The Department of Finance, as Chair of the People's Survival Fund Board, extended the deadline of LGUs’ proposal submissions until 14 April 2023. To access the People’s Survival Fund, LGUs shall complete the following documentary requirements: 1) Letter of Intent; 2) Accomplished Project Proposal Template; 3) Adaptation references such as Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments, CCA-DRR-Enhanced Comprehensive Land Use/ Development Plans, and Local Climate Change Action Plan; and 4) the Annual Investment Plan. Submissions shall be made through the PSF Board Secretariat in the DOF through <[email protected]>. For more information about the PSF, visit the CCC’s website at www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, Philippines — To cap off this year’s National Women's Month, the Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) underscored the significance of developing women's skills and the necessity of their active participation in policies and programs in order to transition to gender-responsive climate-smart agriculture. "Climate change exacerbates the already-existing gender inequalities in the agriculture sector and beyond, but if the considerable contribution that women make to agriculture is recognized, climate change may also present significant opportunities for women to become agents of change," said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Chairperson of the CCC’s GAD Focal Point System. The UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) through its Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) reported the need to take into account the differentiated impacts of climate change such as on women and men, local communities and indigenous peoples, in climate policies, plans and action. In an earlier visit to the agricultural community of Brgy. Rayuray, Batac, Ilocos Norte, gender-related concerns in the agriculture sector were discussed. “Kapag sinabing magsasaka, ang madalas pumapasok sa isip ng tao ay lalaki. Kaming mga kababaihan ay sangkot din sa produksyon ng pananim, pag-aalaga ng hayop, at maging sa pagpo-provide ng pagkain, tubig, at enerhiya sa tahanan. Bukod po sa aming pamilya, inaalagaan din namin ang kaunlaran ng aming komunidad at nagiging sandigan sa sistema ng agrikultura,” shared Infenita Puyot, one of the female farmers. (When we say farmers, what often comes to mind is a man. We women are also involved in crop production, animal production, and even providing food, water, and energy for our homes. In addition to our family, we also take care of the development of our community and have become a pillar of the agricultural system.) “A gender-responsive approach to climate change resilience within the agricultural sector is crucial to address the differing levels of vulnerability experienced by women through empowerment,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Some of the strategies identified by the CCC toward gender mainstreaming in the agriculture sector include ensuring that: ● Gender and development (GAD) is incorporated into the national policies concerning agriculture and climate change; ● Women have equitable access to the resources and information required to implement climate-smart agriculture; ● Women are involved in the local planning, policy and budget processes; ● Gender-responsive climate finance is available through increased resource allocation and capacity-building programs; and ● There is an increased collaboration between relevant government agencies, and consultations are conducted with women who work in agriculture, using a bottom-up approach to facilitate knowledge sharing and awareness raising among policymakers. The CCC itself has observed gender balance and women's representation within the organization. The Agency is composed of three Commissioners, including Commissioner Herrera. Several policies were also put in place by the CCC, such as the Commission Resolution No. 2019-02, which strengthens the framework for gender-based approaches in the formulation and implementation of national climate change policies, plans, programs, and activities, including the generation of sex-disaggregated data and the conduct of gender analysis. The Resolution also established the need for coordination among key agencies in promulgating policies, directives, and initiatives supportive of the collaborative approach to accomplish its objectives. A GAD Focal Point System was also created to monitor GAD mainstreaming efforts in climate actions, and has appointed gender focal points to international forums. The CCC continues to work closely with the Philippine Commission on Women, the Department of Agriculture, and other stakeholders in order to strengthen women’s capacity to protect and nurture the well-being of their respective communities from the impacts of climate change. For more information on the CCC’s mainstreaming activities, visit the website http://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is optimistic as the results of the fourth quarter 2022 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed an increasing awareness among Filipinos on climate change, including initiatives they can do to reduce its impact. The survey revealed that four out of five Filipinos (81%) were aware of climate change, an increase from 74% in a similar survey conducted in March 2017 and from 66% in March 2013. The survey further revealed that 93% of Filipinos said they have personally experienced the impacts of climate change in the past three years. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Filipinos agreed that they could do something to reduce climate risk, the survey continued. Among the solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change, planting trees and protecting forests and saving energy at home ranked the highest, with both garnering 95%. These were followed by walking, cycling or taking public transportation (93%), reducing, reusing, repairing and recycling (91%), and reducing food waste (86%). CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert Borje urges people to "take collective, urgent, and transformative action to adapt to and mitigate climate change effects because the lives, livelihood, and future of the next generations are at stake." This SWS survey is a reflection of the collective effort of government, civil society, private sector, and all stakeholders in mainstreaming climate change in national, local, and sectoral development plans. The CCC, as the lead policy-making body of the government on climate change, continues to ramp up its information and education campaigns and introduced innovations in the delivery of its capacity development programs through partnerships with national government agencies, local government units, research institutions, and the private sector. Greenhouse gas inventory training, climate change expenditure tagging, local climate change adaptation plan, and other youth-related programs are some of the CCC’s mainstreaming activities. “The CCC will continue to further strengthen its public-private-community engagements to further strengthen public awareness and understanding of climate change and improve the quality of risk and vulnerability assessments,” VCED Borje added. The SWS survey is a clear manifestation of the priority given by the Marcos Administration to the transformative climate change agenda, as laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The Fourth Quarter 2022 Social Weather Survey was conducted from December 10-14, 2022, using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide – 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The CCC vows to strengthen its mission in coordination among key stakeholders toward achieving a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines. For more information on climate change mainstreaming activities of the CCC, visit the website, https://climate.gov.ph.

