CCC JOINS THE FIRE PREVENTION MONTH OBSERVANCE In observance of the Fire Prevention Month, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) reminds the public to take preventive measures to make our communities and the environment safe from fires. The month of March is declared as the Fire Prevention Month by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A.

For its New Year special, The Best of Stories for a Better Normal Part 2 will air this week, focusing on the importance of reducing single-use plastic consumption.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 6 January 2022, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Selected segments from previous episodes and conversations with Czarina Constantino of WWF Philippines from our Episode 29 Uniting Against Single-Use Plastic episode; Marian Ledesma of Greenpeace from our episode 47 Uniting Against Single-Use Plastic episode; and Adeline Almelor from Iriga City, Camarines Sur from our Episode 49 Zero-waste and Innovative Community Pantries episode, will be featured, along with an introduction by Rachel Anne Herrera, CCC Vice Chairperson.

Part 1 of “The Best of Stories for a Better Normal” will be aired this week, focusing on efforts to preserve nature and promote backyard food gardening.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 16 December 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   The new Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission, Rachel Anne S. Herrera, will join as co-host.   Highlights from previous episodes and interview clips from Lee Ann Canals-Silayan, Founder of Kaleekasann nursery from our Planting Native Trees episode; Diding Libao of Inang Maria’s Garden from our May Pagkain sa Bakuran episode; and Karen Hizola, Executive Director of Global Seed Savers Philippines from our Saving Seeds and Growing with Nature episode, will be featured.

The 74th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature micro- and social enterprises that implement ecological solid waste management and offer eco-friendly alternatives for gift-giving and celebrations this holiday season.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 09 December 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Shine De Castro, Co-Founder of Old Manila Eco Market in Intramuros; Erin Larissa Canto, Project Officer from Wala Usik Economy in Bacolod City and Talisay City, Negros Occidental; and Jade Joquiño, Co-Owner of Darlings’ Milktea in Maasin, Iloilo.

The 73rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” will feature organizations that undertake efforts to preserve and ensure the sustainability of our cultural heritage amid the pandemic and climate crisis.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 02 December 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Esteemed guests will join the online conversation including Ar. Carmen Bettina Bulaong, Executive Director of Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation; Mark Ignacio, a mason graduate of Escuela Taller; and Prof. Eric Zerrudo from Center for Cultural Property and Conservation of Environment in the Tropics.

For its Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week 2021 special episode, the 72nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will once again feature the Department of Education (DepEd) learners who exemplified outstanding leadership in biodiversity conservation and climate action within their schools and communities.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 25 November 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl, facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, and facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH. This will be part of the official activities for the observance of the 14th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week and DepEd's 5th National Climate Change Conference (NCCC) with the theme, “Klima ng Kinabukasan, Ating Panglagaan” and "Reinforcing the Youth's Role on Stewardship of Biodiversity for Climate Stability," respectively. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Director Ronilda R. Co of DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Arren Jean J. Jacalan from Tangub City National High School, SDO Tangub City, Region X; Sean Michael G. Endiable from City of San Jose del Monte National Science High School, SDO San Jose Del Monte City, Region III; and Shekinah A. Moreno from Quezon National High School, SDO Bukidnon, Region X to share their biodiversity conservation and climate change advocacies.

With the year 2021 considered a make-or-break year for climate action, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) invites the public to join in the celebration of the 14th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC) Week from November 19 to 29, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1667 s.2008 to raise awareness on global warming. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, most activities for the CCC Week 2021 will be live streamed on the official Facebook page of the CCC via www.facebook.com/CCCPhl and its organizing partners.

The 71st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” will once again feature initiatives of organizations that  help communities adapt to climate change and work to improve the lives of Filipinos.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 18 November 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Ryan Gersava, Founder and President of Virtualahan; Sarah Queblatin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Green Releaf Initiative; and Engr. Cle Bern Paglinawan, Provincial Tourism Officer from the Province of Siquijor.

The 70th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” will feature organizations and initiatives that are helping communities adapt to climate change and work to improve the lives of Filipinos.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 11 November 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Jenica Dizon, Country Director of Waves for Water Philippines; Hazel Tanchuling, Executive Director of Rice Watch Action Network (R1); and Carlos Hechanova, co-Executive Director for Operations of makesense Philippines.

Filipino youth scientists and grassroots leaders will gather virtually to feature their innovations and advocacy campaigns on climate change adaptation and mitigation and to inspire fellow youth to advance the frontiers of innovation toward a healthy, resilient, and sustainable future on the 68th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways COP26 Series" with the theme "Together for a Sustainable Future."   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 28 October 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Mark Kennedy Bantugon, James Dyson Awardee 2021; Naiah Mendoza, World Robot Olympiad Canada 2020-X Awardee; Adelle Yuson, a physicist from Central Mindanao University; and Marinel Ubaldo, a Climate Reality Leader and the Advocacy Officer for Ecological Justice and Youth Engagement of Living Laudato Si’ Philippines.

