QUEZON CITY, 20 November 2023 – At the opening of the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week), President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. emphasized the need to unite and be involved in addressing climate change and global warming impacts.

"We all have a role to play in this mission. Let us work together to take a stance in support of our planet and be involved in creating solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change," the President said.

Under Republic Act 9729, the President chairs the CCC, who further stressed: "Isa lamang po ang ating layunin – ang magkaroon ng isang Bagong Pilipinas na matatag sa mga pagsubok, payapa at ligtas para sa mga mamamayan, at puno ng pag-asa tungo sa magandang kinabukasan. Tuparin po natin ito para sa mga kapwa natin Pilipino. Hangad ko po ang tagumpay ng okasyong ito."

This year’s theme for the week-long commemoration, “Bayanihan para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag," is anchored to the President’s vision of a low-carbon economy and climate-resilient country.

The opening ceremony was graced by representatives from national government agencies, development partners and civil society organizations.

In his message, Pavit Ramachadran, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), expressed support for the Philippines' commitment to reducing GHG emissions, particularly in mobilizing both public and private finance. 

Dr. Selva Ramachadran, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), acknowledged the Philippines' vulnerability to the climate crisis and stressed the need for collective action, underscoring the role of local government and communities as catalysts for change.

Senator Loren Legarda, in her message, emphasized aligning policies with national and international frameworks and legislative commitment to climate resilience. 

Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar Chatto also underscored the need for awareness and cooperation in the fight against climate change, calling for a whole-of-nation approach.

Edicio Dela Torre, President of Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), emphasized the importance of participatory local governance and the overarching goal of climate change within rural reconstruction, using communicative actions like music and statistics for policies. He underscored the importance of storytelling, focusing not only on problems but also on initiatives that contribute to a larger collective.

Silvestre Barrameda, Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council, emphasized the significance of unlocking low-carbon investments and building community involvement, as well as developing science-based practices and investments.

Ambassador Majid Al Sulwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of the COP28 Presidency expressed his support for the commemoration of CCC Week.

“I want to express my profound support and solidarity with the goals and activities of your Climate Change Consciousness Week. The theme "Bayanihan Para Sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag" ("Community Cooperation for the Climate: A New, Strong Nation") resonates deeply with the ethos of COP28. The science is clear. It is telling us that we need to take urgent action by 2030 and reduce emissions by 22 gigatons. I strongly encourage the participants and stakeholders involved in the CCC Week to engage actively with COP28 and its related initiatives. The insights and experiences you gather and share during this week are invaluable in our collective journey towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient world,” Ambassador Al Sulwaidi said.

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, extended a warm welcome, deeming the theme a call to collective action. He envisioned the possibilities when each individual contributes to the fight against climate change, emphasizing a commitment to a unifying cause for people and society. 

"The CCC Week is more than a series of events; it's about cultivating a mindset and awareness that extends beyond these commemorative days. It's a call to unite in purpose for the well-being of our nation and our planet," he pointed out.

Stories of Resilience: An Art Exhibit

In a parallel event, an art exhibit, "Stories of Resilience," opened with a collection of photographs and poetry capturing the resilience, hope, and inspiration of Filipinos in the face of climate change and disasters.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended and witnessed by Leyte 3rd District Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon; Marcel Silvius, Philippines’ Country Representative of GGGI; Jon Villasenor, WASH in Schools Officer at Unicef Philippines; and National Panel of Technical Experts: Dr. Jimmy Masagca, Dr. Eduardo Mangaoang, Dr. Gay Defiesta, Dr. Emma Porio, Dr. Richard Muallil, Dr. Zenaida Andrade and Dr. Angela Zafra.

The exhibit runs from November 20 to 24 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

For updates on the CCC Week commemoration visit the Climate Change Commission’s website at https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/cccphl.