The Climate Change Commission, in partnership with the National Power Corporation and the Municipal Government of Paete, Laguna, convenes the 4th tree growing activity at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed in Paete, Laguna

PAETE, Laguna –The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the Municipal Government of Paete, Laguna, kicked off the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week with a Tree Growing Activity at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed to strengthen nature-based solutions 

The initiative, known as Net Zero Challenge (NZC), forms part of the CCC’s continuing efforts to strengthen carbon offsetting and climate resilience, reflecting the urgency to continuously address the impacts of climate change, such as the recent and stronger typhoons. NZC underscores the critical role of forests in safeguarding communities and supporting the country’s pathway toward climate resilience.

Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, emphasized the importance of stronger forest protection and restoration. His message was delivered by CCC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, who stated:

“Sa harap ng ganitong mga trahedya, muling nakita ang napakahalagang papel ng ating mga kagubatan — ito ay bilang proteksyon laban sa pag baha at landslide, isa sa mabisang carbon sink na nagpapababa ng greenhouse gasses at nakatutulong magpababa ng temperatura ng ating atmospera.”

Started in August 2023, the Net Zero Challenge aims to plant more than 15,000 seedlings across 25 hectares at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed in Paete, Laguna by 2030 in alignment with the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. A total of 400 seedlings of banaba, langka, and acacia were planted during the event.

Borje emphasized this message, anchoring it on the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for strengthened collaboration across all sectors. 

“Ang epektibong climate action ay hindi kakayanin ng isang ahensya o isang sektor lamang. Kailangan natin ang whole-of-government at whole-of-society approach—mula pambansang pamahalaan, LGUs, pribadong sektor, kabataan, at mismong komunidad.”

Jericho Jonas B. Nograles, NPC President, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the initiative through a message delivered by Vincent B. Concio, Division Manager from NPC.

“We reaffirmed our strong commitment to this shared responsibility of being co-stewards of nature. Today’s tree growing activity under the Net Zero Challenge in celebration of the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week is more than a day’s gathering, it’s a call to action of a whole-of-society approach towards strengthening collaboration against the impacts of climate change.”

The NZC is the CCC’s carbon neutrality program that aims to contribute to global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, as the reforestation of the 25 hectares at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed is expected to sequester an estimated 75.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Present during the activity were representatives from the private sector, including Holcim Philippines, Inc. and Ahunan Power, Inc.; national government agencies such as Philippine Red Cross Region 4A (PRC R4A), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR PENRO), and Department of the Interior and Local Government – Laguna (DILG Laguna).

The local government unit of Paete, Laguna, as well as development partners, state universities and colleges, civil society organizations, and media partners, also participated in the tree growing initiative.

The CCC continues to work closely with the private sector, local governments, and communities to accelerate climate resilience, strengthen carbon sequestration efforts, and advance the country’s transition toward a climate-smart and sustainable future.

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