The 67th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the programs, projects, and activities of the Department of Education (DepEd) that inculcate disaster preparedness in all DepEd offices, schools, learners, and personnel.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 21 October 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl, facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, and facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Dir. Ronilda Co and Ms. Monalyn Bermijiso of DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Mr. Glenn Sabido from the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo; Ms. Ghia Ureta from Alasasin Elementary School, SDO Bataan; and Ms. Johannna Mae Sitchon from Panabo City National High School, SDO Panabo City to discuss the DepEd’s disaster preparedness programs and good practices in public schools.

Fisherfolk leaders and fisheries advocates will gather virtually to promote the protection and restoration of the marine environment to revive the fisheries sector on the 65th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Pangingisda sa Nagbabagong Klima.”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 7 October 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, Chairperson of the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolk Associations in Zamboanga Sibugay and Ramon Magsaysay awardee 2021; Ruperto “Ka Uper” Aleroza, National Anti-Poverty Commission Vice Chair for Basic Sectors; and Atty. Rhea Yray-Frossard, Fisheries Management Officer and Coordinator to discuss climate resilience efforts in the fisheries sector.

The 64th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature Department of Education (DepEd) teachers and Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD) officers to showcase public schools that exert efforts in preserving Heritage Trees.   The online conversation, conceptualized by DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 30 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl, facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, and facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Mr. Adolf P. Aguilar and Ms. Gina Rullamas of DepEd BLSS-YFD, Ms. Jenelyn Alberto from Kaligayahan Elementary School (Division of Quezon City), Mr. Nolito Roque Alvarez from Alabang Elementary School (Division of Muntinlupa City), Mr. Rodolfo Cardinez Jr. from Carcarmay Elementary School (Division of La Union), and Ms. Freida Cawaling from Albasan Elementary School (Division of Aklan).

Bamboo advocates will gather virtually to share knowledge on and promote bamboo propagation and utilization to attain sustainable livelihoods on the 63rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Bamboo is Life!”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 23 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Atty. Dulce Punzalan, World Bamboo Ambassador and Climate Reality Leader; Dr. Cora Claudio, Convenor-Chair of the Climate Action & Sustainability Alliance; and Rica Villanueva Gadi, CEO of Bamboo Bootcamp.

“Kaalamang Klima,” a climate change webinar-workshop for the youth brought in partnership between the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center will be tomorrow, September 22 via Zoom and Facebook Live.   Open to interested participants aged 15-30 years old, Kaalamang Klima aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and deepen the understanding and appreciation of the youth on climate science and climate change, and drumbeat youth support for a second edition of the Klima Film Festival this year, which targets to mainstream the effects of climate change through films written and produced by the Filipino youth.

Young Filipino conservationists and climate advocates will gather virtually to promote meaningful youth engagement in environmental and climate action on the 62nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Campaign For Nature.”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 16 September 2021, 10AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers will win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee and Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve; Mark Edison Raquino, Research and Development Coordinator of DALUHAY; and Tasha & Bella Tanjutco, Co-founders of Kids for Kids PH to campaign for an immediate, collective action for biodiversity conservation.

The 61st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the stories and narratives of people strengthening their efforts and implementing risk resiliency programs to address the impacts of climate change in their communities through the Cash-for-Work project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 9 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Ma. Victoria P. Morelos, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) from Bulakan, Bulacan; Jayson Salenga, Site Manager of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands; Jowey C. Celzo, MSWDO from Anda, Pangasinan; and    Jenny Gandaloza Ontok, President of the Muslim Women’s Rural Worker Association in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Representatives from the public and private sectors will gather virtually to promote the regulation of single-use plastics as well as the strict implementation of ecological solid waste management on the 60th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Time to Clean Up!” The episode is organized in celebration of the National Clean Up Month.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 2 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Mr. Vincent Alon, Head of Solid Waste Management Research & Training Division of the local government of Muntinlupa City; Mr. Saar Herman, Chief Technology Officer of Green Antz Builders, Inc.; and Ms. Mharee Lynn Guillena of the National Clean Up Day Coalition.

The 59th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the continuing efforts of local government units and national government agencies to promote and advance sustainable urban mobility in Metro Manila.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 26 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are representatives from the local governments of Pasig City, San Juan City, Marikina City, Quezon City; and officials from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to share their respective active transport (biking and walking) plans, initiatives, and experience.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) invites all sectors to join the 10th National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) Forum on Tuesday, 24 August 2021 through Zoom online and CCC Facebook Live.   With the theme, “Climate Action Onwards - Next Steps for Philippines' Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,” this NPTE Forum shall discuss the urgent work on capacity and knowledge building for all facets of climate action.   The forum will feature the following presentations: El Niño droughts: A predictive tool we can use and how climate change complicates things, by Dr. Carlos Primo C. David; Slow onset events and our required response, by Ms. Lourdes V. Tibig; Sea level rise and its impacts on our country, by Dr. Fernando P. Siringan; Safeguarding projects against maladaptation, by Dr. Rosa T. Perez; Challenges and opportunities in risk transfer mechanism as climate adaptation strategy, by Dr. Felino P. Lansigan; and Formulating the mitigation component of the NDC, by Dr. Leoncio A. Amadore.