MAAYON, Capiz — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted capacity enhancement activity on Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHGI) and local Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) in Maayon, Capiz. The training was attended by more than 30 representatives from the Provincial Government of Capiz, the Municipal Government of Maayon, Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Office, and private sector. “This training is one of the series of capacity development training that we have been looking forward to as it composes our Climate Disaster and Risk Assessment (CDRA) for adaptation, and Greenhouse Gas Inventory for mitigation,” said Maayon Mayor Raymond Malapajo. The capacity enhancement activity aims to boost the LGU’s capacity on sectoral GHGI and local CCET in order to support the municipality in completing their enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP). "LCCAP is a development plan that contains both adaptation and mitigation actions of LGUs. We conduct GHG inventory to provide science-based information for coming up with mitigation strategies. These strategies must then be reflected and tagged in the local CCET Annual Investment Programs," explained Sandee Recabar, Chief of CCC’s Implementation Oversight Division, on the fundamental objective of LCCAP formulation. At the end of the training, the Ma-ayon LGU was able to develop a draft GHGI report for the fiscal year 2022. Mitigation investments were also embedded in the LCCET. "Our CDRA journey with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has never been easy, but I am grateful [to] our LCCAP technical working group for conducting four workshops in the span of two years. And now, we are working on our GHG inventory to complete our LCCAP," Mayor Malapajo added. The CCC also paid a courtesy call on Mayor Malapajo and Vice Mayor Jose Dapulaza prior to the start of the activity. For more information on GHGI and CCET, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted a consultation with civil society organizations and private sector on national reports to be submitted to UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) this year. A stakeholder consultation for the development of the country's Biennial Updated Report (BUR) was organized by the CCC, through its Implementation Oversight Division, to ensure collective, inclusive, and transparent process in developing national reports. Reports such as the BUR, which are to be submitted by non-Annex 1 countries to the UNFCCC, serve as basis to assess global progress on climate commitments, towards mobilizing means of implementation (MOI) and support for the developing world. Twenty four (24) participants from civil society and the private sector attended the consultation on the BUR development process. “As members of civil society and the private sector, you will be able to help us develop the report into one that is truly consultative, comprehensive, data-driven, and reflective of our country’s circumstances and needs,” said CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio Cuenca. To set the context, the CCC presented the overview of the BUR process and the data and information needed to qualify the report as comprehensive and data-driven. CSOs and private sector representatives shared their views and insights on additional data and information sources, and how their organizations can contribute in the development of the BUR. The CCC, as the National Focal Point to the UNFCCC spearheads the process of BUR development and submission. Series of consultation with government and stakeholders will be conducted towards the completion and finalization of the BUR. The BUR is targeted to be submitted by the CCC to the UNFCCC this year. For more information about the Philippine BUR, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) conducted an orientation for state universities and colleges (SUCs) on climate change expenditure tagging (CCET), and called for increased climate budget proposals of SUCs for FY 2024. The CCC and DBM, in their joint effort to track and monitor climate change-related budget and expenditure, conducted an orientation session for SUCs on tagging programs, projects and activities allocated for climate change actions, in preparation for the FY 2024 budget call. Specific to the mandate of SUCs, the CCC and DBM view that their programs, projects and activities are important to be reflected in the CCET, as these government investments are crucial in developing science and evidences to support climate policies and actions. “We call on SUCs to increase and prioritize their budgets for climate research and development to produce the best available science and technologies locally,” said CCC Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz Sr. More than 450 participants from 106 SUCs attended the CCC-DBM-led orientation on CCET. Through this series of orientation sessions, the CCC hopes that SUCs will be able to secure an increased budget for climate-related activities. “SUCs are among our key partners in addressing climate change. They provide us site-specific climate information that enable local government units to determine fit-for-purpose programs and activities to address climate change and its impacts,” said CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Earlier this year, DBM issued National Budget Memorandum No. 145, commencing the SUCs’ budget preparation for fiscal year 2024, including the submission of budget proposals for climate change under CCET. “While we are on track with our agenda for prosperity, our efforts will be futile if you are unable to address climate change as it continues to pose significant risks to our economic development. Thankfully, we have interventions such as the CCET that allow us to monitor the scope and distribution of climate action in the country,” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. The CCET tracks and monitors climate-tagged budgets in annual appropriations. For FY 2023, total appropriations for climate change accounts for PHP 464.49 billion, 60.32 percent higher than FY 2022. The event was organized by the CCC and DBM, together with the Commission on Higher Education(CHED), the Governance Commission for GOCCs, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to raise the national government instrumentalities’ (NGIs) capacity to tag, identify, and advance public resources for climate action. These NGIs include GOCCs, NGAs, and SUCs. For more information about the CCET, visit https://climate.gov.ph/ and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/climate-finance/ccet.

MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) met to discuss the implementation of their partnership on creating climate-smart communities. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje welcomed the delegates from Aboitiz Equity Ventures, led by Ms. Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros, First Vice President and Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer. “Public-private partnerships are crucial to harmonize coordination and concerted effort in ensuring local governments can plan for and implement strategies to minimize, if not avert, the impacts of climate change,” said VCED Borje. The meeting was intended to concretize the activities of the partnership between CCC and AEV to transform LGUs into climate-smart communities, including assisting LGUs to prepare, implement, and enhance their local climate change action plans (LCCAP). In December 2022, a preliminary orientation workshop on the enhancing LCCAP towards becoming climate smart communities was conducted for the municipalities of Sto. Tomas and Malvar in Batangas and Iligan City. Building on the success of the event, the CCC and AEV expanded the program to other vulnerable communities hosted by the Aboitiz Group.   The Aboitiz Group expressed full support to the CCC towards the innovation on the consolidation and analysis of LGUs’ LCCAPs and the responsiveness of their Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET). The innovation component of the partnership seeks to provide relevant public information on the intervention of LGUs based on their local climate risks and hazards. The LCCAP innovation project will be launched in September 2023. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph.

Quezon City, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined government and development partners in the kick off workshop for Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project in the aim to accelerate progress towards climate resilience. Supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, the TRANSCEND Project will forge collaborations between governments, civil society and the private sector to attain transformational change in the areas of climate governance, biodiversity conservation, ecosystems resilience, transport, and energy. "Aligned with the thrust of the German government, this Project will drive concrete results on adaptation, mitigation, and biodiversity protection, catering to the specific needs and priorities of the Philippines," First Secretary Alexander Schmidt of the German Embassy Manila said. As the lead policy-making body of the Philippine government on climate change, the CCC provided convergence points of the Project in line with the country’s climate action agenda. “To adequately address the impacts of climate change, we must strengthen our collective capacities to effectively and efficiently deliver our work. Collaborative partnerships with development partners in the international community and the business sector are key to our success,” said Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Jerome Ilagan, Chief of CCC’s Policy and Research and Development Division, highlighted the opportunity for the Project to employ the concept of "Build Right at First Sight" using the best available science and technologies and aligned with the Nationally Determined Contribution. During the project’s kick-off workshop, Alexis Lapiz, Chief of CCC’s Strategic Partnership Division, recognized the support provided by the German Government and the vision of TRANSCEND to foster a whole-of-government approach in pursuing climate actions. "This mechanism is clearly demonstrated by the Project, which provides an enabling environment for government and non-government actors to join forces and reach significant strides towards advancing the country’s climate change and sustainable development agenda," said Lapiz. With grant funding of EUR 36.8 million, the Project will be spearheaded by a consortium of development partners and research institutions in partnership with various national government agencies.

MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) supports the Executive Order on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, as part of the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach toward achieving climate resilience and sustainable development. The National Economic and Development Authority formally launched the PDP 2023-2028 through Executive Order (EO) No. 14, s. 2023, signed by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on 30 January 2023 during the "From Plan to Action: PDP 2023-2028 Forum." The PDP 2023–2028 is a plan for deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path. This growth must be inclusive, building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos, and equipping them with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy. President Marcos said that the PDP 2023-2028 "will set the Philippines towards becoming an upper-middle income country by the year 2025. But beyond economic development, the Plan also focuses on social development and protection, disaster resilience, digital transformation, and many other things." Under Part IV: Enabling Environment, Chapter 15 of the PDP identifies the goal for communities, institutions, and natural and built environments to be "more resilient to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change" by 2028. To achieve this objective, this chapter identified three strategies: increasing the climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions; enhancing ecosystem resilience; and enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy. The CCC is part of the Planning Committee that developed the Chapter on Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience. The Commission provided relevant climate information, i.e., climate budget tagging data, Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) compliance, and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) information. For its part, the CCC will continue its efforts to strengthen its programs to elevate and strengthen the country’s climate agenda. Under the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging, PHP 458.66 billion was tagged for climate related programs for fiscal year (FY) 2023. This is 58.30% higher than the 2022 climate budget of PHP 289.73 billion. LCCAP submissions climbed from 715 at the end of 2021 to 1,397 at the end of 2022. The CCC targets to have 100% compliance from 1,715 LGUs by FY 2024. The NDC calls for the systematic integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation in various phases of policy formulation and development plans, specifically in the sectors of agriculture, waste, industry, transportation, forestry, and energy sectors based on available science and technology. The CCC will continue to engage all stakeholders concerned in the NDC implementation, updating, and monitoring and review processes. To support and operationalize the PDP, the CCC is updating the National Climate Change Action Plan and the NDC, strengthening the implementation of the National Climate Risk Management Framework (NCRMF), and developing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), in promoting the Commission’s goal of a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines. For updates and information on the work of the Commission, visit the official website http://www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, Philippines, 29 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the United Nations Development Programme-Philippines (UNDP Philippines) in launching a project on accelerating private climate finance for nature-based solutions. The CCC expressed its support for the UNDP-Philippines project, "Accelerating Green and Climate Finance in the Philippines: Nature-Based Solutions," aimed to increase private sector investments in gender-responsive, nature-based solutions in support of a just transition to resilient and low emission development. "We recognize the immense value in nature-based solutions, but increased financing, especially from the private sector, must flow in for nature-based projects and programs—and more urgently, considering the rate of destruction of our natural wealth from climate impacts and other factors," said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera. She also emphasized the potential of nature-based solutions to enhance adaptive capacities against climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) (DENR) Secretary and the President’s Representative to the CCC, Ma. Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga, highlighted the ongoing work by the DENR to support nature-based solutions to climate change, specifically in forest protection, watershed and wetland management, and restoration and protection of marine and coastal resources. “We have a challenging task ahead, but we're optimistic that we can deliver a lasting impact on our communities and on our country as a whole. We are, therefore, partners with you in fostering this new effort and working with key stakeholders to unlock financing for climate and disaster resilience,” Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga added. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno explained that the Department of Finance has built a sustainable finance ecosystem to synergize public and private investments in green projects, and that its roadmap sets the guiding principles that will create an environment for greater policies in the Philippines. “There is a strong appetite for green investments among the investment community, and we are keen on strengthening our policies on climate financing to complement its wide array of initiatives. We launched today a unique project that offers gender-responsive, nature-based solutions for climate-resilient technologies, practices, and approaches,” Secretary Diokno said. Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the UNDP, explained that the “initiative recognizes the big task of bringing nature-based solutions at the very core of public and private sector investments and decision-making processes,” and that it aims to contribute “to seeing the results of nature-based solutions for climate through public-private partnership.” Funded by the Government of Canada, the project will be implemented by DOF, CCC, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines, and Public-Private Partnership Center. The project’s implementation period is from 2022 to 2025. Consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the project seeks to contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and the achievement of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution, the Philippines Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and other related policies and programmes. It also aims to enhance resilience and environmental security for Filipino women and vulnerable communities in the Philippines.

MANILA, 28 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission PH convened the Philippine Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management and Reporting System (PGHGIMRS) lead agencies to finalize the 2015 and 2020 National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. Under Executive Order No. 174 series of 2014, the PGHGIMRS is created to develop the GHG inventory management and reporting system among relevant government agencies to enable the country to transition toward a climate-resilient pathway for sustainable development. “Our sustained convergences like what we do today are instrumental in producing quality reports that are accurate, complete, and reflective of the prevailing national circumstances, as well as the needs and priorities of our focus sectors,” said CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca. This year’s first quarterly meeting focused on the remaining steps to complete the 2015 and 2020 National GHG inventories. The Philippine National GHG Inventory Reports (NIRs) developed through a whole-of-government approach, provides evidences serving as basis of government’s climate change adaptation and mitigation programs. The 2015 and 2020 NIRs are scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2023. These NIRs will be part of the Government’s Biennial Update Report to be communicated to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change this year. The CCC-led PGHGIMRS meeting was attended by all member agencies: Department of Agriculture - Philippines, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy Philippines, and Department of Transportation - Philippines. For more information on GHG Inventory and the Philippines’ NDC, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

QUEZON CITY, 25 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined this year’s #BiggestHourForEarth campaign to further raise awareness on the needed urgent and collective global climate action. The CCC took part in the main switch-off event at Quezon City Memorial Circle on March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., spearheaded by the Quezon City Government and WWF-Philippines. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje shared that, ironically, “an hour of absence of light sheds a light on the collective need to address the climate crisis.” "By switching our lights off, we want to be a beacon for all and a signal to all. We want to tell the world that we need to act for our country and our world in the face of climate change," VCED Borje emphasized. In addition to raising awareness on climate change, Earth Hour 2023 also aimed to promote energy conservation. In the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, it is estimated that around 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the energy sector. In the Philippines, the energy sector accounts for 55% of the domestic emissions, with household and commercial energy consumption ranking as the second and fourth highest demand based on the latest National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, respectively. To respond to the growing emissions, the National Climate Change Action Plan includes ‘sustainable energy’ as among its thematic priorities with the aim of promoting and implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures. VCED Borje urged the public to take climate action beyond an hour and make it a part of their daily life. "Panahon lang ang maibibigay natin sa mundo, but the irony of it all, we do not have the luxury of time. Ang climate change ay nararamdaman natin and we need to act together. Tonight, our challenge is to act beyond one hour, at gawin natin ang lahat para ang isang oras na ito ay maging isang commitment at pagmamahal habambuhay, hindi lang isang oras," he concluded. Held annually, Earth Hour encourages Filipinos and citizens around the world to switch off non-essential lights for an hour to conserve energy and protect the planet. In a video message, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. expressed his support to the 2023 Earth Hour. “It only takes 60 minutes to do good for our future, 60 minutes to take notice and commit to saving Mother Nature, to be united and take action because together nothing is impossible,” said President Marcos. Earth Hour first took place as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. For its 16th year, the Earth Hour put a spotlight on the #BiggestHourForEarth to call on the need to address climate change. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and Climate Change Commission PH.

