CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje addresses students during "Insights: Climate Change, Changing Landscapes, and Behaviors" event at the Far Eastern University.
 

MANILA, 13 September 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) engaged students from the Far Eastern University (FEU) to bring to the forefront the critical issue of climate change and to highlight the role of the youth in addressing the crisis.

In a discussion on "Insights: Climate Change, Changing Landscapes and Behaviors,"  CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that “climate change stands as the global governance challenge of our generation. Its systemic and historic nature transcends borders, and no nation or locality can effectively combat it in isolation.”

He pointed out the pivotal roles that the academe, students, youth, and communicators play in the realm of climate change and resilience-building. Borje expressed great confidence in the youth, as they are bound to assume leadership roles in the near future, making their active involvement important.

Addressing the students directly, Borje issued both an encouragement and a challenge, stating, "I encourage and challenge you to be part of the solution. Our actions and initiatives are the means to save lives, protect our livelihoods, and secure our future."

He emphasized that climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable, especially developing countries like the Philippines, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its devastating effects.

The CCC's National Panel of Technical Experts identified 10 climate-induced risks in the Philippines. These risks are affecting communities and livelihoods, particularly economic growth and development, food security, and migration and displacement.

Borje shared that the CCC has been instrumental in developing policies and programs to support local communities, including the Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Substantial budget allocations have also been made to advance climate initiatives.

He highlighted the significance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners, to advance climate action. The Commission is currently pursuing advocacies such as the Net Zero Carbon Challenge to engage stakeholders in collective action.

Borje concluded with a unifying message, "As partners, sama-sama tayong magkaisa tungo sa isang bagong bansang matatag" (Together, let us unite towards a stronger nation).

The event was attended by students pursuing Bachelor of Art in Communications, Humanitarian Communication, and National Service Training Program courses.

The CCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to inspire change, raise awareness, and foster unity in securing a sustainable future through meaningful collaborative contributions to climate action.

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