The Climate Change Commission underscores the crucial role of local action in the fight against climate change during its latest visit to Bacoor, which coincided with World Wetlands Day.

BACOOR CITY, Cavite — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reaffirmed its support for  Bacoor City's climate action initiatives, recognizing the local government's efforts to enhance resilience against flooding, rising sea levels and other climate-related threats.

During the CCC’s recent visit to Cavite, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of local governments like Bacoor in leading the fight against climate change, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather events.

"Ang Bacoor ay isa sa mga lugar na direktang naaapektuhan ng climate change. Ayon sa ating National Adaptation Plan, ang Cavite, kung saan matatagpuan ang Bacoor, ay may high exposure sa pluvial flooding o ang pagbaha na dulot ng malalakas na pag-ulan at tubig na naiipon sa mga kalsada, mabababang lugar at iba pang bahagi na walang sapat na daluyan," said Secretary Borje. "Kaya't mahalaga ang ginagawang aksyon ng lokal na pamahalaan upang makapagpatupad ng mga hakbangin para sa klima."

Bacoor has faced increasingly severe climate challenges in recent months. In July 2024, the city was placed under a state of calamity after Typhoon Carina displaced over 2,000 residents due to severe flooding. In September 2024, Bacoor was also hit by Typhoon Enteng. In October 2024, Super Typhoon Kristine struck, which led the entire province of Cavite to declare a state of calamity as 11 cities were affected by flash floods.

These events highlight the urgency of strengthening local climate adaptation measures. In response, the CCC is actively working with Bacoor LGU to enhance its Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) and support its People’s Survival Fund (PSF) submission. These endeavors are designed to improve the city’s capacity to adapt to climate impacts and ensure more effective disaster preparedness and long-term sustainability.

Bacoor implements sustainable initiatives as part of its mitigation programs, which highlight its crucial role as an LGU at the forefront of disaster response.

Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla reiterated the local government's proactive efforts. “Kami po ay nagsasagawa ng regular na clean-up drives at mahigpit na ipinapatupad ang tamang paghihiwalay ng basura. Isinusulong din namin ang tree-growing activities at mga programang nagtataguyod ng pagreresiklo at muling paggamit ng plastik.” 

“Bukod dito, may mga ilang parte din ng siyudad na gumagamit ng solar energy upang makatipid sa kuryente,” he added. “Patuloy kaming makikipagtulungan sa Climate Change Commission upang mapalakas ang mga inisyatibong ito at higit pang patatagin ang kakayahan ng lungsod laban sa mga disasters at climate change.”

Recognizing the importance of nature-based solutions, Borje has also underscored the role of wetlands in climate resilience, particularly as a critical natural defense system, aligning with the recent observance of World Wetlands Day.

Bacoor is home to a 40-hectare mangrove plantation in Barangay Sinbanali, which contributes to carbon sequestration and flood protection. Additionally, the nearby Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park serves as another vital ecological site that supports climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

“Ang mga bakawan o mangroves ng Bacoor ay isang halimbawa ng natural na proteksyon ng lungsod laban sa pagbaha. Mahalaga ang pangangalaga sa ating likas-yaman upang mapalakas ang ating kakayahang harapin ang mga epekto ng nagbabagong klima,” Borje said.

He concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to adopt the CCC’s 4Ps framework.

“Sa pamamagitan ng 4Ps—Pag-unawa, Pagpaplano, Paghahanda, at Pagsunod—kaya nating harapin ang mga hamon ng pagbabago ng klima. Sama-sama natin itong malalampasan, at sama-sama tayong bubuo ng Pilipinas: Bagong Bansang Matatag.”

The Climate Change Commission remains committed to working closely with Bacoor City and other LGUs across the country, ensuring a whole-of-nation approach to achieving climate resilience through sustained collaboration, strategic planning and community-driven solutions.

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