Mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the Local Climate Change Action Plan. Photo from the presentation of Ms. Sandee G. Recabar, Chief of Implementation oversight Division of the Climate Change Commission. MANILA, 16 August 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) successfully convened its first-of-three series of webinars on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for Local Government Units (LGUs) via Zoom Teleconference and CCC Facebook live last August 11-13, 2021. The webinar series, organized in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Local Government Academy (LGA), aims to build the knowledge and information of LGUs on formulating their GHG inventories and climate mitigation measures and strategies as part of their Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) process. The virtual training gathered more than 600 participants from local planning, environment and natural resource, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction and management offices of various LGUs in Luzon. House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar M. Chatto, CCC Vice Chairperson Emmanuel M. De Guzman, and DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Mario L. Iringan delivered their messages of support during the program. “Many LGUs can be a model of climate resilience, regardless of where they are located, as long as the government and the community join hands and commit to bring change. For the past years, the CCC and DILG have shown their dedication to guide our local leaders by providing them technical assistance in formulating their GHG inventories. We hope to continue to scale-up these efforts to help our vulnerable communities adapt to and help mitigate the changing climate,” said Deputy Speaker Legarda, three-term Senator who authored the Climate Change Act and is a UN Global Champion for Resilience. In his remarks, Rep. Chatto, Chair of the House Committee on Climate Change, urged LGUs that with a climate emergency upon us now, "let us heed this call and be the spark that the planet needs to burn bright and be the guiding light that others may follow." “Human insatiability brought us here, and human compassion, human solidarity in action, will shift our trajectory. There is too much at stake. The climate emergency has become all too personal for every one of us. May we channel all our energies to listen, join forces, and ultimately, act with desperate urgency,” said Vice Chairperson de Guzman. “This webinar aims to strengthen the knowledge and information of LGUs in creating their GHG inventories and mitigation strategies as a section of their local climate change action plans. It is the objective of these webinars for us to have more understanding, and therefore a better appreciation of what we need to contribute in order to make amends to our planet,” said Undersecretary Siringan. The three-day webinar covered essential topics on greenhouse gas inventory. GHG mitigation expert Mr. Leandro Buendia, a member of the CCC's National Panel of Technical Experts, presented the basics of climate science and GHG inventory. Ms. Angela Monica Salud B. Mamuyac from the Local Development Planning Division of the Bureau of Local Government Development of the DILG Central Office discussed the link of climate change mitigation in local development plans; and Mr. Oliver Gonzales, Environment and Natural Resources Officer from Batangas City shared their LGU’s experience on GHG inventory and accounting. The LGU participants are introduced to the GHG inventory by sector: Agriculture, Waste, and Industrial Processes and Product Usage, Transportation, Forestry and Land Use Change, and Energy. They are also trained on the GHG inventory tools and data requirements. The webinar for the Visayas cluster will be held on August 18-20, 2021, and the Mindanao cluster on August 25-27, 2021. This activity seeks to extend the technical assistance of CCC to many more LGUs, aiming to contribute to an increase in the submission of LCCAPs. Interested participants may register here for free: Visayas Cluster: https://bit.ly/GHGIWebinarVisayasReg Mindanao Cluster: https://bit.ly/GHGIWebinarMindanaoRegistration For more information about the webinar on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for Local Government Units (LGUs), visit the Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl or website at https://climate.gov.ph/newsroom/updates-and-advisories.

MANILA, 12 August 2021 — In observance of “Linggo ng Kabataan” and International Youth Day, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) encourages the Filipino youth to lead in practicing a sustainable lifestyle to help transform our food systems and reduce our carbon footprint.   Republic Act No. 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 mandates the observance of Linggo ng Kabataan in every barangay, municipality, city and province on the week where the 12th of August falls to coincide with the International Youth Day (IYD).   This year’s IYD theme, "Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health," is a call for inclusive support mechanisms for the youth to collectively and individually amplify efforts that restore the planet and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems.   With the world’s population expected to increase by 2 billion in the next 30 years, simply producing a larger volume of healthier food will not ensure human and planetary wellbeing. Other crucial challenges must also be addressed, such as the interlinkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change impacts on land and food quality.   Access to abundant, nutritious food has also become a challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic as community quarantines leave many poor communities vulnerable to economic shocks.   The CCC believes that the youth has the power to influence and transform their communities to become more resilient by doing and promoting the following sustainable practices: Growing plants and vegetables in their own homes to achieve self-sufficiency in every household; Avoiding food waste and changing dietary preferences to reduce the carbon footprint or greenhouse gas emissions associated with food consumption and food loss; Promoting purchase and consumption of fresh local foods from farmer markets and home-based food industries, while avoiding single-use plastic products and packaging, as a way of reducing food processing- and transport-related GHG emissions; Implementing SK policies encouraging the youth to plant their own food in every barangay, producing organic fertilizers and other agricultural products as well as greening urban spaces; and Organize and participate in online discussions to raise awareness and set inspiring actions to address the country’s challenges on the food systems.  One best example of innovative efforts to transform our food systems was through the emergence of community pantries across the Philippines. The first known community pantry during this pandemic, located in Maginhawa St., Quezon City, was spearheaded by a spontaneous youth initiative.   With the tagline, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan,” the idea for the community pantry was to provide a venue where food is directly accessed by those who are in need, especially during this time of lockdown where many businesses closed and jobs lost.   The Maginhawa model has since sparked a nationwide trend of other community pantries sharing grocery packs, farm produce, and even seedlings. These exemplify human compassion and social solidarity that will continue to bring out the best in the Filipino even in the most difficult times.   The CCC said that sustainable food systems are important in ensuring a healthy environment, human health, and national progress. These initiatives will help in the transformation towards a more livable, healthier, and more sustainable nation.

