The Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, met with Sarangani provincial officials headed by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay R. Ramos to exchange best practices and reinforce coordinated climate resilience efforts at the local level.

Province of Sarangani – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) visited the Province of Sarangani to further strengthen collaboration on climate adaptation efforts and reinforce the alignment of the province’s advanced local initiatives with national priorities for community resilience, ecosystem protection, and climate risk reduction.

Based on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Sarangani is classified as having medium to low exposure to climate hazards— this reflects the province’s proactive governance, strong environmental stewardship, and sustained investments in adaptation that have helped reduce vulnerability. 

Local officials and communities noted the increasing occurrence of flash floods and periods of extreme heat, highlighting that climate change continues to present evolving challenges even in areas with robust adaptation measures.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that climate adaptation must go beyond hazard rankings and be grounded in the lived experiences of communities and the strength of local systems responding to climate impacts.

“Sarangani is home to critical biodiversity areas, productive agroforestry systems, and vital watersheds that support food security, livelihoods, and protection against climate risks”. 

“The province’s efforts to safeguard these natural assets demonstrate leadership in resilience-building. Protecting ecosystems is not optional—it is central to adaptation. When nature is strengthened, communities are better protected,” Borje added.

During discussions with the CCC, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay R. Ramos, representing Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao of Sarangani Province, highlighted Sarangani’s comprehensive and forward-looking adaptation initiatives.

These include floodwater management infrastructure, nature-based solutions, ridge-to-reef approaches, and a province-wide tree-growing program with a target of planting one million trees by the end of 2028.

These initiatives underscore the province’s commitment to integrating climate adaptation into long-term development planning, ensuring that resilience-building supports economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

Borje also presented the NAP as a framework for further strengthening Sarangani’s climate policies and programs, emphasizing the importance of science-driven and evidence-based decision-making to sustain and scale existing efforts.

“All adaptation actions must be anchored on science and evidence. The NAP serves as a framework to help local governments like Sarangani enhance already established initiatives, translate climate risks into sound policies, and guide investments toward solutions that deliver real and lasting benefits for communities,” Borje said.

The National Adaptation Plan was developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as a key national framework advancing his vision of a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.

The CCC highlighted that aligning infrastructure development, ecosystem protection, and local planning under the NAP framework enables provinces to address emerging climate risks while reinforcing gains already achieved in resilience.

The engagement reaffirmed the critical role of local governments as leaders in climate adaptation, with Sarangani serving as an example of how locally driven, science-based actions—aligned with national frameworks—can build resilient communities and protect vital ecosystems.

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