In order to promote broader multi-stakeholder participation and to mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation in regional policy and planning processes, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) is set to bring its Expert Forum Series to state colleges and universities (SUCs) in five regions this year.

In a special meeting with Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman and Commissioners Noel Gaerlan and Rachel Herrera, the CCC’s National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) approved the following themes for the expert lecture series:

• Water security in the midst of climate change in April (Ilocos Norte);
• Building the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems to climate change in May (Tacloban, Cebu, or Iloilo);
• Renewable energy and climate change mitigation for sustainable development in July (Davao);
• CEO business summit on green jobs and green economic growth in August (Taguig); and
• The role of blue carbon in addressing climate change in November (Palawan).

All forums will be free of charge. Final dates and venues will be made public as soon as the details are finalized with the partner SUCs.

“It is of great importance that the scientific proficiency of our leading climate experts be made available to develop climate resilience strategies and pathways anchored on empirical or peer-reviewed data,” Climate Change Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman said. “This should inspire and lead the way for various climate action among our partner stakeholders,” he added.

On September 18, 2017, the CCC launched its inaugural expert forum, entitled “Linking Science, Policy, and Practice for Climate and Disaster Resilience,” in partnership with the Oscar M. Lopez Center, a research institution that supports the use of science and technology for building climate-resilient communities.

The forum brought together climate experts in various fields, including: Senator Loren Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience and UNFCCC Adaptation Champion; Dr. Rosa Perez, member of the National Research Council of the Philippines, Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee, and Manila Observatory; Dr. Rodel Lasco, expert in environment research, conservation, education, and development; Atty. Pete Maniego, Chairman of the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation; and Dr. Rex Victor Cruz, Director of Environmental Forestry Programme of the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

This was followed by the second expert forum on “Strengthening Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems and Services in the Philippines” on December 5, 2017, which was organized in partnership with the National Resilience Council.

The second expert forum featured experts, including: Dr. Leoncio Amadore from the UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology; Dr. Gemma Narisma, Regional Climate Systems Program Head of the Manila Observatory; and Dr. Celine Vicente, Geomatics Program Head of the Manila Observatory.

Commissioner Herrera also emphasized the significance of science and research in the delivery of their mandate as the lead climate change policymaking body of the government.

“Through this expert lecture series, we also deepen our knowledge and understanding on climate change, thereby allowing us to create more timely and appropriate climate policies and resolutions to address its effects. As we continue hosting these forums this year, we further allow science to guide us and inform our actions,” Herrera said.