MANILA, 21 March 2023 – The Philippines lauded the timely approval of the Synthesis Report (SYR), the fourth and final installment of the sixth assessment report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The all-women Philippine Delegation (PhilDel) to the 58th Session of the Panel (IPCC-58) was led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh and supported by Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera and Dr. Faye Abigail T. Cruz, Head of the Regional Climate Systems Laboratory of the Manila Observatory and IPCC Contributing Author for the Working Group I of AR6. “The Synthesis Report serves as the fundamental basis for evidence-informed decisions and actions and provides a clear and substantive analysis on climate science that would accelerate the pace of co-creating policies and designing and implementing programs for science-based action,” DENR Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh, Head of PhilDel, said. The report draws on the summary and findings of the six (6) reports released during the current cycle that commenced in 2015. It provides an integrated and up-to-date analysis on climate change, including an overview of the state of knowledge on the science of climate change based on the three Working Groups of the IPCC and three Special Reports on the impacts of 1.50C global warming, and on climate change impacts to oceans and cryosphere, and land. During the week-long approval sessions, PhilDel intervened on several sections of the report by highlighting the urgent need in pursuing evidence-based adaptation planning especially in developing and most vulnerable countries, such as in combining green-blue with gray infrastructure to address the risk of flooding in cities, and strongly supporting the value of emissions avoidance as a recognition of risk-based and outcomes-based approaches to curb GHG emissions with the use of best available non-GHG emitting technologies. “The solution lies in climate-resilient development. This involves integrating measures to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in ways that provide wider benefits. Climate resilient development becomes progressively more challenging with every increment of warming. This is why the choices made in the next few years will play a critical role in deciding our future and that of generations to come,” the IPCC said in a statement. The Philippines likewise acknowledged that loss and damage are expected to worsen with increasing global warming as adaptation limits are reached for some ecosystems, for which financing will be crucial. “The Synthesis Report, along with the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) document, will provide the impetus for urgent climate action in the Philippine context. As knowledge gaps remain, these IPCC reports serve as critical reference points for our policymakers to heed the science on the gravity of climate change as a planetary health concern necessitating solutions in policy and programs at the global and domestic level,” Commissioner Herrera said. The approval of the Synthesis Report took place following in-depth discussions among government representatives in IPCC-58, held 13 to 19 March 2023 in Interlaken, Switzerland. Established in 1988, the IPCC assesses in a comprehensive, objective, and transparent manner the scientific, technical, and socio-economic information relevant to understanding human-induced climate change, its potential impacts, and adaptation and mitigation options. The IPCC is composed of thousands of climate scientists and experts from 195 member-countries. Photo by: IPCC

MANILA, Philippines, 19 March 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for urgent delivery of global commitment on climate action, particularly the funding for climate-related loss and damage, at the 18th Meeting of the Warsaw International Mechanism Executive Committee (WIM EXCOM-18) in Manila. Following the 27th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP-27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the WIM EXCOM convened to discuss the milestone decision on funding arrangements for loss and damage, the enabling mechanisms to fully operationalize the Santiago Network, and the EXCOM’s second five-year rolling work plan. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje recognized the effort of the WIM based on the mandates from the UNFCCC and COP, and encouraged the EXCOM and observers to further fast-track the work on loss and damage agenda. “There is still a lot of work ahead of us; we need to deliver on our mandates and our roles more urgently and collectively to transform developing countries’ vulnerabilities and loss and damage to greater climate resilience,” said VCED Borje. He added, “it is important that this WIM EXCOM should further advance the gains achieved in Sharm el-Sheikh in terms of separate funding facility for loss and damage. The EXCOM is expected to provide input to the work of the Transitional Committee. This, to us, provides the Committee with the singular opportunity and the great responsibility to ensure the mainstreaming of action of support strategies under the second 5-year rolling work plan adopted by the parties at COP27.” The WIM EXCOM welcomed the participation of observers in the meeting, which the Philippines engaged actively. Among the Philippines’ observations were on the work of the WIM with other UNFCCC constituted bodies and operating entities of the financial mechanisms, the EXCOM’s workplan, the comprehensive risk management approaches, and the facilitation and cooperation on action and support for developing countries. In particular, the CCC highlighted the need for best available science and best available technology to guide the work on averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage. “It is through the best available science and technology, governance, and investments that we can advance our transformation towards becoming climate-smart and climate-resilient nations,” VCED Borje stressed. CCC also emphasized that use of state-of-the-art methodologies for comprehensive risk assessments is crucial as these assessments will ensure that climate actions are science- and evidence-based and fit-for-purpose. In this case, the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage must be immediately and fully operationalized. Santiago Network aims to catalyze the provision of technical assistance, knowledge, and resources for developing countries, in addition to developed countries commitments on action and support. The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), co-hosted the WIM EXCOM with the UNFCCC Secretariat. DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, official representative of the President in the CCC, welcomed the members of the WIM EXCOM in the Philippines. “We thank the UNFCCC Secretariat for holding the WIM EXCOM-18 in the Philippines, the first Executive Meeting outside Bonn, and first meeting to discuss the COP27 breakthrough decision relating to funding arrangements responding to loss and damage,” said DENR Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga was joined by CCC VCED Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera. The Philippines has been actively engaged in the international discussion on loss and damage. From informal consultations, negotiations, Pre-COP events, to the COP27 proper, the Philippines, with the Group of 77 and China, pushed for dedicated space to discuss funding arrangements for loss and damage – now the COP27 breakthrough agreement. In the lead up to COP28, the CCC, in coordination with DFA, DENR, DOE, DA, DOF, NEDA and relevant government agencies and stakeholders, is working on the formulation and updating of national positions on critical issues, including on loss and damage. The COP28 will take place on 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit http://www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 18 March 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauds the approval of the Substitute Bill consolidating House Bill Nos. 3055 and 5083 or "An Act to Conserve, Protect, Restore, and Sustainably Manage Peatlands