Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) and Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development, Inc. (LCCAD) Executive Director Manuel "Nong" C. Rangasa (right) led the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the CCC office in Manila on Wednesday, 25 January 2023. The partnership aims to enhance the capacity of local government units in formulating and updating Local Climate Change Action Plans.   MANILA, 26 January 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) strengthened its partnership with the Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development, Inc. (LCCAD) to enhance local government units’ (LGU) capacity in formulating and updating Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs). CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and LCCAD Executive Director Manuel “Nong” C. Rangasa formalized the partnership as part of the CCC's ongoing capacity-building initiatives. The MOU enables the CCC and LCCAD to work together in enhancing LGUs’ LCCAPs and integrating these into other local plans, such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Comprehensive Development Plan, and Contingency Plans. “We are strengthening partnerships with our stakeholders to further build the capacities of LGUs as frontliners of climate action,” VCED Borje shared. “Transformative climate action can be achieved through partnerships – partnerships based on principles of cooperation, good governance, and shared advocacy in building the nation’s overall climate resilience,” VCED Borje added. Among the key outcomes of the partnership are recommendation of appropriate climate and disaster database development and modeling technology to support the LCCAPs, and establishing enabling mechanisms for LGUs to implement their climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives.   “Enhancing the capacities of key players, including agencies, LGUs, and other stakeholders, will allow us to develop and share best practices between regions, particularly those communities with common vulnerabilities,” said Mr. Rangasa. By collaborating with key stakeholders and launching capacity-building activities, the CCC vows to constantly support the LGUs in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas. "The key to a climate-resilient Filipino nation is to strengthen the cooperation between and among our stakeholders, including the LCCAD, on mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation in local development and investment planning across the country,” said CCC Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz Sr. The CCC’s data show that LCCAP submissions increased by 95 percent, from 715 submissions in 2021 to 1,397 as of 31 December 2022. The CCC’s target is to have 100% compliance from 1,715 LGUs by FY 2024. The LCCAP serves as the LGU’s plan towards enhancing local climate resilience. The plan includes information on fit-for-purpose climate actions anchored on the LGU’s site-specific risks and vulnerabilities. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

ANTIPOLO, 24 January 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and First Gen Corporation (First Gen) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support local government units (LGUs) in mainstreaming climate change and accessing the People’s Survival Fund (PSF). The ceremonial signing was led by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and First Gen President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles B. Puno. The partnership aims to capacitate representatives from Maria Aurora, Aurora; Pantabangan and Carrangalan in Nueva Ecija; Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya; Lobo, Batangas; Caramoan and Garchitorena in Camarines Sur; Baungon, Impasug-ong, Libona, Manolo Fortich, and Talakag in Bukidnon; and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte in enhancing Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) including updated climate and disaster risk assessments and greenhouse gas inventory, and developing PSF project proposals. As of 19 January 2023, 1,399 out of 1,715 LGUs (81.57%) have submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the Commission hopes to achieve 100% compliance by 2024. This collaboration forms part of both the CCC and First Gen's shared advocacy for strengthening local communities' resilience to climate change and its impacts. "Our LGUs, down to the barangays, are at the frontlines of climate change and its impacts. They need all the help they can get to have a fighting chance, but they also need transformation. We don't want them to just adapt, we want them to thrive and grow, and this particular agreement—through formulation of eLCCAPs and capacitating them to access the PSF—will exactly do that,” CCC VCED Borje emphasized. "Our mission of forging collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future simply means that we cannot do it alone. Signing an agreement with the Climate Change Commission is completely aligned with what our company is trying to do, in addressing an important challenge that's ahead of us – climate change," First Gen Pres. Puno highlighted. The CCC and First Gen will also strengthen initiatives that involve key stakeholders to promote science- and evidence-based risk assessment and sustain climate-smart leadership and governance among the target beneficiaries. "At the end of the day, we have to safeguard our national interests, which for us means, 'Buhay, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan ang nakataya.' That's all we have to plan for, but it takes more than a village to do this. We need to work very closely together, and this partnership is key to making that happen," VCED Borje underscored. The MOA was signed today, 24 January 2023, at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo, Rizal, and joined by Atty. Carol Kay Paquera, CCC Chief-of-Staff; Shirley H. Cruz, Vice President and Chief-of-Staff; Ricky A. Carandang, Vice President for Corporate Communications; and Ramon Araneta, Vice President for External Affairs and Security of First Gen. Following the MOA signing, seedlings of Narra, Ipil, Banuyo and Supa trees were planted at the BINHI Arboretum to kick-off the partnership. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities,  you can visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 and Chapter 15: Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience MANILA, 15 January 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the inclusion of an accelerated climate change agenda in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and pointed out that this will further strengthen the commitment of the Philippine Government to deliver on key climate actions. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje cited the addition of an entire chapter on climate change in the PDP 2023-2028, Chapter 15: Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience. “The PDP Chapter 15 reflects the Philippine Government’s commitment and dedication to enhance the nation’s overall resilience to climate change and its impacts, putting a premium on the need for integrated and comprehensive climate action between and among government, partners, and all stakeholders,” VCED Borje said.  