MANILA, 12 August 2021 — The University of the Philippines Visayas - Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT), College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) invites the public to join the online forum on seafood safety and the use of sustainable packaging materials for seafood products this 18 August 2021.   The second #WayForwardWednesdays webinar series about current trends on post-harvest fisheries and food science endeavors to highlight the best practices in the production of food products including the use of sustainable packaging materials, and encourage research exploring the potential of different earth-friendly materials as packaging for fishery products.   House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Representative of the Lone District of Antique, and UN Global Champion for Resilience, will deliver the keynote message on climate action and sustainability. Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera will discuss the government’s initiatives on circular economy and sustainable consumption and production, including the CCC’s campaign to phaseout single-use plastics.   Ms. Mary Ann Galenzoga-Basal from NSF International will also present measures on seafood safety in the time of COVID-19, showcasing best practices for seafood processors.   This four-part lecture series by IFPT-CFOS on the fields of Microbiology, Chemistry, Seafood Processing, and Fish Plant Management aims to keep its network and community abreast of the latest developments, emerging technologies, and new practices with a pandemic at the helm.   For more updates on the webinar, interested participants may visit the Facebook Page of the IFPT-CFOS at https://www.facebook.com/upv.cfos.ifpt. 

MAYNILA, ika-11 Agosto 2021— Magtitipon-tipon ang mga learners mula sa Department of Education (DepEd) upang magturo, magbigay inspirasyon, at maghikayat sa kapwa nila bata na manguna sa usaping climate action sa ika-57 na episode ng seryeng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” na may temang, “Climate Action Stories of Children, Written by Children”.   Ang online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto ng dating three-term Senator, na ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda, ay ipapalabas sa Huwebes, ika-12 ng Agosto 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live sa facebook.com/CCCPhl at facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Mapapanood din ang nasabing episode sa official Facebook Page ng DepEd sa facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH.   Kasama sa online na talakayan ang mga kawani at learners mula DepEd kabilang sina Director Ronilda Co at Ms. Zherluck Shaen Rodriguez ng DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Ckyr M. Leonardo mula sa Valencia National High School (Division of Valencia City); Joshua Ofiasa Villalobos ng Youth for Climate Hope (Division of Bacolod City); Raaina P. Hinay ng Kids Who Farm (Division of Zamboanga City); at Amabelle Franchesca, isang campus journalist mula sa Congressional Integrated High School (Division of Cavite).   Sa nangyayaring krisis sa climate change, walang kinalaman ang mga bata ngunit pasan rin nila ang mga masasamang epekto nito. Dahil sa climate change, mas madalas ang pagkakaroon ng kalamidad at mas matitinding bagyo at pag-ulan bunga ng pag-init ng mundo. Dala ng mga ito ang health hazards at risks para sa mga bata dahil sila ang mas madaling kapitan ng physical at psychological trauma, nutritional deprivation, infectious agents, at environmental contaminants dahil sa kanilang dynamic developmental physiology at immature defense systems.   Ang paglahok ng mga bata ay maituturing na importanteng aspeto ng climate action. Sa pamamagitan ng mga initiatives ng DepEd, layuning bigyang lakas at hikayatin sila na maging mga changemakers sa pagpapaangat ng kamalayan sa sarili at pamilya, at pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto sa paaralan at komunidad.   Bilang bahagi ng programang climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM), kasalukuyang nagde-develop ang DepEd sa tulong ng DRRMS ng isang booklet na pinamagatang “Climate Action Stories of Children, Written by Children” na naglalayong makapagpakita ng mga kwento ng Filipino learners na nagtataguyod ng climate action para makapagbibigay inspirasyon. Ang mga nasabing kwento ay isinulat ng mga student journalists na sumailalim sa pagsasanay na tinawag bilang The Green Beat Initiative: An Online Environmental Journalism Training for Student Campus Journalists and School Paper Advisers na pinangunahan ng DepEd DRRMS at ng Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ).   Bibigyang-diin sa episode ang mga initiatives ng DepEd sa pagtaguyod ng environmental consciousness at itatampok ang mga learners na nagpakita ng mahusay na pamumuno sa mga environmental initiatives na nauugnay sa CCAM sa kanilang mga paaralan at pamayanan.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang Stories for a Better Normal na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino at pamayanan sa mga hamon ng climate change at ng pandemya, tungo sa buhay na maka-kalikasan at sustainable sa ilalim ng ‘better normal’.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 10 August 2021 — Department of Education (DepEd) learners will gather to educate, inspire and encourage their fellow children to take the lead in climate action on the 57th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Climate Action Stories of Children, Written by Children”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 12 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. The episode will also be streamed through the official Facebook Page of DepEd at facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH.   Joining the online conversation are DepEd personnel and learners including Director Ronildo Co and Ms. Zherluck Shaen Rodriguez of DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Ckyr M. Leonardo from Valencia National High School (Division of Valencia City), Joshua Ofiasa Villalobos of the Youth for Climate Hope (Division of Bacolod City), Raaina P. Hinay of Kids Who Farm (Division of Zamboanga City); and Amabelle Franchesca, a campus journalist from Congressional Integrated High School (Division of Cavite).   Despite being the least responsible for climate change, children bear the brunt of its impacts.  Climate change is increasing the range and incidence of major health hazards and risks for children as they are more susceptible to physical and psychological trauma, nutritional deprivation, infectious agents, and environmental contaminants due to their dynamic developmental physiology and immature defense systems.   However, children are seen to be the active voices of climate action. Their role in raising awareness and implementing initiatives in line with the local context is a must for the effective implementation of adaptation interventions.   DepEd recognizes climate change’s adverse impacts on children as well as their vital role in championing climate action. It is through its initiatives that DepEd intends to empower and encourage them to be changemakers.   