The Climate Change Commission joins the hearing of the Senate presided by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on the proposed consolidated bills introducing the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS)

 

MANILA, 6 June 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has expressed its strong support for the bills introducing the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS), recognizing its potential to enhance the country's ability to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through a whole-of-government approach.

The proposed bills, namely Senate Bill No. 9 by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Bill No. 2041 by Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Senate Bill No. 1914 by Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., all seek to institutionalize an environmental-economic accounting system within the government.

“As we face an age of changing climate and unprecedented biodiversity loss, the challenge is how we can use our vulnerability as an opportunity to examine the role and impact of natural resources on the economic growth of a developing nation such as our country,” Legarda underscored.

During the Subcommittee on Economic Affairs' joint hearing with the Committees on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Finance, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje expressed that the proposed legislation “will provide the foundation for precise and transparent policy and decision making in environment and natural resources management.”

He added, “It can also provide a compelling basis for more targeted investments on programs that will promote a healthy environment, sustainable ecosystem services and resilient people.”

Borje also highlighted the alignment of the proposed measure with global and national frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Plan; and Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 Chapter 15: Accelerating Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience.

Acknowledging the commendable initiatives of government agencies, Borje also stressed the need for widespread support to develop a comprehensive natural capital account for the entire country.

Specific inputs by the CCC include the establishment of natural capital units, valuation of natural capital accounts, involvement of local government units in data collection, implementation of an open data system, and strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms.

“The CCC hopes that the passing of these bills into law will lead to a systematic and timely accounting of the Philippines’ natural resources, because what is at stake here are the lives, livelihood and the future not just of our nation but of the entire world. Buhay, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan nating lahat ang nakataya,” VCED Borje underscored.

Aside from PENCAS bills, the CCC also expressed its support for the proposed “Blue Economy Bill,” which promotes responsible governance of marine resources.

Both of these bills were authored by Senator Legarda, which are crucial in ensuring the sustainable economic management of the country’s natural resources.

The CCC remains committed to actively participating in discussions to strengthen the proposed bills.

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