Present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Katumbalikwasan exhibition were: Sec. Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission; Nancy Corpuz, Chief of Biodiversity Policy and Knowledge Management Division of the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau; Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP); Marivene Santos, NMP Museum Curator; Dr. Angelina Galang, Program Director of Ako Ang Bukas under Green Convergence Philippines; Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director of Forest Foundation Philippines; and John Leo Algo, National Coordinator of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas.

In celebration of Earth Month, the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), in partnership with Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, formally launched the “Katumbalikwasan: Linking Climate, Nature, and People” exhibition, an immersive experience highlighting the deep interconnection between climate change, biodiversity, and people’s everyday lives.

As keynote speaker, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between climate science, policy, and public understanding, especially given the Philippines’ high vulnerability to climate impacts and its status as one of the world’s megadiverse countries.

“Our museums are not merely repositories of artifacts and stories, they are strongholds of the values we hold dear and the identity we share as Filipinos,” Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, emphasized. Celebrating the milestone of visitors to Philippine museums, he added, “To move toward the future we envision, we must first understand the history that shapes us.”

Drawing from the lived experiences of climate-impacted communities, such as the T’boli people of Lake Sebu, Borje recounted the story of Rosie Sula, a T’boli leader, to illustrate that the climate crisis brings not only economic losses but also threatens lives, livelihoods, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage.

He shared that while four in five Filipinos recognize climate change as a threat, awareness of its human-driven causes remains low. “Our challenge,” Borje noted, “is to translate science into stories and policies into lived truths. Exhibits such as Katumbalikwasan are essential in building a shared language for climate action.”

The CCC also highlighted key national strategies as response to climate change, such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, and the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) These plans integrate nature-based solutions for sustainable and resilient development, and were developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Borje emphasized that policies must go beyond jargon and speak truths that touch the heart and mobilize action. He underscored the need for a shared language that resonates across communities, one that honors indigenous wisdom while empowering people to act.

“Katumbalikwasan is not just about resilience, it is about reclaiming our connection with nature, reviving our ecosystems, and renewing our commitment to a climate-safe future,” Borje said.

He concluded by honoring the late Pope Francis, a steadfast advocate for ecological stewardship through Laudato Si’. He echoed the Pope’s call: “We are called to be stewards and caretakers of creation—not its abusers.” He emphasized that there remains meaningful space for the convergence of faith and its expression in public policy, urging everyone to be agents of Katumbalikwasan.

In his opening message, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines, Jorell Legaspi, emphasized the timely relevance of the exhibition as part of the continuing Earth Day celebration.

“This exhibition could not be more timely. It reminds us of the urgent climate crisis we are facing. In line with our commitment to sustainability, we affirm our responsibility to protect the planet. In the face of escalating climate impacts, we must rethink our actions.” he said.

Through this exhibition, the NMNH aims to raise public awareness of the climate-nature-people nexus and promote individual and collective climate action. The exhibit will run for six months to one year and will engage thousands of visitors through educational installations, visual narratives, and science-based storytelling.

Katumbalikwasan is sponsored by the Forest Foundation Philippines and supported by Green Convergence, World Vision Philippines, Living Laudato Si' Philippines, BIOFIN, Rice Watch Action Network Inc., and Manawari Southeast Asia.

The CCC reiterates its commitment to support initiatives that bring climate discourse to the forefront, promote cultural and scientific understanding, and empower communities to take urgent, informed, and inclusive climate action. The CCC seeks to inspire collective responsibility and drive transformative solutions for a more resilient and sustainable Philippines.

To learn more about the CCC’s climate awareness campaigns and activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/cccphl.