As part of its climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) program, the Department through the DRRMS is developing Climate Action Stories of Children, Written by Children Booklet that aims to showcase inspiring stories of the Filipino learners who are advocating for climate action. The stories are written by student journalists who completed The Green Beat Initiative: An Online Environmental Journalism Training for Student Campus Journalists and School Paper Advisers spearheaded by the DepEd DRRMS and the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ).   The upcoming episode will highlight the initiatives of DepEd in inculcating environmental consciousness and elevating the level of children’s participation in climate action, and will feature learners who exemplified outstanding leadership in environmental initiatives related to CCAM in their schools and communities.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, “Stories for a Better Normal” aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 10 August 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) cites a new report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) yesterday as a wakeup call for countries to urgently scale up mitigation efforts to keep average global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius and to adapt to more frequent and more severe climate impacts, some of which are irreversible.   The “Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis” report is the contribution of the IPCC’s Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report, which stressed that “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land” and that “widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred.”   This report is considered the most up-to-date physical understanding of the climate system and climate change, bringing together the latest advances in climate science, and combining multiple lines of evidence from past climate (paleoclimate) observations, process understanding, and global and regional climate simulations. More than a hundred scientists worldwide contributed to the report, among them Dr. Faye Abigail Cruz of the Manila Observatory.   “Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion—such as continued sea level rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years,” the IPCC report adds.   The report presents updated estimates of the likelihood of exceeding the 1.5°C global warming level in the next decades, concluding that limiting warming to close to 1.5°C, or even 2°C, will be impossible unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced immediately, rapidly, and on a massive scale.   Human-caused GHG emissions have been responsible for roughly 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900 or pre-industrial levels, and global temperatures are predicted to reach or exceed 1.5°C during the next 20 years on average.   The report said that climate change is expected to worsen in all locations over the next few decades. There will be more heat waves, longer warm seasons, and shorter cold seasons for every 1.5°C increase in global warming. Heat extremes will more frequently approach critical tolerance levels for agriculture and health at 2°C of global warming.   However, it is not only a matter of temperature. Climate change is causing a variety of changes in many places, all of which will worsen as temperatures continue to rise. These include the following specific impacts, according to the report:   ·Water cycle intensifies which means more extreme rainfall and flooding, as well as more intense droughts. ·Changes in rainfall pattern where precipitation is projected to increase in the high latitudes, whereas it is expected to decrease in the subtropics. Changes in monsoon precipitation are expected, with regional variations. ·Coastal areas will continue to experience sea-level rise throughout the twenty-first century, resulting to more frequent and severe coastal flooding in low-lying areas as well as coastal erosion. Extreme sea level occurrences that occurred once every one hundred years might occur every year by the end of this century. ·Further warming will amplify permafrost thawing, and the loss of seasonal snow cover, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and loss of summer Arctic sea ice. ·Human-caused changes to the ocean, such as warming, more frequent marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and decreased oxygen levels, have been convincingly visible. These changes have an impact on both ocean ecosystems and the people who rely on them, and will continue for the rest of the century. ·Some elements of climate change are already seen in cities, such as heat, floods from heavy precipitation events, and sea level rise in coastal cities.   Just last month, several countries in Europe, North America, Africa, Oceania and Asia, including the Philippines, were devastated by extreme weather such as floods, storms, heatwaves, wildfires and drought, bringing widespread destruction. Some of the affected countries were noted to have never experienced such extreme disturbances in recent history.   While some parts of the world are submerged due to heavy flooding and excessive rains, others have been burning under intense heatwaves and wildfires. Some of the world's wealthy cities are unprepared for extreme weather events. It demonstrates that the impact is no longer limited to developing countries; it is now affecting the developed economies as well.   The CCC said that this should serve as a wakeup call not only for the Philippines, but also for all countries and world leaders to take decisive action on increasing warming temperatures to protect the planet and future generations from such previously unimaginable scenarios.   According to the IPCC report, the substantial and consistent reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions such as methane have the capacity to influence the future direction of climate. While improvements in air quality would be immediate, global temperature stabilization might take 20-30 years.   The CCC said that the world must go considerably further to keep the 1.5 challenge alive. That will require a concerted set of policies including phasing out coal power and commit to not opening or financing any new coal-fired power stations; providing developing countries with better support to deliver clean energy; reforming the global trade in agricultural commodities to help farmers to make a better living while forests are protected; and last but not least, for loss and damage policies to be set in place to support adaptation initiatives, in line with mobilizing long-term finance.   The Sixth Assessment Report or AR6 consists of contributions from each of the three IPCC Working Groups. The succeeding reports are scheduled for release in 2022.   Access their contribution to the Assessment Report through this link: https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/ and watch the replay of the launch through the YouTube channel of the IPCC at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z149vLKn9d8. 

