Pandan, Antique – In a convergence of efforts, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and the University of the Philippines Visayas Extension Campus in Pandan, Antique, spearheaded “Daluyong ng Pagbabago: Adaptation and Resilience for Our Oceans,” an action-oriented forum that aimed to draw commitments from local stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable ocean management.

The forum convened over 100 ocean experts, community leaders, scientists, youth advocates, and policymakers to align national and local strategies for ocean resilience and climate adaptation. It aimed to strengthen multisectoral collaboration on ocean governance and called for inclusive implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

In her keynote address, Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the Philippines’ moral and ecological duty to lead ocean sustainability efforts, especially as one of the world’s most vulnerable marine nations. “The Ocean is not just a backdrop. It is our lifeline,” she said. “When corals die, so do fish stocks. When mangroves vanish, villages lose their shield against storms. When plastic chokes our waters, it chokes our children’s future.”

She anchored her message on Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water), warning that “global targets mean little without local action.” She highlighted key legislation she has championed, such as the Climate Change Act and the Philippine Ecosystem Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, and called on local governments to follow Antique’s lead by banning single-use plastics and investing in marine sanctuaries. She also reiterated her commitment to passing the Blue Economy Act to institutionalize sustainable ocean practices.

As the Philippines prepares for its participation in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, Legarda said, “We carry a simple truth: The ocean is a solution. It is our bridge to each other, to survival, to legacy. Let us become that unstoppable tide.”

Furthermore, CCC Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that the Philippines, as one of the most ocean-reliant and climate-vulnerable nations, must lead global efforts in ocean resilience, not just with plans, but with action. He underscored the need for urgent, inclusive implementation of national priorities such as the National Adaptation Plan, the Philippine Development Plan, and the Blue Economy Roadmap, calling for stronger cross-sectoral collaboration and the amplification of marginalized voices, especially those of fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, women, and the youth.

“But plans are not enough,” Borje said. “What we need is shared commitment to see these plans through.”

He emphasized that even the most comprehensive strategies will fall short without decisive, collective action. Moreover, he urged institutions to break down silos, build bridges, and ensure that climate and ocean solutions are rooted in equity and inclusivity, especially for the most vulnerable communities who are at the frontline of climate impacts.

The forum also featured case study presentations from the University of Antique–Tario Lim Memorial Campus, UP Visayas, Rare Philippines, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Western Visayas, showcasing innovative local solutions to marine biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries, and coastal adaptation.

During a presentation on community empowerment and policy advocacy for coastal resilience, Lovella Mae Magluyan, Program Manager of Rare Philippines in Antique, underscored the vital but often overlooked role of fisherfolk leaders in advancing coastal protection. “We also need to recognize the efforts of our fisherfolk, kasi nga volunteer lang sila,” she said, emphasizing the need to value the contributions of community members who dedicate time and effort to these initiatives without formal compensation.

In her closing remarks, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera expressed both hope and urgency.

“Let us translate the insights and commitments from this forum into concrete actions in your respective sectors and localities. Let us continue our Filipino tradition of bayanihan—community cooperation to achieve collective goals,” she said.

CCC Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz emphasized the ecological and economic value of oceans, not only for the present generation, but for future ones. He warned that the worsening effects of climate change pose a serious threat to marine resources, which heightens the call for urgent collective action and strengthened sustainability programs.

“Our oceans are vital carbon sinks, absorbing excess carbon emissions and helping to slow the pace of global warming,” said Commissioner Dela Cruz. “They serve as natural barriers against climate change and support global stability. Isa ito sa mga pangunahing pinagkukunan natin ng pagkain at kabuhayan, lalo na para sa mga kababayan nating nakatira malapit sa dalampasigan. Isa ito sa mga pinakamahalagang yaman ng Pilipinas kaya naman ito ay kailangan nating patuloy na alagaan at pagyamanin.”


As the Philippines heads to UNOC3, Daluyong ng Pagbabago reinforced the country’s commitment to ocean-centered, people-powered, and science-based climate leadership.