and its Resources to Enhance the Country's Resilience to Climate Change, and for Other Purposes.” Presided by Committee Chairperson and Bohol 1st District Representative @Edgardo Chatto, the Substitute Bill was deliberated and approved during the House Committee on Climate Hearing on February 22. The CCC endorsed the main provisions of the Substitute Bill, highlighting that sustainable management of peatlands can be a key measure to accelerate climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera delivered a manifestation in support of the bill's immediate passage, and emphasized the importance of peatlands as an efficient instrument for carbon storage. “The CCC expresses its deepest appreciation to the Committee as it is poised to approve what will be a landmark law in advancing our climate commitments through nature-based solutions,” Commissioner Herrera said. Peatlands are wetland ecosystems characterized with soils that are carbon-rich dead and decaying plant matter under high water saturation conditions. Peatlands sequester twice as much carbon as forests, and play a major role in disaster risk reduction, including flood control. “Peatlands conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable management is part of our larger effort on climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Apart from being a carbon storage, peatlands can also help mitigate the climate crisis by providing a net-cooling effect and critical habitat for a wide range of biodiversity, including endemic species. The Substitute Bill on conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable management measures will cover all peatlands and peatland resources nationwide within public and private lands. According to the Philippine National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use and Protection of Peatlands, there are two (2) confirmed peatland sites in the country. These include the 5,325-hectare Caimpugan Peat Swamp Forest in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Agusan del Sur, and the 3,088-hectare Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland in Alang-Alang and Sta. Fe in Leyte where 44% of the area has been reclaimed for agriculture. As part of whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in ecosystems management, the bill will also provide guidance to all concerned national government agencies and local government units in mainstreaming peatlands protection and conservation in their plans, policies, and programs. For more information on they climate change-related laws and policies, visit the CCC website at http://www.climate.gov.ph.

                  MANILA, Philippines, 17 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission PH opens the call for the nomination and selection of new sectoral representatives for the People's Survival Fund (PSF) Board. The new sectoral representatives will be coming from the academic and scientific community, business sector, and non-government organization (NGO). The PSF Board manages and administers the People’s Survival Fund (PSF). The PSF was established to provide long-stream finance for climate change adaptation projects of local government units. The nominees must be: (a) a citizen and resident of the Philippines for at least two years immediately prior to their nomination; (b) at least seven (7) years of proven experience, exposure, and participation in research and development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other climate change-related activities; (c) at least three (3) years of experience in program/project development and evaluation; (d) has not been selected as a sectoral representative to the PSF Board, pursuant to Section 4 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Climate Change Act; and (e) a person with known probity, integrity, and good moral character. Selection will be based on the competence, experience, and integrity of the nominees. Upon selection, the representatives shall serve for a term of three (3) years starting from the date of the first PSF Board Meeting they attended, without reappointment. Representatives are also disqualified from accessing the Fund during their term, and a year after their tenure. The deadline of submission of nominations is on 19 April 2023 (Wednesday). The PSF Board is chaired by the Secretary of Finance with the Vice Chairperson of the CCC, Secretary of Budget and Management, Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, Secretary of Interior and Local Government, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, and sectoral representatives from the academic and scientific community, the business sector, and NGOs, as members. Nominations and inquiries shall be sent through the CCC PSF Unit via [email protected]

Green Climate Fund Board approved the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ USD26.3M-proposal, “Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA).” Photo credits: GCF MANILA, Philippines, 16 March 2023 — The “Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA)” secured approval for a grant of US$26.3 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to increase the resilience of rural agriculture men and women in climate vulnerable areas and transform the country’s agriculture sector towards climate resilience. The APA project is a submission by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as executing entities. “We welcome the decision of the GCF Board to approve the APA Project, which will be instrumental in building the capacity of our farming communities, as well as of the government and private sector, to understand and manage climate risks and adopt climate resilient agriculture practices,” said CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Domestic resources amounting to US$12.98 million will be used to co-finance the project, putting the total project value at US$39.3 million. The project will cater to at least nine (9) provinces in five (5) regions (Regions II, V, X, and XII and Cordillera). The project will have three (3) main outcomes: Outcome 1: Increased institutional capacities for the development and provision of climate information and CRA services Outcome 2: Farmers (female/male) adopt CRA through CRA enterprises Outcome 3: Enabling Environment for mainstreaming and scaling up CRA At least 1.25 million poor farming household members (half of whom are women) are expected to directly benefit as farmers improve awareness of risks and risk reduction measures and incorporate climate-resilient and low emission technologies into agricultural practices. Over five million people living in the area will also benefit indirectly from enhanced information systems and strengthened institutional capacity that will create an enabling environment to promote the widespread adoption of CRA. “High impact, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives such as the APA, have potential to significantly contribute in the country’s socio-economic development, while enhancing adaptive capacities of our agricultural systems to climate change,” VCED Borje said. APA will be implemented this year until 2030 and is expected to reduce 1.86 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) over 20 years as a result of application of CRA practices and better land use. “We look forward to the implementation of the APA Project, which will certainly benefit Filipino farming communities living in vulnerable areas in the country. This is one critical project that can further enable our agriculture sector's transformation towards sustainability and resilience,” added CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, who was former GCF Board Member. The project was approved by the GCF Board at its 35th Meeting in Songdo, Korea from 13 March 2023 and scheduled to end today, 16 March 2023. The Philippines is currently part of the GCF Board, represented by the Department of Finance (DOF). “We thank the DOF for pushing our national and global climate agenda forward through its representation and work in the GCF Board," VCED Borje said. For more information on Green Climate Fund, visit the CCC website at https://www.climate.gov.ph.

