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.
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.
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.
Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve and Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve, the 9th and 10th Ramsar sites in the Philippines listed on the Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. [Photos courtesy of Zamboanga Sibugay and Del Carmen, Siargao LGUs] Wetlands play a crucial role in protecting diverse ecosystems by providing shelter for migratory birds, fish and amphibians, including endangered and near-threatened species. They also provide essential services for local communities such as flood mitigation, carbon sinks, and water quality maintenance. For agriculture, wetlands ensure fertile lands and reliable water sources for crops. In the Philippines, the list of Ramsar Sites is growing. Just recently, the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR) and the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve (DCMR) in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, making them the 9th and 10th Ramsar Sites in the Philippines. The Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve is an important habitat for thousands of migratory birds during the migratory season. Here, they rest, eat, drink and find safe refuge from predators. Its mudflats serve as a critical stopover for migratory shorebirds within the East Asia Australasian Flyway, including the endangered great knot (Calidris tenuirostris), Far Eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), the vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes), and the endemic Philippine duck (Anas luzonica). The reserve also hosts nine near-threatened species, namely black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), grey-tailed tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes), Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata), Asiatic dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus), curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), red knot (Calidris canutus), red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis), and Malaysian plover (Charadrius peronii). The critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the vulnerable olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) also find refuge at the SWNR. Two of the world’s largest flying foxes, the Philippine endemic and endangered golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), and the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus), use the reserve as roost sites. Meanwhile, the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve is home to a diverse collection of organisms, including species that are globally threatened or endemic to the Philippines and the Mindanao region. These include the Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) and the southern rufous hornbill (Buceros mindanensis), and the two restricted-range species, namely the Mindanao hornbill (Penelopides affinis) and the yellowish bulbul (Hypsipetes everetti). The mangroves in DCMR cover approximately 4,871 hectares or 53.24% of Siargao Island's total mangrove forest, providing nearby communities with protection against storm surges. It also supports local livelihood through food production and ecotourism activities. Del Carmern Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II emphasized that climate action also needs standards of measure to ensure correctness of the initiative and investment. “The official declaration of the Del Carmen Mangrove Forest Reserve as the 10th UN Ramsar Site in the Philippines signifies the rightful decisions amidst the sacrifices of Del Carmenons,” he said. “The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve will continue to be our source of food, our sheltering from storm surges, our eco-tourism destination and our history,” Coro added. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide. Signed in 1971, the Convention designates wetlands as Ramsar sites for their ecological, economic and cultural value. In the face of the escalating climate change and ecological challenges, protecting wetlands has never been more crucial for our climate-resilient and sustainable future. The Philippines has been on the Ramsar List since 1994, and currently has 10 Ramsar sites, namely: Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu Province (1994); Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro (1999); Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (1999); Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan (1999); Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan (2012); Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (2013); Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (2016); Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands (2021); Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (2024); and Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve (2024). “These Ramsar sites showcase our commitment to the National Adaptation Plan's goal of protecting biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem services. Wetlands play a critical role in our climate resilience strategy by safeguarding communities from disasters and supporting livelihoods. The designation of the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve and Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve is a significant step toward achieving our adaptation targets,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Philippines delivers a statement during the oral proceedings at the International Court of Justice on the request of the UN General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the question of the obligations of States in respect of climate change (Photo from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands) MANILA, 4 December 2024 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) commended the Philippines' and climate-vulnerable states’ presentation of oral arguments in the public hearings on advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), underscoring the importance of a robust international rules-based system in advancing transformative climate action and support for climate vulnerable states. These hearings, taking place from December 2 to 13, 2024 in The Hague, Netherlands, seek to address two key questions involving the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, and the legal consequences for those who have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment. With 97 States and 11 international organizations participating, this is the largest case ever brought before the world court. The ICJ hearings follow the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 77/276, spearheaded by small island developing States, particularly Vanuatu. The Philippines, standing in solidarity with vulnerable countries, presented its position in alignment with the broader international call for urgent climate action and justice. “The reality of extreme weather events, rising sea levels and other adverse effects of warming temperatures around the world, all of which are beyond natural climate variability, requires all of us to take bold and decisive actions,” Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo J. Malaya said. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra highlighted the scientific consensus on the alarming rise of global temperatures and the devastating impacts of climate change on vulnerable nations such as the Philippines. “…This environmental crisis attributed to anthropogenic GHG emissions is surely not experienced in isolation by the Philippines. As we have learned from Vanuatu, the Bahamas, Bangladesh and South Africa, among others, these unusual and unprecedented climate changes have become a global phenomenon,” Guevarra said. Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN, speaking on the UN Charter, human rights, and UNCLOS, emphasized that climate change threatens global peace, security, and human rights. He called on the international community to uphold the principles of international law to address this crisis. “States are bound to address the climate crisis within a legal framework that maintains peace and security, respects sovereignty, and upholds human rights. Law is essential to ensure a future where all can live with dignity, security, and resilience in the face of a dramatically changing climate,” Sorreta emphasized. Solicitor General Guevarra further presented the general principles of international law, as well as the Customary International Law (CIL). He emphasized that state obligations to mitigate GHG emissions are not limited to signed treaties but are anchored in universally recognized norms. He also introduced domestic remedial measures, particularly the Writ of Kalikasan, a judicial remedy that offers legal protection for environmental rights. He noted that this remedy, under the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (RPEC), is the first of its kind globally. In his concluding statement, Guevarra underscored the binding nature of various legal frameworks: "..The entire gamut of international law informs the obligation of 33 States for their anthropogenic GHG emissions in a manner that is far more encompassing than what has already been achieved by the international community under the climate change regime. Now more than ever, the authoritative guidance of this Court is being sought to express in no uncertain terms that the contributory conduct of States in relation to climate change is bound by established conventions, customary law, and general principles." The Climate Change Commission (CCC) affirmed that the Philippines’ statement at ICJ reflects the core considerations of historic anthropogenic GHG contributions, climate justice, transboundary impacts, intergenerational equity, and the need for urgent interventions. The Philippines’ position is rooted in fundamental principles of international law, and it is not confined to specific treaties. It draws upon well-established norms, including those enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and domestic legal remedies such as the Writ of Kalikasan. The CCC reiterated that the country’s stance aligns with its long-standing principles in international climate negotiations, by advocating for the interests of highly vulnerable communities in the face of climate change. “Underscoring UNCLOS and international instruments that clarify responsibilities and commitments of States, the Philippines under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., remains a strong voice, arguing for rules-based international system, security and sustainability of the planet and respect for human rights amid a climate crisis. The CCC is honored to be part of the inter-agency and one-country-team approach led by the Office of the Solicitor General in the development of the Philippines’ position,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said. The ICJ’s advisory opinion will play a crucial role in shaping future global climate policies, reinforcing the collective duty of States to protect the environment for present and future generations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the opinion could guide stronger climate action and ensure accountability among States. As the world awaits the ICJ’s opinion, the Philippine government, through the CCC, remains committed to support this process by working with local and international partners to strengthen climate action and advocating for legal clarity and justice on behalf of vulnerable communities worldwide.