Chapter 15 of PDP 2023-2028 identifies the goal for communities, institutions, and the natural and built environment to be “more resilient to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change” by 2028. To achieve this objective, Chapter 15 of PDP 2023-2028 identified the following strategies: 1) increasing climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions, 2) enhancing ecosystem resilience, and 3) enabling transition to a low-carbon economy. To support and operationalize PDP 2023-2028, the CCC is updating the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), strengthening the implementation of the National Climate Risk Management Framework (NCRMF), and developing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). These plans and frameworks provide convergence points for CCC to work with relevant government agencies on enhancing ecosystem resilience and enabling low carbon economy transition.  Likewise, these plans and framework will allow the Philippine government to assess the required climate finance and investments on top of public resources for needed climate change actions. Towards this end, 453.1 billion pesos has already been tagged for Fiscal Year 2023 for climate change expenditure by National Government Institutions (NGIs) to be used for adaptation and mitigation programs. VCED Borje noted that the figure represents a significant 56% increase from the climate change expenditure tagged for Fiscal Year 2022 of 289.7 billion pesos, with 83% for adaptation and 17% for mitigation, “an indication of the priority of the Administration given to transformative climate change agenda, as laid out by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.”     VCED Borje also pointed out that it is essential that NGIs implement the adaptation and mitigation projects anchored on the following NCCAP thematic priorities: food security, water sufficiency, human security, environmental and ecological stability, sustainable energy, climate smart industries and services, and knowledge and capacity development. The NCCAP was developed by CCC in consultation with relevant government agencies. This document outlines the country’s strategic direction from 2011 to 2028 as a response to the current situation and projected impacts of climate change.    To further build a robust climate change agenda for the Philippine Government, VCED Borje pointed out the need to likewise increase the compliance rate of NGI submissions and to further assess the progress of the projects based on the NCCAP.    “CCC is working very closely with the Department of Budget and Management to achieve the objective of increasing overall NGI submissions significantly,” said VCED Borje.   Data from CCC showed that for FY 2023, 210 of 316 NGIs submitted their Climate Change Expenditure Tagging compared to 145 for FY 2022, or an increase of 45%.   To increase climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions, the CCC bared that it will ramp up its programs on further strengthening the capacity of LGUs and communities through the development, enhancement and submissions of Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LCCAP). “The CCC will continue to further strengthen its public-private-community engagements to further develop public awareness and understanding on climate change, and further improve the quality of risk and vulnerability assessments,” VCED Borje said. A total of 1,397 out of 1,715 LGUS submitted their LCCAPs in 2022 compared to 715 submissions from LGUs in 2021, showing a substantial 42% increase. The data represent a Year on Year submission rate increase of 40%.  “We will continue to work with the Department of Interior and Local Government in order to follow through with the target of having all 1,715 submit their LCCAPs,” said VCED Borje. “We will intensify our partnerships with the private sector, CSOs and other stakeholders as necessary, as well as provide CCC technical support to build the capacities of our LGUs and enhancing LCCAPs, including in the areas of risk and vulnerability assessment, greenhouse gas inventory, and local climate budget tagging,” added VCED Borje. VCED Borje also pointed out that climate change action has been “integrated in relevant sections of PDP 2023-2028 showing how climate change is an overarching governance issue that impacts and affects different development aspects and components for the nation.” In addition to Chapter 15, climate change-related action points were reflected in PDP Chapters 2-Health, 3-Food Security and Nutrition and Social Protection, 4-Income-earning Ability, 5-Agriculture and Agribusiness, 6-Industries, 7-Services, 8-Research and development, Technology, and Innovation, 11-Fiscal Management, 12-Infrastructure, and 13-Peace and Security. The PDP presents the six-year vision of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s administration towards an upper middle-income and low-carbon development, and climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. The PDP was developed by the National Economic and Development Authority, with other government agencies and stakeholders. For more information about climate change, visit https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

13 January 2023, Manila, Philippines – The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) South-South Collaboration on Climate Information Services (SSCIS) Project Team paid a courtesy call on Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Executive Robert E.A. Borje, the Overall Program Director, to discuss the next steps in the implementation of the SSCIS. During the meeting, VCED Borje welcomed the SSCIS Project Team tasked to handle project operations under the guidance of the CCC as the lead government partner, in coordination with relevant agencies and institutions. “The implementation of the SSCIS Project presents an opportunity for CCC and the Philippine government to further enhance knowledge and capacities in data management, including collecting, generating, and analyzing climate data as a basis of climate action,” said VCED Borje. The SSCIS is a EUR 5-million project that aims to provide climate information services to national and local government, and the academe, and establishes a South-South Center of Excellence as a venue for knowledge exchanges among climate vulnerable countries.  “The South-South Center of Excellence will allow us to further deepen our engagement with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), promoting a whole-of-world approach in enhancing climate resilience of communities,” VCED Borje said.  The SSCIS Project Team is led by Dr. Bjoern Surborg, Principal Advisor of the SSCIS Project and Cluster Coordinator for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for GIZ Philippines Office. “The GIZ Philippines, through the South-South Project, remains committed to work with the Philippine government in promoting data-driven climate action to enhance local knowledge on climate change,” Dr. Surborg said. Dr. Surborg is joined by Mr. Jimmy Loro as the Chief Adviser, and team members Ms. Theresa Lim, Ms. Denise Ann Suarez, Mr. Richard Antonio, and Mr. Rune Ylade. The meeting took place on 13 January 2023.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje (left) with Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II (right) on the CCC’s visit to Siargao Climate Field School for Farmers and Fisherfolks   5 January 2022, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) visited the Siargao Climate Field School for Farmers and Fisherfolks, a People’s Survival Fund (PSF) project, to check on the progress of implementation led by the local government unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. The visit was spearheaded by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje and Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II, along with Surigao del Norte State University-Del Carmen Campus Director, Dr. Romy Jun Sunico. The Siargao Climate Field School is the main component of the PSF project of Del Carmen, which aims to provide best available science and latest technology for agricultural and fisheries development. It is envisioned as a regional and national center of excellence for innovative solutions for small island-based ecosystems. “The Climate Field School serves as a training ground for our farmers and fisherfolks to improve their source of livelihood amidst the climate vulnerabilities that our locality has,” Mayor Coro said. The said project was approved in 2016 with a grant of PhP80.7 million. “Our project serves as the benchmark for other LGUs in accessing PSF, especially for island municipalities,” Mayor Coro added. In December 2021, however, the Siargao Climate Field School was among the infrastructure heavily damaged during the onslaught of Super Typhoon (ST) Odette[1], in which damages amounted to PhP50 million.   