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) receives French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz (right) to discuss development cooperation on climate action. MANILA, Philippines, 16 March 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Embassy of France in the Philippines expressed commitment to strengthen partnership and development cooperation on climate action. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje received French Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Michele Boccoz, and exchanged priorities and strategies in implementing local climate action. “We express our gratitude to the government of France and the French Development Agency (AFD) for supporting the Philippines in implementing policy initiatives and sustainable solutions to address major climate and environmental challenges in the country,” said CCC VCED Borje. Among the priorities of CCC and French Embassy is the development and updating of risk-informed Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) by local government units. Through AFD’s ongoing technical support, LGUs will be provided with capacity development and enhancement activities, as well as tools which are useful in the formulation and updating of LCCAPs. “AFD will continuously provide necessary assistance to the CCC in policy formulation and updating, as well as in enhancing local capacities on LCCAP development towards improved climate resilience,” Ambassador Boccoz assured. As of 2 March 2023, 1,399 (81.57%) out of 1,715 LGUs had submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Currently, the LCCAP Quality Assurance Mechanism is being developed based on guidelines set by CCC and DILG. Following the Philippines Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) by the World Bank Group, both officials explored other possible areas of collaboration aligned with the priorities specified in Chapter 15 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, such as the updating of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NFSCC and the NDC are policies and frameworks which serve as basis of local climate action plans. Consistent with the pronouncements of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on strengthening cooperation with allied countries and development partners, the CCC institutionalized a contact group called “ENACT: Empowering Nurtured Alliance for Climate Action and Transformation.” ENACT will serve as a platform among CCC, embassies, and development partners to discuss, collaborate, and collectively implement investment-led transformative climate action.

BATAC, ILOCOS NORTE, 13 February 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) met the farming community in Brgy. Rayuray, Batac, Ilocos Norte and discussed their observations on environment- and climate-related concerns in the area. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera visited the showcase area of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Barangay Rayuray, Batac, Ilocos Norte. According to PhilRice OIC Director Mary Ann Baradi, drought-resistant crops are tested in Barangay Rayuray in response to the water supply problem affecting agriculture in Ilocos Norte. In a short walkthrough at the site, the farmers explained how water shortage affected their agricultural productivity. Throughout the years, the community has become heavily reliant on groundwater extraction, which may eventually result in land subsidence. According to PhilRice, there were 330,749 metric tons of palay produced on the 63,909 hectares of land in the province of Ilocos Norte in 2022. “Nakadepende sa ulan ang supply ng tubig dito sa’min. Dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, paiba-iba rin ang panahon kung kailan malakas o mahina ang tubig, at dahil dito ay naaapektuhan ang aming mga pananim,” Barangay Captain Norberto Puyot said. PAGASA’s projection is that Ilocos Norte will have an increase in temperature and rainfall by 2036-2065, which will result in drier dry days and wetter wet days. “Sa pagbabago ng klima o climate change, hinaharap natin ang problema sa pag init o kawalan ng tubig, kung saan tayo ay mga biktima ng problemang hindi naman natin kasalanan. To our vulnerable communities, the CCC is here and united with you in the fight for climate justice,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera. In his conversation with the farmers, VCED Borje stressed the importance of partnerships with various sectors to boost funding for agricultural programs toward climate-resilient food systems. “The CCC has farmers like you in mind. Kaya patuloy nating pinalalawig ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa local at probinsyal na pamahalaan, sa PhilRice, MMSU, maging ang People’s Survival Fund, upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka na lubos na naaapektuhan ng nagbabagong klima. Dahil hindi lang po kabuhayan natin ang apektado – ang ating buhay at kinabukasan din ay nakataya,” VCED Borje emphasized. Some of the initiatives and programs that farmers themselves recognized as being necessary for implementation are: ● Solar-powered irrigation systems ● Rainwater catchment facilities ● Harvest calendar ● Drought-resistant crops ● Post-harvest marketing ● Information dissemination, and knowledge and capacity development Guided by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.’s pronouncements on climate justice, the CCC is prioritizing the strengthening of partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders for the benefit of the most vulnerable sectors. In 2022, it has formally institutionalized the following coordination mechanisms for the LGUs, development partners, civil society organizations and private sector: ACT Local (Accelerating Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities; ENACT (Empowering Nurtured Alliance for Climate Action and Transformation; WE CAN (Working to Empower Climate Action Network; and CONNECT (Communicating Opportunities to Network, Navigate and Explore Climate Transformation). The CCC will continue to bolster its cooperation with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), PhilRice, and the local government of Ilocos Norte to help formulate more appropriate plans of action toward climate-resilient agriculture in the region. “Makakaasa po kayo na narito ang CCC upang matulungan ang ating mga pamayanan na maging mas matatag sa mga hamon ng nagbabagong klima, upang lumago ang kabuhayan at magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan ang bawat Pilipino,” VCED Borje assured. The CCC also joined the 34th Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights which took place on 1-3 February 2023 at MMSU Campus. Part of the event was the Local Planners Forum where the CCC presented the development and enhancement of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) and access to the People’s Survival Fund (PSF).