MANILA, 9 August 2021 — In observance of International Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) Day, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) spotlights the contribution of IPs to the conservation of the environment and advocates for strengthening the protection of their rights and indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices.   Every year on August 9th, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed in order to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population, while acknowledging their significant role in sustaining the diversity of the world’s cultural and biological landscape.   Indigenous peoples account for about 6 percent of the world's population, with a wide range of cultures, customs, languages, knowledge systems, and have a particular bond with their homelands.   Here in the Philippines, it is estimated that our indigenous peoples consist of 10% to 20% of the country's population.   Due to industrialization, armed conflict, extreme poverty, climate change, and other causes, many indigenous peoples have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Those who have settled in urban areas often struggle to retain their cultural identities.   Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and worsened many existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting communities, including indigenous peoples who were already facing  poverty, illness, discrimination, or financial insecurity.   This is the rationale behind this year’s celebration with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.”   According to the United Nations, a social contract is an unwritten agreement that societies make to cooperate for social and economic benefits.   The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the effects of growing inequalities and sparked a discussion on the urgent need to rethink a new social contract.   This year’s observance calls for creating and rebuilding a new social contract as an expression of cooperation for the common benefit of people and environment. A social contract must create an opportunity to build back a more equal and sustainable world – based on genuine and inclusive participation and partnership that fosters equal opportunities for all and respects the rights, dignity and freedoms of all.    The plans to rebuild better and rethink social contracts for the indigenous peoples disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis around the world must include listening to their voices, needs, and concerns, obtaining their free, prior, and informed consent, and including indigenous peoples' collective and individual rights.

The local government of Botolan in Zambales bagged the first place in the "Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards" of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. MANILA, 6 August 2021 —  The 56th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” featured gender-responsive climate programs of local government units (LGUs) that topped this year’s “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards,” an initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched in March of this year in observance of National Women’s Month.   The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda featured guests including DENR Undersecretary Analiza Teh; Ms. Annadine Manzinares, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of Botolan, Zambales (First prize winner); Dr. Eduardo M. Bisquera Jr., Assistant City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of Zamboanga City (Second prize winner); and Mayor Maria Clarita G. Limbaro of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur (Third prize winner). Atty. Ipat Luna served as the co-host for the episode.   “Climate change is an issue that affects all of us, whether you’re in the city or in the province, in lowland areas or in the mountains or in coastal areas. Hindi tayo makapagtatago sa climate change, kaya ito ay kailangan nating harapin nang sabay-sabay. Mahalaga na laging maging handa sa mga epekto ng nagbabagong klima sa pamamagitan ng climate change adaptation and mitigation at disaster risk reduction,” said Atty. Luna.   “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan” features stories and narratives of women and men, and organizations, addressing the impacts of climate change in their communities through gender-responsive programs related to environmental protection and conservation, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.   “Aside from promoting gender empowerment, we are promoting also good stories at gusto natin talagang tumuntong sa hope-based communication para makita nila na kung lahat tayo ay sama-sama, may pag-asa pa po para mas higit pa nating mapaigting ang ating pagkilos para sa kalikasan,” said Usec. Teh.   The local government of Botolan in Zambales won the first prize with their entry, “Women Leadership, Trailblazers of Environmental Sustainability.” It showcased the programs and projects they initiated to achieve environmental sustainability in their municipality which includes programs on Artificial Reef with Coral Transplantation; Mangrove and Reforestation; Sustainable Eco-Tourism; Disaster Preparedness; and Solid Waste Management.   “We have the “Basura Mo, Palit Mo” Program that started in 2017 where 1kg of plastic waste can be exchanged with 1kg of rice. It encourages the household level to segregate their wastes. We also have Botolan Waste Products such as Eco-bricks made from plastic wastes; Fish Amino Acid made of fish entrails/trash from the municipal market; and Eco-soil (soil conditioner) made from rotten fruits and vegetables also from market wastes. [These projects] aim to minimize the wastes being dumped in the sanitary landfill and to create a simple income-generating program out of waste for the MRF operators,” said Manzinares.   The local government of Zamboanga City, the second prize winner, shared that their initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were also components of their Local Climate Change Action Plan or LCCAP. Their mitigation measures include Waste to value; Establishment of Transfer Station and Material Recovery Facilities; Developing the City Water front and heritage walk development; Construction of climate resilience building; and Conduct of rehabilitation, reforestation and enhancement projects on the city’s watershed and central district mangrove forest areas.   “The forests are the world’s largest carbon sinks along with the ocean, atmosphere and soil. Protecting these vital ecosystems is essential for tackling climate change and keeping our climate stable. In the year 2020, a 30-hectare Watershed Rehabilitation/ Reforestation Project was completed within the Pasonanca Watershed area, the main source of the city’s potable, domestic, industrial and agricultural water. A total of 33,702 seedlings of indigenous tree species were successfully planted,” said Bisquera.   The local government of Bayabas in Surigao del Sur, the third prize winner, introduced the Sagip-Wakatan program, an annual mangrove reforestation, replanting, and coastal cleanup initiative that aims to maintain and improve the mangrove cover density to help protect the community against destructive effects of storm surges, tidal waves, tsunami, and soil erosion.   “I always believe that what we do today defines our future.  Sagip-Wakatan program is not just saving the mangroves, but it will always be part of saving our environment for our children. For the changing climate, the strong community ownership and co-ownership of ecosystem conservation is a resilient foundation of a community,” said Mayor Limbaro.   Legarda lauded the exemplary efforts of the featured LGUs and encouraged more cities and municipalities to do the same and pursue relevant programs on environmental protection and conservation, climate change, and disaster risk reduction in their communities.   “Ipinapakita natin na sa pag-plant ng mangroves, paggawa ng ecobricks from tingi-tingi at single-use plastic, hanggang sa pagbilang ng ating greenhouse gas emissions, hanggang energy efficiency, at sa lahat ng paraan, kung gusto ay kakayanin… Importante ang climate action dahil ‘yan ay nakakapagbigay ng buhay at pangkabuhayan,” said Legarda.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 03 August 2021 —  The 56th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature gender-responsive climate programs of local government units and organizations that topped this year’s “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards,” an initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).   The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 5 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the first of the two-part episode are:   Undersecretary Analiza Teh from Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mayor Doris E. Maniquiz of Botolan, Zambales – “Women Leadership, Trailblazers of Environmental Sustainability” (First prize winner) Mr. Eduardo M. Bisquera Jr. from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources of Zamboanga City – “Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (GHG): Zamboanga City Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation” (Second prize winner) Mayor Maria Clarita G. Limbaro of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur – Sagip-Wakatan Program: Kwentong KLIMA-likasan ng Bayabas, Surigao del Sur (Third prize winner)   “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan” featured stories and narratives of women and men, and organizations, addressing the impacts of climate change in their communities through gender-responsive programs related to environmental protection and conservation, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MAYNILA, ika-03 ng Agosto taong 2021 — Sa ika-55 na episode ng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways”, ibinida ng mga panauhin ang kanilang housing at architectural structures na nagpapakita ng konseptong regenerative architecture at Earthen shelters na sadyang disaster- at climate-resilient.   Itinampok sa online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto at pangunguna ng dating three-term Senator, at ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda kasama bilang co-host si Atty. Ipat Luna ang mga nature advocate at innovator na sina Architect Ronnie Yumang, ASEAN architect at environmental planner; at si Beau Baconguis, Earth builder at permaculturist. Sumali rin sa nasabing talakayan si Rhea Matute, Executive Director ng Department of Trade and Industry - Design Center of the Philippines.   “Ano’ng klaseng bahay ba ang bagay sa Pilipinas? Dapat iakma natin. Dito pumapasok ang disaster risk reduction. Mayroon tayong mga risks na hindi natin maiiwasan dahil na rin sa kalikasan. Maaaring bawasan natin ang ating risk o ang pagkakataon na tayo’y masalanta. ‘Yun ang DRR. Component n’yan, vulnerability. Dahil ang Pilipinas ay madalas tamaan ng bagyo, palakas nang palakas, patindi nang patindi dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, ay vulnerable tayo o madaling matamaan, pati na rin ng drought o ‘yung matinding tagtuyot. Apektado diyan ang pagkain, agrikultura, at fisheries. Proteksyon natin sa lahat ng elementong ‘yan ang ating tahanan,” pagbibigay-diin ni Deputy Speaker Legarda.   Ibinahagi ni Architect Ronnie Yumang, na siyang developer ng MAKA Forest Villas and Residences, kung paano nga ba ang regenerative architecture systems, isang sistema kung saan tuwirang nakikipag-ugnayan ang tao sa kaniyang kapaligiran higit pa sa ordinaryong saving at sustainability.   "Maski na mapuno pa natin ang mundo ng sustainable certified buildings, makatutulong ba itong mapabuti ang kalagayan ng kalusugan ng ating daigdig? Hindi lamang ito ang magiging solusyon, kinakailangan nating sumulong patungo sa isang regenerative solution. Kinakailangan nating simulang maibalik ang kasaganaang dating taglay ng daigdig. Ibig sabihin nito, kinakailangan ay punan natin ‘yung mga nawala instead na nagse-save lamang tayo, na ibalik kung ano ‘yung mga dating abundance na mayroon ang Earth,” pahayag ni Architect Yumang.   “Buong mundo, kumu-konsumo ng 10 billion tons ng semento at 50 billion tons ng buhangin kada taon. Nakakabahalang malaman na ang mga yamang ito ay nauubos at ‘di na natin maibabalik pa sa susunod na  200 milyong taon. Nauubusan na nga tayo ng buhangin sa kasalukuyan. Hindi ito pang-habang panahon, hindi ito unlimited. If we continue to overconsume, mauubos ito at sa pagdating ng panahon ay magmamahal ang presyo nito,” dagdag pa ni Architect Yumang.   Samantala, ipinakita naman ni Beau Baconguis ang mga dome, vault, at cylinder houses na maaaring makatagal at makaligtas sa mga climate hazards at magsilbing emergency shelters. Ipinakilala niya ang SuperAdobe pati na ang earthbag method sa paggawa nito. Ito’y isang building method na gumagamit ng basic elements ng lupa, tubig, hangin, at apoy – lupa, mga sako ng bigas at iba pang mga basic materials sa structures.   “Kinakailangan nating maintindihan ang mga building principles upang hindi natin mai-compromise ang structural integrity lalo’t higit kung ito'y tirahan ng tao. Kinakailangan nating dagdagan ang advocacy para sa Earth Architecture. Mayroong iba't ibang mga uri ng Earth Architecture methods na ginagamit dito sa Pilipinas at kinakailangan nating magkaroon ng mga network para lahat tayo ay maaaring magkaroon ng pag-uusap na magkasama,” giit ni Baconguis.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang Stories for a Better Normal na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino at pamayanan sa mga hamon ng climate change at ng pandemya, tungo sa buhay na maka-kalikasan at sustainable sa ilalim ng ‘better normal’.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 02 August 2021 —  The 55th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” featured housing and architectural structures that demonstrate the concepts of regenerative architecture and Earthen shelters that are disaster- and climate-resilient.   The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda with co-host Atty. Ipat Luna featured nature advocates and innovators Architect Ronnie Yumang, ASEAN architect and environmental planner; and Beau Baconguis, Earth builder and permaculturist. Department of Trade and Industry – Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute also joined.   “Anong klaseng bahay ba ang bagay sa Pilipinas? Dapat iakma natin ang ating pamamahay. Dito pumapasok ang disaster risk reduction. Mayroon tayong mga risks na hindi natin maiiwasan dahil na rin sa kalikasan. Maaring bawasan natin ang ating risk o ang pagkakataon na tayo’y masalanta. ‘Yun ang DRR. Component nyan, vulnerability. Dahil ang Pilipinas ay madalas tamaan ng bagyo, palakas nang palakas, patindi nang patindi dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, ay vulnerable tayo o madaling matamaan, pati na rin ng drought o ‘yung matinding tagtuyot. Apektado diyan ang pagkain, agrikultura, at fisheries. Proteksyon natin sa lahat ng elementong yan ang ating tahanan,” Legarda emphasized.   Architect Yumang, developer of Maka Forest Villas and Residences, introduced regenerative architecture systems thinking, a system that connects humans with the environment and goes beyond just conventional saving and sustainability.   “Even if we conquer the world with sustainable certified buildings, will it actually improve the condition of our Earth’s health? This will not be the only solution, we should go towards a regenerative solution. We should start replenishing our lost Earth’s plenitude. Ibig sabihin nito, kinakailangan ay punan natin ‘yung mga nawala instead na nagse-save lamang tayo, na ibalik kung ano ‘yung mga dating abundance na meron ang Earth,” said Architect Yumang.   “The world consumes 10 billion tons of cement and 50 billion tons of sand every year. It is alarming to know that these resources are finite and not renewable in the next 200 million years, and we are actually running out of sand. Hindi ito pang-habang panahon, hindi ito unlimited. Kinakailangan po ngayon na tipirin natin ito. Otherwise, if we continue to overconsume, mauubos ito at darating ‘yung panahon na magmamahal yung presyo nito,” he added.   Baconguis showed domes, vaults, and cylinder houses that can withstand climate hazards and serve as emergency shelters. She introduced SuperAdobe or Earthbag method, a building method that utilizes the basic elements of earth, water, air, and fire – soil, rice sacks and basic materials in structures.   “We need to understand first the building principles involved so we don’t compromise the structural integrity especially if you’re going to live in it. We need to increase the advocacy for Earth Architecture. There are different types of Earth Architecture methods being used here in the Philippines and we need to have networks so that we can all have a conversation together,” said Baconguis.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 29 July 2021 — The Philippine government continues to demonstrate stronger resolve in addressing the country’s growing problem on plastic pollution as government agencies converge to hold a conference to present and identify more sustainable alternatives and solutions to single-use plastics (SUPs).   The event, entitled “Innovations Towards Green Economy: A Joint Conference on Environment-Friendly Alternative Plastics,” is organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with the Department of Finance (DOF), Climate Change Commission (CCC), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and will be held on Friday, 30 July 2021, 9:00 AM via Zoom and Facebook Live.   Resource speakers will present on policies and regulations on SUPs and feature innovative solutions through research and development. DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, DOF Secretary and CCC chair-designate Carlos G. Dominguez, and DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu will deliver messages. CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera will present on the circular economy and why this principle and value chain approach is relevant in light of the climate crisis. Industry sector representatives will also be part of the discussion.   With the House of Representatives approval and final reading of House Bill 9147 or the “Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act,” the conference builds momentum on further enabling the environment to addressing SUPs. Atty. Dilbert Quetulio, Committee Secretary of the House Committee on Ecology, will discuss the salient provisions of the bill and its goal to accelerate development of sustainable solutions to plastics.   Plastic is a pervasive and commonly-used material in the Philippines due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. However, plastics pose significant risks to public health and the environment, while exacerbating climate change due to the fossil fuels used in its production up to disposal.  This conference aims to support a green and just transition towards a plastic-free and more sustainable Philippines.   To join, participants are encouraged to register through this link: https://forms.gle/pDEcTomnGAvRwNpx9. For more details, please visit the Facebook pages of the DOST facebook.com/DOSTph; DOF at facebook.com/DOFPH; CCC at facebook.com/CCCPhl, and DENR at facebook.com/DENROfficial for more details.