The losses and damages sustained by Siargao underscore the need to further ramp up capacities for climate change adaptation at the local level, and to further accelerate access to climate finance,” VCED Borje said. VCED Borje conveyed the CCC’s commitment to ensure that the project will become a model for other localities. The CCC will also assist the locality by looking for partners to further support upscaling project implementation. In addition to the Climate Field School, VCED Borje also visited communities in Barangay Caub, one of the beneficiaries of the PSF project and among the most affected barangays by ST Odette. To date, structural damages in Barangay Caub remain evident. In particular, the houses, as well as the seawall that protects the community from storm surges, are yet to be rehabilitated. In a meeting with the barangay officials led by Brgy. Captain Raquel Barquilla, VCED Borje expressed CCC’s support to both the LGU and barangay for their resiliency.   “We will work closely with the LGU in exploring available support that may be provided in assisting the locality’s recovery towards climate resilience,” VCED Borje added. According to VCED Borje, the CCC’s priority is to facilitate access of LGUs and local/community organizations to PSF and other climate finance mechanisms, and to bolster collaboration with the members of the PSF Board and the Department of Finance in improving systems and mechanisms. For more information about PSF, visit https://climate.gov.ph/our-programs/climate-finance/peoples-survival-fund and https://www.facebook.com/PeoplesSurvivalFund/.   [1] International Name: Rai)

QUEZON CITY, 28 December 2022 - In pursuit of scientific, evidence-based, and transparent climate governance, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) brought together national government agencies to discuss the progress of the country’s national climate reports.   Over 50 participants from 24 national government agencies attended the “Coordination and Update Meeting on National Climate Action Monitoring and Reporting,” which covered the three ongoing reports facilitated by CCC: (1) National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2017-2020 Monitoring Report; (2) 2015 and 2020 National [GHG] Inventory Report (NIR); and (3) the Philippine Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).         The NCCAP Monitoring 2017-2020 tracks the progress of the government in concretizing its outputs and outcomes under its seven (7) thematic priorities: food security, water sufficiency, ecological and environmental stability, human security, climate-smart industries and services, sustainable energy, and knowledge and capacity development, in line with the Climate Change Act of 2009, as amended.   The 2015 and 2020 NIR measure GHG emission levels to inform evidence-based mitigation policy and planning and is in line with the Philippine Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management and Reporting System (PGHGIMRS), issued under Executive Order No. 174 in 2014.   The Philippine BUR is one of three (3) national reports to be submitted to the UNFCCC to assess global progress on climate commitments and mobilize support needs of Parties.   “By presenting to all of you today the initiatives and efforts of the national government encapsulated in Climate Reports, we hope to provide a reflection of what we have done so far and how we can scale up our climate actions,” said CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, who welcomed the participants on behalf of Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.   The implementation of National Climate Public Expenditures was also presented to further encourage agencies to tag their climate programs.   Representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also shared their methods and best practices for their respective submissions to the 2015 and 2020 National GHG Inventory Report.                   The Coordination and Update Meeting on National Climate Action Monitoring and Reporting was held on 21 December 2022 at Hive Hotel and Convention Place, Quezon City and also via Zoom video conference.       As the lead agency in the monitoring and evaluation of national climate change programs and as the focal point for the Philippines’ communications to the UNFCCC, the CCC shall continue to work with various national government agencies to foster the finalization of the said reports.   For more information about the Philippine BUR, GHG Inventory, and NCCAP, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

MANILA, 25 November 2022 — Science- and local-based action plans are crucial in addressing the worsening impacts of climate change in the country. This was highlighted during the 11th National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) Forum, where NPTE members recommended concrete action points to address the 10 leading climate risks in the Philippines. The 16-member panel laid out strategies and action plans for each of the risks identified to support the national and local governments in formulating and crafting science-based policies. “In order to deal with and find appropriate and sustainable solutions to the issues caused by the economic and non-economic impacts of climate change, the NPTE members will work together with various entities, such as government agencies, civil society organizations, private and public education institutions, and local government units, to undertake science-based climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction and management action plans,” said Dr. Doracie Zoleta-Nantes, NPTE Chairperson. The forum also became an avenue for LGUs to share their experiences in the recent extreme weather events that hit the country. Leyte 3rd District Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change, shared that the extreme weather events, which have been made worse by climate change, have had a tremendous impact on their local community. “Our Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan states that 1,090 of our 1,641 barangays in the 40 municipalities of the province –  or 66.4% -- are flood susceptible, and 29 of the coastal municipalities, five of which are in my district, and all three cities, are vulnerable to storm surge,” Tuazon emphasized. The area's basic social services, primary sources of livelihood—agriculture and fishing—as well as infrastructure development are all severely affected by floods and rain-induced landslides. Flooding is one of the 10 climate-induced risks identified by the NPTE. Among other risks are rising sea levels; coastal erosion; increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones; extreme drought; temperature increase and rising urban heat index; extreme rainfall; climate-influenced diseases; changing wind patterns, and biodiversity loss. About P515.51 billion ($10.6 billion) in loss and damage have already been