Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje and Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement

MANILA, 17 May 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) committed to maximize the potential of volunteerism and community participation in addressing climate change in the country in a Memorandum of Agreement.

Under the agreement, the CCC and PNVSCA will jointly organize, support, and participate in programs and activities to promote volunteerism in mainstreaming climate change resiliency, aligned with the national government’s whole-of-society approach to sustainable development.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje expressed enthusiasm over the partnership with PNVSCA. He highlighted the importance of volunteerism in activities that improve community resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"We need a paradigm shift in our mindset towards volunteerism, as it is a tool in building and advancing policies to avoid, minimize, and address climate risks. We must appreciate that volunteerism should be present not only in times of crisis, but also in fostering holistic formation and development. With this, volunteerism serves as a catalyst for realizing progress and creating a sustainable impact," VCED Borje emphasized.

Meanwhile, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe said that the partnership will help mobilize more volunteers and stakeholders to support the country's climate change agenda.

“This is also a good opportunity not only to raise awareness, but as we engage more partners from the private sector, civil society organizations, academe, national government agencies, and local government units, this partnership can encourage more stakeholders to create and establish their own volunteering mechanism to build and enhance the climate resilience of their respective communities,” said Dr. Gawe.

The collaboration is expected to provide an effective mechanism to ensure that climate change initiatives are integrated across different sectors and communities.

The CCC and PNVSCA endeavor to launch activities during the annual celebration of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week in November, and International Volunteer Day and the National Volunteer Month in December.

The CCC is mandated to formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, while the PNVSCA is tasked with promoting and developing volunteerism as a strategy for national development.

The MOA was signed by CCC VCED Robert E.A. Borje and PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe during a ceremony held at the CCC office in Manila.

Through this partnership, both agencies will create greater synergy and cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders towards accelerating the transition to a climate-resilient and sustainable future for the Philippines.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.