MANILA, 27 July 2021 — Three months before the crucial 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the British Embassy of Manila and the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda convened a virtual roundtable discussion (RTD) with several civil society organizations (CSOs) in the country.   Co-chaired by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and UK Minister of State for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change Anne-Marie Trevelyan, with support from British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce and the Climate Change Commission, the "Road to Glasgow: A Roundtable Discussion with Non-Government Actors" aimed to solicit the views of CSOs on critical issues on adaptation and resilience in the Philippines that need to be brought forward to COP26.   “This roundtable discussion is necessary for us to be in full gear for COP26, which promises to make the Paris Agreement fully operational. Under the UK Presidency, we hope to have a COP26 that is truly inclusive and ensures accountability, musters political will, and consolidates bold commitments from all nations, especially the industrialized world,” Legarda stressed in her opening message.   "We have seen [an] increasing number of NDCs coming, half of them as ambitious as perhaps they could be and we continue to encourage robust review of that, country by country. One of the key factors we mentioned is that we are driving really hard for coal phase-out, because coal is one of the clearest polluters. There are alternatives as well, therefore we are pushing for that,” said Trevelyan.   The discussion also aimed to increase understanding of climate change adaptation and resilience priorities in the Philippines from CSOs who are actively engaged in the climate space and to gather their insights on the role of non-government actors to help achieve a whole-of-society, inclusive COP26.   The CSOs in the RTD expressed their support in lobbying leaders’ commitment on the four goals of COP26: Mitigation – secure global net-zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach; Adaptation – urgently adapt to protect communities and natural habitats; Mobilizing finance, and Collaboration – work together to accelerate action.   Statements from the CSOs expressed optimism, a sense of urgency, and the need for accountability and ambition for the COP:   "We hope that we can agree in Glasgow to more ambition-raising mechanisms, not just every five years. If we can create platforms to which the countries can increase their ambitions without having to wait for five years, then it will save a lot in terms of catching up to the lost time because of COVID-19, but also that we can look towards a transformational momentum that goes across beyond our countries and regions to one where the world could actually work together towards economy and investment,” said Red Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.   "We cannot frame climate change as an intergenerational responsibility if we exclude the younger generations and limit these discussions to those who have allowed our planet to be in this state of the climate crisis we are in. We hope that COP26 will genuinely provide meaningful space and a platform for our young climate leaders to communicate their thoughts, exchange ideas, and seek support for their initiatives,” said Nazrin Castro, Country Manager of The Climate Reality Project-Philippines.   "Being with Living Laudato Si’ Philippines, there should be the recognition of the role of faith communities, both moral and active forces to ensure higher ambitions. It would be a strategic approach of COP26 Presidency, different from any other COPs, especially the presence of Pope Francis, hopefully, in Glasgow, and the participation of many faith-based organizations, religions, in global pilgrimages leading to Scotland,” said Rodne Galicha, National Convenor of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas. He also sought measures to ensure prioritization of climate finance in the COP—financing in the form of grants, not loans, which may be negotiated bilaterally.   “We know that the Paris Agreement is intended to be a durable and long-term agreement and it should have room for innovation and further elaboration on the strategies and approaches,” said Gia Ibay, Head of the Climate Change and Energy Programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines. She called for an “all hands on deck, whole-of-society approach” in addressing the climate crisis, particularly in drawing the path for a green COVID-19 recovery where the potential of nature-based solutions are maximized.   “It is imperative that we make sure that women's global voices, interests, and perspectives are fairly represented at the leadership of COP26. Climate change is a huge threat, but women play a fundamental role in our fight against it. Any problems we face as a result will be easier to solve if both men and women are equally included in solving them,” said Atty. Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines.   "One legacy of the UK COP Presidency is to operationalize nature-based solutions, distinguish it from adaptation, and link it up with clear, ambitious, with measurable finance,” said Atty. Ping Peria, adviser to the Philippines’ climate change adaptation, loss and damage, and agriculture themes at the UN climate change negotiations.   The COP26, happening from October 31 to November 12 of this year in Glasgow, Scotland under the presidency of the United Kingdom, in partnership with Italy, is a momentous time for governments to report and strengthen their commitments toward the fulfillment of the six-year-old Paris Agreement on Climate Change.   In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was re-scheduled from its initial schedule in November 2020 to ensure that all parties can focus on containing the spread of the virus.   The Philippines is further advancing the implementation of Paris Agreement targets as it officially submitted its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions in April 2021, bannering a projected 75% greenhouse gas emissions reduction and avoidance, of which 2.71% is unconditional and 72.29% is conditional, representing the country's ambition for GHG mitigation for the period 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy.   The Philippines is also the first in the region to set a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants and to expand the use of renewables for both environmental and reliability purposes. This could reduce emissions by 32-35% in 2030 in comparison to current policy projections.   In closing, Legarda stressed that: "We are all in this together. We must all campaign for nature, for 1.5C, for loss and damage, for climate adaptation, for mobilizing finance, and to make sure that COP26 will make history to be a successful COP where we were able to operationalize the four goals we set at the beginning with the UK COP Presidency."   See the latest updates on the upcoming COP26 by visiting its official website at https://ukcop26.org/.

