strengthening climate governance and accelerating inclusive, science-based, and people-centered climate action. 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) highlights the importance of climate-resilient agriculture and science-based crop conservation in ensuring food security and strengthening national climate resilience. CALAMBA, Laguna — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the critical role of sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in strengthening the country’s food security and overall climate resilience, in line with the priorities of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). In one of its learning site visits, the CCC highlighted how climate-smart and regenerative farming practices contribute to resilient food systems and support rural livelihoods, especially that the agriculture system is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change identified in the NAP. “Under the National Adaptation Plan, the country’s strategic framework designed to strengthen climate resilience, agriculture remains among the most at-risk sectors under a changing climate, facing increasing threats from extreme weather events, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said. He emphasized that addressing these risks requires the adoption and scaling of climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices that protect food systems while strengthening the adaptive capacity of farming communities. “Agriculture is not only a productivity concern but a core climate adaptation strategy under the NAP,” Borje said. Aligned with this strategy, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. champions the adaptation theme "Securing Food Supply: Nurture Nature, Sustain Livelihoods," which aims to achieve productive and resilient agriculture and fisheries while ensuring food security, promoting sustainability, and empowering small farmers and fisherfolk. A practical example of this approach was showcased during the learning site visit to the Filipinas Cacao Heritage Reserve Inc. (FCHRI), a farm dedicated to the conservation and propagation of heritage Criollo cacao. The CCC observed firsthand how science-based, organic, and regenerative farming approaches can reduce climate risks while supporting rural livelihoods. The visit highlighted the role of sustainable agriculture in safeguarding heritage crops, improving soil and water management, and enhancing resilience amid climate variability. As part of its organic and regenerative reforestation efforts, FCHRI employs modern and sustainable farming methods, including drip irrigation systems, Organic Integrated Pest Management (IPM), aerobic composting, and the use of ecological indicators, while avoiding harmful synthetic chemicals. In this way, the farm integrates data-driven and automated farming tools aimed at improving productivity, optimizing resource use, and increasing the resilience of the cacao trees to microclimate conditions. Borje noted that initiatives such as those implemented by the FCHRI set an example on how science-based and regenerative farming can help reduce climate risks while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods. “The depth of research done behind the conservation and propagation of Criollo cacao shows how science-based, organic, and regenerative approaches are needed to strengthen climate adaptation in agriculture,” Borje added. Affirming the same view, farm owner Jacqueline Sy Go emphasized the critical role of science and innovation in sustaining heritage cacao varieties. She highlighted that the farm’s work is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of Filipino agriculturists, foresters, and engineers. “This research is crucial, especially now that we can no longer rely on predictable seasons and are experiencing more frequent and intense typhoons,” Go said. “Science-based farming allows us to adapt, protect our crops, and ensure the long-term viability of cacao cultivation.” The learning site visit further explored potential areas of collaboration aligned with the CCC’s mandates on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and in ensuring that cultural, historical, and natural heritage sites are protected against climate-related risks. The CCC continues to advocate for climate-resilient and inclusive development that protects heritage crops, empowers farming communities, and secures food supply in a changing climate. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Bacnotan Mayor Divina Fontanilla receive the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo Award, the highest civil service honor. Both mayors are also recipients of the Philippine Resilience Awards for their transformative work in local climate resilience. MANILA, 3 February 2026 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauded Mayor Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte of Quezon City and Mayor Divina C. Fontanilla of Bacnotan, La Union, for receiving the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo Award, the highest civil service recognition in the country. This award underscores their exceptional leadership and transformative impact in local governance, setting a national standard for sustainable development. The CCC is proud to honor both mayors, who have long been recognized as champions of resilience. Their prior distinction as women champions under the Philippine Resilience Awards highlighted their early and sustained commitment to safeguarding their constituents, a legacy that this new national honor further strengthens. “The Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo Award to Mayor Belmonte and Mayor Fontanilla validates the critical role of visionary local leadership in the national climate agenda. These women leaders exemplify how dedicated public service can turn climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Mayor Belmonte has positioned Quezon City as a leader in urban climate action through the comprehensive work in solarization, sustainable mobility, and plastic pollution reduction. This earned her international acclaim as a UN Environmental Programme Champion of the Earth. Mayor Fontanilla has transformed Bacnotan, La Union, into a model of community-led resilience through her administration's pioneering Drowning Prevention Program. This is complemented by mangrove reforestation and regular coastal cleanup drives, which enhance natural defenses against storm surges and erosion. “Mayors Belmonte and Fontanilla are true resilience champions. Their proactive, innovative, and science-based approaches in building green, resilient, and safe communities are exactly the models we need to replicate across the nation,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Convenor of the Philippine Resilience Awards. The CCC urges all local government leaders to draw inspiration from the awardees' exemplary work and to partner in accelerating climate and disaster resilience efforts across the archipelago.
Solar panels, installed on the rooftop of the City of Bacoor Sports Gymnasium, contribute to the clean and renewable power supply of the solar-powered Bacoor Government Center complex. MANILA– The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has emphasized support for a just and inclusive energy transition as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Clean Energy on January 26, 2026. According to the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, the energy sector is a key contributor to the country’s emissions reduction efforts. Specifically, the NDC Implementation Plan, developed and submitted during the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., underscores the need to scale up renewable energy deployment, with the Philippines targeting an increased share of renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The CCC recognized that coal, oil, and gas contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, driving extreme weather and rising temperatures. Transitioning to clean energy is a key step toward a safer and more sustainable future. A shift to clean energy brings tangible benefits for people and the planet. Renewable energy reduces air pollution, improves public health, lowers long-term energy costs, and protects ecosystems that communities rely on for food, water, and livelihoods. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of a gradual and inclusive approach. “To reduce climate impacts, we must carefully and progressively move away from fossil fuels toward clean energy solutions. This transition must be just and inclusive, giving communities and sectors time and support to adjust.” Borje added that clean energy sources identified under national climate and energy frameworks include hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass, with grid modernization and smart grid technologies supporting the integration of these renewable energy sources into the power system. The CCC also highlighted ongoing initiatives that support the country’s just transition to clean energy, including capacity-building programs for local governments, partnerships with private sector developers, and policies that encourage renewable energy investments. These efforts aim to ensure that communities are empowered and prepared to participate in the shift toward sustainable energy. “Clean energy is not just about technology; it is about people and communities. Our programs focus on raising awareness, providing training, and creating opportunities so that everyone can benefit from a sustainable energy future,” Borje said. These efforts are aligned with the guidance and vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., supporting the country’s transition toward a climate-smart and inclusive Philippines. The International Day of Clean Energy was declared by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/77/327 to raise global awareness of the role of clean energy in addressing climate change. As the country joined the global observance, the CCC called for stronger awareness and collective action to advance a green transition that leaves no one behind. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