attributed to climate risks in the country from 2010 to 2020. In order to prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change, Tuazon emphasized the importance of technical advice from local scientists and academicians, especially in the areas of marine spatial planning, riverbank stabilization, agroforestry development, upland reforestation, and mangrove protection and management. For climate change adaptation, she noted that data gathering is crucial for developing risk management and science-based programs. “Our discussion of adaptation implies that we know our problem, we have our benchmarks, and can begin crafting policies and the solutions for adaptation because we have the data on which to premise our discussions of loss and damage, and the financial and technological mechanisms to prevent or reduce risk and bounce back immediately,” she added. In addition, the forum also featured renowned science experts, including Dr. Faye Abigail Cruz who presented highlights of the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and Dr. Rosa Perez, who provided an overview of the loss and damage scenario in the Philippines. The forum brought together state universities and colleges, higher education institutions, local government unit representatives, and various national government agencies, face-to-face and online, to highlight the importance of transforming science into local action towards climate resilience. “It is imperative that we are able to further build and strengthen local capacities to conduct climate action in different fields. Buhay, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan ang nakataya,” said Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. The 11th NPTE Forum, held on 23 November 2022 in Novotel Manila, is part of the commemoration of the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action for a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. For more information about the 11th NPTE Forum and CCC Week 2022, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA) are building up their institutional partnerships to further bolster Local Government Unit (LGU) capacities for climate change mitigation and adaptation. CCC and DILG-LGA are conducting the culminating batch of the training-of-trainers on the formulation of enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP)  on 21 to 25 November 2022 in Ace Hotel and Suites, Pasig City. The Training of Trainers coincides with the observance of the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. The activity is part of the series of training-of-trainers spearheaded by the two agencies, with the overall objective of creating a pool of coaches and experts to assist the Local Governance Regional Resources Centers (LGRRCs) nationwide in their conduct of capacity building activities on the development of eLCCAPs. Around 90 participants representing DILG regional offices, city and municipal planning and development offices, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices, as well as representatives from local resource institutes and higher education institutions from Regions 5, 10, 13, 4B, and National Capital Region will attend the said training. Through the DILG and CCC partnership, LGUs demonstrated increased capacities for climate action and reporting. DILG released Memorandum Circular 2021-068, enjoining LGUs to submit their LCCAPs to the CCC, which resulted in additional 715 LCCAPs received by the CCC. This increased submissions by 93% from 2021, overall making total LCCAP submissions at 80% from 1,715 LGUs. The training of trainers supports this year’s CCC Week theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” by mentoring and capacitating local government units and higher education institutions in the country on the formulation and enhancement of science-based and risk-informed action plans. This will help to strengthen the local communities’ adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change. The five-day activity will cover the process of LCCAP formulation and all its technical components, such as Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment, Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Climate Change Expenditure Tagging, and People’s Survival Fund.  The training will be facilitated by resource persons from the CCC, DILG Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD), and Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA). For more information about the upcoming training-of-trainers on the formulation of eLCCAP and other CCC Week activities, visit the CCC’s social media pages at @cccphl.

Mr. Sabin M. Aboitiz, President and CEO of Aboitiz Group and lead for the Private Sector Advisory Council, stressed the role of private-public partnership toward sustainability in his closing remarks during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022 in Novotel Manila, Quezon City.     MANILA, 22 November 2022 –  Private-Public partnership and aligned sustainability efforts have been identified as key components to resiliency and climate change action success in the Philippines.  At the closing ceremonies of the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer as well as lead for the Private Sector Advisory Council Mr. Sabin M. Aboitiz emphasized that government and private sector partnership aligned towards sustainability targets are critical for shared success for climate change risk nation like the Philippines.  Acknowledging the need for acting together, Mr. Aboitiz emphasized, "As the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.) himself said, the fight against climate change can only be successful if everyone is committed and determined to steer our practices and systems towards a greener direction. Victory will not come by defeating a visible enemy. It will come in certain moments  when we can see that we are gradually averting a global crisis."  Citing the experience of the Aboitiz Group of companies, Mr. Aboitiz underscored that  “Sustainability remains at the core of all our business operations. Our group is firmly committed to the highest environment, social, and government standards and practices." "By setting bolder targets to better serve our communities and customers, we are reaffirming this commitment, which is for a hundred years, has been consistent in building a sustainable future for generations to come," he added.  Mr. Aboitiz also cited the value of using best available science and technology as well as fostering innovation in order to contribute to Philippine efforts to accelerate just transition to a low carbon economy.  "Emerging technologies have enabled us to discover many new opportunities to help alleviate a climate crisis. These technologies are, of course, supported by the innovative initiatives of our recent great transformation into an eco-friendly technologies." Mr. Aboitiz likewise underlined the importance of clear policy pronouncements made by President Marcos on climate change action, environmental management and protection and sustainability efforts so that the private sector can align itself with the vision for the country’s development.  "Much of our work takes inspiration from the pronouncement of our dear President who on several occasions have vowed to push for reforms and programs on environmental protection and conservation." The Climate Investment Forum, as part of the observance of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, brought together various stakeholders to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action. With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the upcoming CCC Week 2022 activities, visit the CCC social media pages at @cccphl.

