The Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, met with Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano to discuss climate action, sustainability, and collaboration.

TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) met with Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni “Lani” Lopez Cayetano to discuss the city’s climate initiatives, sustainable practices, and potential areas of cooperation aligned with national strategies to strengthen local climate action and urban resilience.

The meeting highlighted Taguig City’s ongoing efforts in sustainability and climate governance, as well as opportunities to further enhance the implementation and mainstreaming of its local climate plans. Discussions centered on nature-based and people-centered solutions that respond to the city’s unique context as a lakeside urban community, with particular attention to protecting livelihoods dependent on Laguna Lake, following its trademark identity as a “Probinsyudad,” a portmanteau of probinsya (province) and siyudad (city).

“These are not merely projects for their own sake; they are initiatives designed to address the real needs of our people, ensuring that no one, including fisherfolk, is left behind,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “Taguig City’s Probinsyudad concept, which redefines progress and prosperity, offers a valuable policy lesson for other LGUs in Metro Manila to develop their own localized models of sustainable development.”

“True progress is not measured only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by whether communities are safer, livelihoods are protected, and future generations inherit a stable and healthy home,” Borje further pointed out.

Mayor Cayetano emphasized the city's commitment to urgent climate action, fostering partnerships, and advancing sustainability and community participation through initiatives, including youth-focused climate advocacy.

"Climate action is more urgent than ever, and our City continues to take meaningful steps by partnering with organizations that champion sustainability and community participation,” Mayor Cayetano said. “Through collaborations on youth leadership and climate advocacy, we are moving closer to a sustainable and climate-conscious Probinsyudad."

The CCC recognized Taguig City’s integrated approach to urban sustainability, which balances development with heritage conservation, livelihood protection, and inclusive growth, highlighting the city’s approach as a potential model for other local governments. The Commission also emphasized that initiatives such as sustainable lakeshore management, urban and water-based farming, public open spaces, and climate-responsive urban planning are consistent with the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, both developed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

The meeting also explored opportunities for capacity building and collaboration in climate planning, urban adaptation, sustainable agriculture, climate finance, youth engagement, and public awareness campaigns.

The engagement attests to the CCC’s commitment to support local governments in strengthening climate governance and accelerating inclusive, science-based, and people-centered climate action.

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