The Climate Change Commission meets with young local leaders of Magdiwang, Romblon to strengthen climate action and lead a tree growing activity as a symbol of collective responsibility and commitment to nature-based solutions (NbS).

MAGDIWANG, ROMBLON — Young local leaders from the Municipality of Magdiwang, Romblon emphasized the vital role of trees and mountains as natural defenses against climate risks during the visit of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) at Mount Guiting-Guiting.

During the discussion, the youth highlighted Mount Guiting-Guiting as a crucial natural buffer, protecting communities from stronger storms and extreme weather events.

“Ang Mount Guiting-Guiting ay hindi lamang bundok na hinahangaan; ito ay buhay na panangga ng Sibuyan Island, tahimik ngunit matatag ang tindig na lumalaban sa nagbabagong klima para sa kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon,” said Ann Mari Roda, a youth leader from Magdiwang, Romblon.

"Tumutulong itong mag-regulate ng tubig-ulan at pumipigil sa matinding pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa. Nagsisilbi rin itong harang laban sa malalakas na hangin ng bagyo. " she added.

The engagement also focused on empowering the youth to take an active role in shaping community-driven and climate-resilient initiatives. As part of the visit, participants joined a tree-growing activity to reinforce nature-based solutions and strengthen the protection of local ecosystems.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje commended the youth for their awareness and proactive approach to ecological protection.

“We’re glad that the youth are very proactive and understand the importance of mountains and trees in the fight against climate change,” Borje said. “This level of awareness among young leaders strengthens our capacity to cultivate a culture of preparedness and ecological stewardship at the community level.”

Borje further highlighted the strategic value of mountains in reducing and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

“Mountains such as Mount Guiting-Guiting are powerful natural resources in the fight against climate change, serving a dual purpose in both mitigation and adaptation,” he said.

He explained that healthy forest ecosystems act as carbon sinks, absorb and store greenhouse gases, regulate temperature, and reduce heat. These ecosystems also protect communities by weakening strong winds, stabilizing soil, and absorbing rainwater, helping to reduce the risks of flooding, landslides, and extreme weather events.

These activities form part of the support of the Climate Change Commission in the provinces to mainstream climate change, strengthen stewardship education, and build leadership across generations.

The CCC continues to strengthen partnerships with local governments and communities to advance inclusive, science-based, and ecosystem-driven climate action across the Philippines.

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