MANILA, 12 June 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the Filipino nation in pursuing prosperity and resilience through urgent and widespread climate action and green recovery, in observance of the 123rd anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence today.
 
As a large island archipelago, the Philippines is witness to the intensifying effects of climate change. An average of 20 tropical cyclones, which are now observed to obtain increased intensity and scale, ravage the country every year. Global warming exacerbates droughts and dry spells and increases ocean temperatures causing sea levels to rise and induce coral bleaching.
 
The CCC commits to work with every Filipino and the international community to bring urgent transformation to our ailing environment and planet. The clearing of our forests and conversion of our mountains and lands have threatened the survival of plant and animal species that nurture life in our ecosystems. The plastic waste polluting our rivers and oceans have killed marine life and given rise to public health and safety risks. The continuous burning of fossil fuels from industries and sectors has polluted our air and aggravated the climate crisis. 
 
The CCC vows to continue liberating our vulnerable populations from growing climate risks, demand climate finance and justice, and escalate efforts towards a more resilient Philippines—a country that is plastic-free and sustainable, and whose peoples are inspired to protect our own nation and planet.
 
The CCC also calls on all Filipinos to honor our fallen heroes by joining in the observance and upholding our sovereignty, to allow the present and future generations to rise under our greener, healthier vision for the country.