MANILA, 10 February 2023 – The Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) kicked off the month-long series of #PlasticFreePilipinas activities in the Senate as part of its campaign against single-use plastics (SUPs). Hosted by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, the launching of the photo exhibit titled “#PlasticFreeSaSenate” was attended by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera, along with representatives from environmental groups. The exhibit illustrates the severity of the plastic pollution crisis in the country. United with various environmental groups, the CCC pledged support for Senate Bill 246 authored by Senator Legarda, providing a new step towards a comprehensive and national ban on SUPs. The proposed measure will pave the way for the proper regulation and management of SUPs, providing penalties, levies and incentives for industries and consumers. “This measure will provide an ‘ambitious yet comprehensive’ approach to solving the problem of single-use plastics and supporting the development and use of more eco-friendly products and packaging. We will continue to lobby against single-use plastics and foster discussions on initiatives that advance real, demonstrable and lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis in the country,” Legarda said. “The issues on climate change necessarily include the production and use of plastics, especially single-use plastics. Considering its negative impacts on the environment and human health, everyone must understand what needs to be done to effectively reduce, and ultimately, to eliminate these plastics,” VCED Borje stressed. “The Commission supports the passage of a national regulation aimed at the phase-out and eventual ban of single-use plastics in the country which will also support the development and use of more eco-friendly packaging. This legislation, when implemented through a whole-of-nation approach, will give us a fighting chance to achieve the 1.5 survival limit as found by the scientific community,” Commissioner Herrera said. The #PlasticFreePilipinas campaign also included activities such as the documentary screening of “Ang Huling Plastic” and “The Story of Plastic”; a zero waste bazaar, and a legislative forum on waste-to-energy. These activities aim to amplify the call to ban SUPs, unmask single-use plastic production issues, false solutions, as well as highlight zero-waste businesses and mainstream zero-waste solutions. The event is organized by the Plastic Free Pilipinas Project collaborators, namely, EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Mother Earth Foundation, Greenpeace Philippines, and Ocean Conservancy, together with the Climate Change Commission, Oceana Philippines, and the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.  

QUEZON CITY, 10 February 2023 – The Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) co-organized the Organics Fair and the 3R (Refill, Reuse, Repair) Revolution Program to promote zero waste and low-carbon solutions. The two-day Organics Fair included the conduct of the International Zero Waste Cities Conference which was attended by government agencies, civil society organizations, waste management experts and community leaders from across the globe. Various topics were covered ranging from organics waste management to the adverse impacts of plastics on climate, health, and human rights, enabling sharing of knowledge and technologies on impactful solutions to the plastic waste crisis and climate change. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera presented the connection between solid waste and climate change, and the government’s response on the issues. “The CCC is one in the urgent call to adopt more sustainable consumption patterns and supports innovative policies and solutions to address environmental challenges, including through managing the production, importation, sale, provision, and use of single-use plastics,” Commissioner Herrera said. In attendance are Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. Both officials expressed the resolve to strictly enforce the recently enacted Extended Producer Responsibility Act, and call on the public to veer away from the throwaway culture and increase the prevalence of consumer-supported agriculture systems, promoting eco-friendly products from the Organics Fair. “We have to support consumer-supported agriculture systems where institutional buyers help small farmers and support good, clean and fair food,” Senator Legarda said. Pioneering local governments with exemplar zero waste practices were also recognized, including the Municipalities of Lazi, Larena, Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, and San Juan in Siquijor; Santo Tomas in Batangas; Kasibu, Villaverde, Alfonso Castañeda, Bayombong, Bagabag, Bambang, Diadi, Dupax Del Norte, Solano and Santa Fe in Nueva Vizcaya; Basista in Pangasinan; the Cities of Batangas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Santiago in Isabela, and San Fernando in Pampanga; and the Provinces of Siquijor, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. “There’s a clear imperative now more than ever for a zero-emissions society and world, which can only be achieved if we start and sustain zero waste practices and systems. It’s a daunting task—one that requires greater cooperation from all sectors, especially from businesses and companies, but it also entails changes to our behavior and mindset on consumption,” Commissioner Herrera concluded. The DENR Environmental Management Bureau and National Capital Region (EMB, NCR), Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) co-organized the event. Launched in the Organics Fair are Waste Cities Network and the Zero Methane from Waste Pledge, participated by different government officials and zero-waste practitioners."