New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, Securities and Exchange Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, and Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Atty. Roel Refran were among those who signed the Statement of Commitment on climate investment and just transition during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022 in Novotel Manila.     MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Multistakeholders commit to boost investment for climate and sustainability initiatives and accelerate just transition to achieve a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050 Government leaders, business and financial sectors, and civil society organizations signed a Statement of Commitment ensuring availability and accessibility of financing mechanisms for climate and sustainability projects. It also supports the acceleration of the Philippines’ low-carbon development and just transition from coal to renewable energy. Recognizing the imperative for an effective, collective response to the urgent threats of climate change, the commitment also includes the stakeholders’ deployment of innovative interventions with sustainable, positive impacts on supply chains and value chains. New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, Securities and Exchange Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Atty. Roel Refran, and Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz led the ceremonial signing during the Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 organized by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on 21 November in Quezon City. It forms part of the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). “In the spirit of ‘No One Should Be Left Behind” in the Sustainable Development Goals, this statement of commitment is not just for us, but for our children and the children of our children,” said CCC Commissioner Dela Cruz. “Fighting the impacts of climate change comes at a cost. As a developing country that is at risk, the Philippines needs all the help we can get from both the public and private sectors, and indeed the international community through investments on adaptation and mitigation actions,” said Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. "The private sector—both being contributory and vulnerable to climate impacts—must see the value of these investments in growing their businesses, insulating their people and operations from climate shocks, avoiding emissions that exacerbate global warming and climate change, and how these can ultimately influence our ways of life for the better," said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera. With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the ceremonial signing and the CIF, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand Dr. Ndiame Diop, and other development partners of the Climate Change Commission reaffirmed commitments to mobilize investments for climate action during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022, in Novotel Manila, Quezon City.   MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Development partners reaffirmed their commitment of mobilizing financial resources for investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation on Monday, 21 November 2022, to confront the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Development partners including the World Bank Group and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined the Climate Investment Forum 2022, spearheaded by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Consciousness Week.  Government leaders led by the Department of Finance (DOF) presented the national targets on mitigation and adaptation and called for stronger commitments from international channels as well as the private sector to invest on the country’s priorities on climate action. In his keynote address, DOF Secretary Benjamin Diokno recognized the need to “urgently increase the availability of adaptation and resilience finance particularly for sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure.” Diokno also emphasized the important role of the private sector in achieving a just transition towards a low-carbon economy and the commitment of the Philippine government on “strengthening its policies on climate financing (and) mainstreaming sustainable finance in all possible ways through policy and harmonization.”  UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran also underscored the important role of the private sector in climate investments. “There's a growing recognition due to the amounts required to meet climate goals, and the private sector has a key role to play in mobilizing climate finance. While it is widely known that the private sector's DNA is closely attached to its financial interests, we need to develop and disseminate a clear narrative. Beyond corporate social responsibility initiatives, it makes good business sense to invest in climate initiatives.”  The UNDP has developed the Climate Finance Network in order to support the initiatives on increasing public and private sector investments toward mitigating impacts of climate change and improving resilience of national and local government agencies and communities. For its part, the World Bank has released its Country Climate and Development Report for the Philippines which explains how climate change will affect the country’s economic development and emphasizes the important role of the private sector in climate action. “The World Bank has a very strong commitment to really accompany the efforts of the government, the Climate Change Commission, and all the agencies in this effort. We have actually achieved quite a bit over the last decade or so, and we are very committed to do more to really address this emergency,” said Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. As a long standing partner of the Philippines, the World Bank has been helping lay the groundwork for significant actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and prepare for and respond to natural disasters. For FY2022, about 46% of their commitments are contributed to climate action. The Government of the United Kingdom also emphasized the need to act and deliver results based on the country's climate action priorities. The Climate Finance Network was supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “The UK has been listening to the priorities of the new government in the Philippines and we are working to deliver new programs responding to its needs on coastal and marine adaptation, renewable energy and energy efficiency, nature-based solutions, science, and innovation.” said UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. The Climate Investment Forum is a product of the Climate Finance Network which brought together high-level policymakers, heads of international organizations, private sector leaders, and civil society groups with an overall objective of turning climate commitments into action. "We need to invest in ourselves, because these investments are our investments in our collective future. From aligning our efforts toward NDCs to working together on accelerating just transition to a low-carbon economy; to building the adaptive capacities of our communities, to utilizing best available science and multi-risk analysis frameworks and tools; and to harnessing domestic and international finance,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized. For more information about the Climate Investment Forum, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 — The Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) will conduct the 11th NPTE Forum, Wednesday, 23 November 2022 with a focused discussion on climate-induced risks for the Philippines and how the risks can be managed, minimized, or avoided. This year’s NPTE Forum will stimulate discussions among national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and relevant stakeholders to address the gaps, and recommend concrete action points to address the various climate risks. The forum will be led by NPTE members: Dr. Doracie Zoleta-Nantes (Chairperson), Dr. Eduardo Mangaoang (Co-Chair), Dr. Susan Mercado (Co-Chair), Dr. Emma Porio (Co-chair), Dr. Jihan Adil, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, Dr. Zenaida Andrade, Dr. Wilfredo Campos, Dr. Gay Defiesta, Dr. Ramon Lorenzo Luis Guinto, Dr. Jimmy Masagca, Dr. Richard Muallil, Dr. Patricia Ann Sanchez, Engineer Meriam Santillan, Dr. Encarnacion Emilia Yap, and Dr. Maria Angela Zafra. Discussions on the forum will focus on the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, overview of loss and damage scenario in the Philippines, and the 10 leading climate-induced risks identified by NPTE members: rising sea levels; coastal erosion; flooding; increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones; extreme drought; temperature increase and rising urban heat index; extreme rainfall; climate-influenced diseases; changing wind patterns, and biodiversity loss. Started in 2017, the NPTE Forum encourages knowledge exchange  among members of the academe, local government units, youth, business and industry, civil society, gender- and faith-based groups, and the general public on climate change-related issues, policies, and practices through plenary presentations and open discussions. The 11th NPTE Forum coincides with the commemoration of the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action for a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the 11th NPTE Forum and CCC Week 2022, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 –  The Climate Change Commission strengthened its partnership with the Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) for implementation of the Commission’s capacity building program on the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) Formulation. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz, David Jude L. Sta. Ana, AEV Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer, and Maribeth L. Marasigan, AFI President and Chief Operating Officer. The CCC, AEV and AFI will specifically collaborate on the following areas: Coordinated implementation of climate-related research in aid of policy and decision making, and local climate change action, adaptation and mitigation.  Systematic knowledge sharing and prompt provision of technical assistance to LGUs, communities, the private business sector, and other entities in key vulnerable areas. Mainstreaming climate-smart and climate-resilient processes and undertakings to LGUs, communities, the private business sector, and other entities in key vulnerable areas.  Coordinated implementation and collaboration with other key national government agencies (NGAs) identified to support the creation of climate smart resilient communities. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and AEV started the partnership in 2019 to implement the Communities for Resilience (CORE) Initiative, the CCC's flagship capacity-building program.   “We recognize the Climate Change Commission as a responsible policy-making institution that advocates environmental preservation, protection and climate change resilience across the country,” said Christopher Camba, First Vice President for Corporate External Relations at Aboitiz Group of Companies. The Ceremonial Signing of the MOA was held on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, at Aboitiz Headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The signing is also part of the activities for the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022) happening from 19-25 November 2022, with the theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima.” For more information about the Ceremonial Signing of MOA and other CCC Week 2022 activities, visit the CCC social media pages at @cccphl.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Commissioner Mcjill Bryant Fernandez of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) led the discussion on Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies in one of the sessions of the Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 on 21 November. Sustainability reporting is a mechanism for a business entity to disclose and communicate its economic, environmental and social impacts to society. “The Sustainability Report measures and monitors PLCs’ contributions toward achieving universal targets of sustainability, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as national policies and programs, such as AmBisyon Natin 2040,” said Fernandez. "At the core of the regulatory guidelines is a recognition that not all companies are at the same level in their sustainability, thus we are embarking on continuing capacity building for our stakeholders," he added. Commissioner Fernandez was joined by Ms. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH); Agnes De Jesus, Chief Sustainability Officer of the First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPHC); Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Regional Head of Global Reporting Initiative-ASEAN; and by Atty. Roel Refran, Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Stock Exchange, as session moderator. Agnes De Jesus of the FPHC gave a grim picture of the impact of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 on their business. She shared how strategizing their mission among its business segments contributes in creating values for their stakeholders and business.  Maintaining nature’s integrity, people’s well-being, and robust economy are the values for their stakeholders, while stable revenues and growth are for the business. “We are able to contribute to the low carbon economy and reduce our risks. Because we have mainstreamed sustainability in our mission, we are able to deliver robust data in our sustainability report,” continued De Jesus. "We look to our regulators to be a repository of tools that will be used by all including agencies and local governments," she remarked. Liza Silerio of SMPH highlighted the integral role of private sector to economic development and embracing climate resilience as one of its core business strategies, and cited as an example their malls built with flood management measures and water catchments, using science-based solutions. “Sustainability and climate programs are centered on environment, social inclusion and governance plus disaster resilience,” Silerio said.  Refran highlighted the lessons to be learned in terms of measuring impacts from various ESG methodologies, and looking far ahead to a sustainable future. "When you look at sustainability as a narrative, it cannot be just a short-sighted view. You must answer the question- will you still be here a hundred years from now? If you can answer that in the affirmative, you probably have the right knowledge on how to be a sustainable business." The Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 is part of the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week). With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the CIF, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 21 November 2022 –Top environment and climate officials urged stakeholders to invest more in climate action and work together to achieve climate-resilient development during the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022) on 21 November 2022.   Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Official Representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in the Climate Change Commission (CCC), stressed the importance of investing in initiatives to pursue climate resilience.   Citing the record-high PHP453.11 billion for climate change adaptation and mitigation under the FY 2023 National Expenditure Program, a 56.39% increase to this year’s PhP289.73 billion, Loyzaga stressed the need for more investments to support the country’s climate-resilient development.   "More investments are still needed if we are to make transformative strides to achieve climate-resilient development. The coming years will present more opportunities to show how the whole-of-society effort can shape the future of our country," Loyzaga said.   Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change and Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar Chatto also joined the activity.   In her recorded message, Villar remarked that the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, food security and on our communities are becoming even more pronounced, thereby needing serious and urgent attention from all.   “We should take climate change more seriously and urgently. We should rally all communities to institute appropriate strategies to (this) make environment climate-resilient and not to initiate activities that would aggravate the sufferings of the people,” said Villar. “Filipinos are called to do their parts to counter the ill effects of climate change,” she added.   Representative Chatto highlighted the need to collectively strengthen the capacities of communities to reduce loss and damage.   “The vulnerability of our society is measured in three aspects: Susceptibility, Coping, and Adaptability. We may not control the natural events, but we need to strengthen our susceptibility measures, our coping mechanisms in minimizing damage, adaptation or our long-term strategies to anticipate changes to mitigate or avoid the adverse effects and impacts,” said Chatto.   The Opening Ceremony of the CCC Week 2022 took place in Novotel Manila. The Climate Investment Forum 2022 immediately followed the ceremony, which brought together various stakeholders to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action.   “I wish to thank our partners from the national and local governments, the business sector, the private sector, the academe, and civil society for joining us in this mission. The Commission shall continue to bring everyone together to ensure a dynamic synergy as we pursue greener and more resilient pathways towards a sustainable future,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.   With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050.   Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate.   For updates and live streams visit the CCC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cccphl or its website at www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 20 November 2022 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) will host Monday the Climate Investment Forum 2022 (CIF 2022) which draws Philippine stakeholders together in order to turn climate commitments into action.   With the theme, “Turning Climate Commitments to Action,” the CIF 2022 will be held on 21 November 2022 at the Novotel Manila, in Cubao, Quezon City and streamed via Zoom Digital Platform.  In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, Department of Finance (DOF), Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the World Bank Group (WBG), the  CIF 2022 aims to bring together the public and private sectors, non-government organizations, and the academe, to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action.   Experts from both the government and private sectors will be sharing their insights and initiatives on the subject matter.   Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, WBG Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, and Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the UNDP Philippines, will address the Climate Investment Forum and highlight the importance of climate finance in the Philippines as well as multi-stakeholder participation.   Senior officials from the World Bank Group, Mr. Stefano Pagiola and Mr. Taisei Matsuki, will also tackle the country’s climate and development report and various carbon pricing policies and instruments.   National plans on achieving greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction targets will also be presented by government representatives namely, Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the DENR, Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven of the DOF, and OIC-Director Michael Sinocruz of the Department of Energy (DOE).   Filipino social entrepreneurs Carlo Delantar of Gobi Core PH Fund, Love Gregorie Moral-Perez of xchange and Jeannie Javelosa of Echostore Sustainable Lifestyle will also share their sustainability efforts and best practices in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).   Mr. Asad Maken, Governance and Public Finance Specialist of the UNDP, will present the Climate Finance Network and opportunities for the private sector and innovative finance. Opportunities for transition economies in sustainable investment will be discussed by Ms. Corazon G. Dizon, Chief Finance Officer & Treasurer of ACEN Corporation, Ms. Aileen Ruiz-Zarate, Senior Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation and Ms. Neha Kumar, Head, South Asia Programme of the Climate Bonds Initiative.   Securities and Exchange Commissioner Mcjill Bryant Fernandez, Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Head for ASEAN Region of the Global Reporting Initiative, Ms. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group of SM Supermalls, and Ms. Agnes De Jesus, Chief Sustainability Officer of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, will also tackle Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies and the ASEAN Sustainable and Responsible Fund Standards (SRFS) together with Atty. Roel Refran, Philippine Stock Exchange Chief Operating Officer.   The CIF immediately follows the Opening Ceremony for the Climate Change Consciousness Week, which will be led by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga who has been designated Official Representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in the Climate Change Commission.  Confirmed to deliver their messages are Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda, climate and environment champion and principal author of the Climate Change Act which created the CCC, and Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar Chatto, Chairperson on House Committee on Climate Change.   The whole-day forum will be conducted in a hybrid setting, with limited slots for in-person participation. Participants who wish to join the virtual event may register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/CIForum2022.   The Climate Investment Forum 2022 is the flagship event of the CCC for the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. Know more by visiting the social media accounts of the CCC at @CCCPhl.

