July 24, 2018. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) acknowledges the importance of science in leading efforts towards climate resilience and renewable energy policy development during the 5th National Panel of Technical Experts’ (NPTE) Forum on July 24 at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).

With the theme “Renewable Energy and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation for Sustainable Development,” this NPTE forum aims to develop and provide deeper understanding on the significance of utilizing and investing more on renewable sources of energy to lower our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

First City Councilor Belen Acosta of the Davao City local government spoke in behalf of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte proudly remarked that the city strongly advocates renewable energy with corresponding policy legislation to help them create jobs and minimize the effects of climate change.

Acosta also emphasized that environmental protection is a priority of the Davao City government as manifested in their “No Mining Policy” and the active functioning of their Watershed Management Council (WMC).

CCC Commissioner Rachel Ann Herrera, on her opening remarks said that we are “aiming for affordable and clean energy as set by the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and for sustainable energy being one of seven priorities under the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP).”

Series of sessions and presentations were conducted during the forum led by NPTE members, Dr. Rosa Perez, and Mr. Leandro Buendia, on Climate Projection and Mitigation of Climate Change in the Philippines. Dr. Glenn Paraso served as the forum’s moderator.

Climate Change Commissioner Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman echoed Senator Loren Legarda’s call for renewable energy as the author of the Climate Change Act and one of the authors of the Renewable Energy Act of the Philippines.

De Guzman said that Legarda asked our policy implementors to observe closely enough the examples of other countries to begin to appreciate the rise of renewables in many countries around the world because it is what we need today, not just from a social and ecological standpoint, but also from an economic and sustainable policy development perspective.

“Our country would be able to avoid future carbon emissions by pursuing low carbon development pathways with climate change adaptation and resilience building actions” de Guzman said.

“Let me assure you that the CCC is committed to work in convergence with other government agencies in transforming energy sector with an increasing share of renewable energy to bring cleaner, greener, healthier, and more resilient future for the Filipino people,” de Guzman concluded.

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