Photographs featuring the country’s development challenges and opportunities are showcased in the three-day photo exhibit titled “The Clock is Ticking: SDG Action Now.”

MANILA — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined the House of Representatives Committee on Sustainable Development Goals in the opening of the three-day photo exhibit “The Clock is Ticking: SDG Action Now,” wherein SDGs are emphasized as central to the country’s national development agenda. 

In his message, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that SDGs, particularly SDG 13 or Climate Action, highlight how the country’s resilience depends on decisively addressing development gaps that continue to place communities at risk. 

He noted that climate action is not limited to SDG 13. It also serves as a powerful enabler of progress across the 2030 Agenda, supporting efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, ensure water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities—key themes featured in the exhibit.

Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, Chair of the Committee on SDGs, likewise underscored that SDGs must be treated as concrete commitments rather than abstract aspirations. He emphasized the need to translate targets into clear timelines, adequate budgets, and accountable measures as the country enters the final stretch toward 2030.

“The SDGs are not meant to be aspirational goals; they were meant to be commitments to timelines, budgets, and consequences,” Alba said.

The photo exhibit features images that aim to go beyond depicting adaptation and mitigation efforts, illustrating instead the “Filipino qualities of discipline, cooperation, and resolve” in responding to climate and development challenges.

”Together, we must renew and reaffirm the commitment and resolve to advance climate action that is science-based, equitable, and grounded in the realities of daily life across our provinces and cities,” Borje added.

Speaking on the need to enhance the country’s climate resilience, he emphasized that policies such as the Philippine Development Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) are the country’s foundations for low-carbon, climate-resilient growth. “These are not merely policy documents, they are guides for more coherent systems, better governance, and stronger protection for our people.”

Borje also highlighted the pivotal role of the legislature in the final push toward 2030, stressing that the remaining four years require decisive, coordinated, and forward-looking action. “Time is indeed ticking. But we are not bound by the clock. When we act together, urgency becomes momentum. And momentum can lead to lasting transformation.”

The photo exhibit can be viewed in the North Wing Lobby, House of Representatives, Quezon City from December 9 to 11, 2025.

The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to deepen collaboration with local governments, national agencies, civil society, the private sector, communities, and Congress to advance climate action that is science-based, equitable, and responsive to the realities on the ground. Through these efforts, the Commission aims to strengthen resilience, safeguard development gains, and build a sustainable future for all Filipinos.