MANILA, 20 November 2022 –  The 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week) kicks off Monday, 21 November 2022 with top environment official Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, climate change and environment champion Senator Loren Legarda, Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chair Senator Cynthia Villar, and House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change Chair Bohol First District Representative Edgar Chatto scheduled to address the event.   With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” the opening ceremony draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate smart and climate resilient Philippines by 2050.   Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga has been designated the Official Representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in the Climate Change Commission. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga was Executive Director of the Manila Observatory, the President of the National Resilience Council, a member of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) Asia Pacific Science Technology Advisory Group and a Director of the UNDRR’s Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE).   Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda is recognized as a “Game Changer for Asia,’ a champion for climate change action and the environment, “Global Thinker,” voice for indigenous peoples, a women and children’s rights champion, and a passionate advocate.    Senator Legarda has worked for the enactment of key legislation on climate change, environment, and disaster governance, including the Clean Air Act, the Solid Waste Management Act, the Climate Change Act and the Philippine Disaster Risk and Management Act.   She is also recognized globally for good environmental governance. She is the UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience, the UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan Champion, Commissioner of the Global Commission on Adaptation and Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Ambassador for Parliaments.   Senator Cynthia Villar is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources since 2013 and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.   Senator Villar was instrumental in the enactment of the Extended Producer Responsibility bill for plastics and other waste.   She was founder and Chair of the Villar Foundation (now the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance). Villar SIPAG’s key program thrusts and projects included environment protection and the establishment of the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park.   Bohol First District Representative Edgar Chatto is the Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change.   During his chairmanship of the Committee during the 18th Congress, he pushed for the declaration of a state of environmental and climate emergency and championed the call for the Philippines to seek climate justice.   As Vice Governor of Bohol, he led the passage of the Bohol Environment Code. Moreover, during his tenure as Bohol governor, an ordinance was passed that prohibited the establishment of a coal-fueled power plant here in the province.   The opening ceremony will be immediately followed by the Climate Investment Forum, 2022 which will bring together various stakeholders to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action.   Other activities to be held during the CCC Week include training-of-trainers on the formulation of enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan on (21-25 November 2022); Leveraging Local Budgets in the Context of COVID-19 Recovery and Sustainable Environmental Management Webinar (22 November 2022); the 11th National Panel of Technical Experts Forum (23 November 2022); and Kaalamang Klima: Climate Change Webinar Workshop for the Youth (25 November 2022).   Partnerships with Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., and the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) will also be formalized and signed during the week.   CCC Week began Saturday, November 19, with a Thanksgiving Mass and Tree Planting and Growing Activity in the La Mesa Nature Reserve. CCC officials, staff, and representatives from various groups planted 200 Narra, Dao, and Sablot seedlings to contribute to the improvement of the country’s carbon sinks and reservoirs.   Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate.   For more information about the upcoming CCC Week 2022 activities, visit the CCC social media pages at @cccphl.

MANILA, 19 November 2022 — The 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022) kicked off Saturday with the planting of 200 Narra, Dao, and Sablot seedlings at the La Mesa Nature Reserve by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and partner agencies and organizations, including indigenous peoples and the youth.   Joining the tree planting activity were officials and representatives from Aboitiz Equity Ventures, ARISE, Conservation International, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Dumagat Community, Energy Development Corporation, FirstGen, Maynilad, Miriam College, and student leaders from Lagro National High School. Also present were representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Nestle Philippines, Net Zero Carbon Alliance, Professional Regulation Commission, Rotary Club of Pasig, and Zonta International.   The tree planting and growing activity emphasizes this year’s CCC Week theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima” on the need to work together as one nation, one society and one world to further develop and improve the country’s greenhouse gas sinks and reservoirs through nature-based solutions.   The activity likewise underscored the continuing need to further promote the growth of Philippine forests, watersheds and protected areas as key climate change actions for the Philippines’ sustainable development.   Underscoring the value of multi-stakeholder approach as well as personal commitment toward climate change action success, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Borje emphasized, “Ang hamon natin ngayon sa ating lahat, sana ay gawin natin itong regular na aktibidad, kasama ng inyong mga kaibigan, ng inyong mga pamilya, ng inyong organisasyon, para makamit natin ang ating obhetibo.”   “On the part of the Climate Change Commission, we remain committed to strengthen the policy framework and the partnerships that we have, including not just government, but also with CSOs, the private sectors, the NGOs, the youth sector, and the media,” said VCED Borje.   CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera likewise highlighted that the activity also recognizes the importance of the whole-of-society approach in addressing the climate crisis.   The event is part of the series of reforestation initiatives under the Carbon Neutral Program (CNP) Convergence formalized in June this year with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PRC, and Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI). It was conceptualized based on the Philippines’ commitment in its Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.   It also supports existing national government institutions’ programs for ecological and environmental stability aligned with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP).   The tree planting and growing activity for CCC Week 2022 likewise builds on the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on environmental protection as Philippine government policy and inter-generational responsibility to uphold the Filipino’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology, including future generations.   In September this year, President Marcos celebrated his birthday with a tree planting and growing event in San Mateo, Rizal, and stated that “Itong ating ginagawa ngayong araw na ito ay isa sa mga hakbang na maaari nating gawin upang tulungan at patibayin ang ating kalikasan, alagaan ang ating kalikasan para (ay) tayo naman ay meron tayong imamana sa mga anak natin, sa mga susunod sa atin na Pilipino.”   The CCC Week is held annually every November 19th to 25th, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1667, s. 2008, to raise the awareness of Filipinos on the worsening impacts of climate change, and to secure the collective cooperation of private and public sectors at all levels in finding solutions to this concern.   For more information about the upcoming tree planting activities of the Climate Change Commission, and other CCC Week activities, visit the CCC’s social media pages at @cccphl. 

 

Iloilo City, 20 October 2022 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) trainings for the faculty and staff of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) on 4-6 October 2022.   The activity entitled “Training on Climate Action and Sustainability: GHG Inventory and CCET Training Workshops,” aimed to enhance and build the capacity of ISAT-U on National CCET and GHG Inventory in preparation for possible collaboration with the local government of Iloilo City and other academic institutions related to climate action planning and programming.   The CCC also delivered lectures on the basic and science of climate change, mainstreaming gender and climate change, developing the university’s CCET and the GHG emissions and inventory process in different sectors.   This training workshop was attended by 51 participants from five (5) ISAT-U campuses – La Paz, Leon, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, and Miag-ao.   Across these campuses, respective campus-wide GHG Inventory Committees were established to lead and pursue the implementation of different projects and activities related to the development of GHG Inventory report.   An integrated GHG inventory report will serve as the University’s basis in developing their climate change adaptation and mitigation programs in their future development plans. ISAT-U will then identify their climate-responsive programs and create their CCET Quality Assurance and Review (QAR) form and BP 201-F for FY2024.   Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT-U President, emphasized the importance of this training workshop in the alignment of the University’s institutional goals to mainstream climate action and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.   “Let us serve as an example and a model among our students and the community. If we want to be a solution to these climate change issues, let us start it within ourselves,” Dr. Muyong said.   The CCC, through Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, welcomed ISAT-U’s initiative in developing their GHG Inventory and Climate Budget Proposals ahead of the budget calendar for FY2024.   “For our part, the Climate Change Commission is committed to providing technical assistance to SUCs in building capacities and skills to provide science-based and quality climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions to host communities and LGUs,” DED Cuenca said.   ISAT-U is one of UNESCO’s UNEVOC Network Members to strengthen the development and improvement of technical and vocational education in UNESCO Member States.   The UNEVOC network includes teaching, training, planning, research and development institutions, and entities within government ministries that are active in technical and vocational education.   The university’s commitment to the development of their GHG inventory will provide a science-based basis for their climate programs and contribute to the national GHG emission inventory.   For more information about the GHG Inventory and CCET, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

13 October 2022, Kinshasa, DRC. In the lead-up to the COP27 in Egypt, the Philippines was chosen to co-facilitate and lead discussion on global agenda for climate finance, including on urgent actions needed to bolster assistance to developing countries based on commitments by developed countries.   The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as the incoming Presidency of the 27th Session of Conference of the Parties (COP27), requested the Philippines to co-facilitate a session on climate finance.   Robert E.A. Borje, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Executive Director, as Philippine representative at the recently held PRECOP27 Meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), co-facilitated the sessions on climate finance with Poland.   The session was attended by 17 countries, namely, Angola, Argentina, Chad, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Japan, the Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States of America and Zambia, as well as the European Union Commission.   The discussions were steered towards ideas and strategies to move forward the agenda on climate finance. This includes the fulfillment of the $100 billion financial commitment by developed countries under the Paris Agreement, and the need to set a higher climate finance target through the New Collective Quantified Goal of the Glasgow Climate Pact.   In his report-back session at PRECOP27, VCED Borje presented the outcomes of the discussions, highlighting the recommended strategies of countries to expeditiously mobilize climate finance.   On the $100 billion commitment, Parties stated that contributions are being made to immediately fulfill the delivery of climate finance obligations by developed countries. It was also pointed out, however that there remains a need to go beyond the $100 billion to provide sufficient support to at-risk developing nations.   As co-facilitator, the Philippines helped ensure that discussions were anchored on the commitments of developed nations to support developing nations, particularly those at risk and vulnerable nations, as provided in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.   Towards substantial progress in climate finance delivery by 2025, VCED Borje highlighted that discussions stressed that the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance must be anchored on the needs of the developing nations, and entail key elements on transparency, responsiveness, and scale.   VCED Borje also mentioned that countries pointed out the need to be “innovative, creative and flexible” in tapping financial resources both from public and private sources toward low-carbon and climate-resilient development, consistent with Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.   After the report-back session, the Philippines was approached by representatives of Argentina, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the Maldives, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (COP26 Presidency), commending the facilitation and the reporting of the session outcomes.   Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), likewise lauded the Philippines for its “very active role in the PRECOP27,” as co-facilitator on climate finance, and in “understanding the divergence, the outcome, and how to bring Parties together to move the agenda forward.”   The Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt as the incoming COP27 Presidency, and the UNFCCC, convened 60 countries in Kinshasa for PRECOP27 to advance the discussions on major climate issues ahead of COP27.   The CCC, as the National Focal Point to the UNFCCC, represented the Philippines in said preparatory meeting for COP27.   The PreCOP27 was held on October 3 to 5, 2022 in Palais de Peuple in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.   In the lead to COP27, the COP27 Presidency and the UNFCCC will be convening the Heads of Delegations to an informal consultation on mitigation and finance on 13-15 October 2022 in Alexandria, Egypt.   COP27 will be held on 06 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.