MANILA, 27 July 2021 — Filipino environmental advocates will gather virtually to demonstrate environment-friendly and regenerative architectural innovation on the 55th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Building for Nature.”   The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 29 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Filipino innovators Architect Ronnie Yumang, ASEAN architect and environmental planner and Beau Baconguis, Earth builder and permaculturist.   The Philippines, due to its geographical location, is known for its vulnerability to natural hazards such as frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions as well as typhoons, sea-level rise, storm surges, landslides, flooding, and drought affecting the lives of every Filipino.   Hence, the challenge of adapting to the climate and reducing disaster risks cut across sectors and industries, including the field of architecture.   The upcoming episode will feature resilient and regenerative architectural practices and SuperAdobe technology as a sustainable solution to the shelter challenge.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 20 July 2021 — Officials and researchers from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country will gather virtually to raise awareness on the indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) on sustainable development and environmental conservation, and promote the documentation and safeguarding of traditional knowledge systems during the 54th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Traditional Knowledge is Power!”   The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 22 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are SUCs that lead the way in the documentation of IKSPs including Dr. Serafin Ngohayon from Ifugao State University; Ms. Anna Razel Ramirez from University of the Philippines - Visayas; Dr. Pablo Crespo, President of University of Antique; and Mr. Sajed Ingilan of the University of Southeastern Philippines.   IKSPs provide insights and tools for environmental protection, sustainable resource management, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. They are developed over centuries and are passed from generation to generation.   The upcoming episode will feature some of the IKSPs in the country including those featured in the books “From the Seas to the Mountain -- Panay-Guimaras Traditional Knowledge Systems,” a product of extensive research and collaborative efforts of SUCs in Western Visayas to document and promote the various traditional knowledge systems in the region; “Ifugao Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices,” which documents the traditional knowledge, resourcefulness, and creativity of the Ifugao in building a sustainable community and surviving with their own rich culture; and “Disasters Preparedness and Climate Change: The Indigenous Knowledge of Selected IP Groups in the Davao Region.” These books were funded through the initiative of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda in collaboration with SUCs and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 19 July 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauded the adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council on the importance of addressing the adverse consequences of climate change, which in effect curtails human rights.   According to the Resolution, solutions are urgently needed, including the possible creation of a new special procedure addressing the adverse impacts of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights, especially for the people most vulnerable to climate change in developing countries like the Philippines.   The CCC cited scientific findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), another UN body, that the average global temperature has risen by more than 1°C since the industrial age and we are already experiencing unprecedented extreme weather events. The world cannot afford to go beyond the 1.5°C threshold of survival, and to do so must cut planet-warming carbon emissions by half by year 2030. Any higher degree of warming would be disastrous for most of natural systems, threatening our access to quality food, water, shelter, livelihood, and the right to life itself.   According to the CCC, the Resolution places significant focus on the right of all persons to ecological security and to live without fear of their homes, livelihoods, or cultures being threatened with destruction because of the climate crisis. All persons have the right to life, and that includes the right to survive and thrive as human beings.   In terms of the total global carbon emissions that are warming the planet, the Philippines contributes only one-third of one percent, yet Filipinos bear the brunt of extreme weather events as millions get displaced, thousands of lives and livelihoods are lost, and billions worth of agriculture and infrastructure are damaged annually because of climate change.   The climate body hailed the leadership of the Philippines in pursuing climate change as an essential aspect in discussions on human rights by the international community. The Human Rights Council also decided to incorporate into its annual programme of work, beginning in 2023, discussions on different specific themes on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights. 

MANILA, 19 July 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the accreditation of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) as a medium-sized accredited entity to access financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for climate projects of up to US$250 million.   "We congratulate the Development Bank of the Philippines for this very timely accreditation, as the country continues to open up channels to access climate finance. We urge the DBP to leverage GCF funds to support our country's shift to climate-resilient development pathway, veering away from fossil fuels while we continue to grow our economy," said CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera, who also serves as GCF alternate Board Member.   "The DBP went through a stringent accreditation process and was favorably assessed in its ability to manage funds consistent with the GCF’s fiduciary standards, and avoid environmental and social risks that may arise in implementing projects," Herrera added.   Accredited entities serve as the GCF’s partners at the national level to develop and submit transformative proposals that allow countries to adapt to climate impacts and also reduce or avoid carbon emissions. As they serve as channels through which GCF financing shall flow, they work with the country stakeholders to ensure that the portfolio of climate projects respond to actual country needs.   With the approval, made during the Board's 29th Meeting on 1 July 2021, the DBP is now the country’s second national institution to access the GCF, with the Land Bank of the Philippines earlier accredited in 2018.   The GCF Accreditation Panel, which assessed the DBP’s accreditation proposal before endorsing to the GCF Board, also noted of the bank’s commitment to contributing to the realization of the Philippines Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and to deploy GCF resources for projects that are considered risky due to financial, social or market barriers, but which have significant potential impacts on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

MANILA, 18 July 2021 — The 53rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” featured administrators of museums, farms, and institutions that provide children with rich and instinctive environmental learning and encourage families to engage more with nature-based activities amid the pandemic.   The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda featured managers of children recreational facilities including Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco,  President of Museo Pambata, with daughters Isabella and Natasha Tanjutco of Kids for Kids; Edeline Payawal, Manager of Hiraya Childhood Playfarm; and Sharon Cortez, Founder of Forest School Philippines.   Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, with daughters Isabella and Natasha, shared how Kids for Kids work with Museo Pambata, and how they are advocating for children’s rights by creating safe spaces for them.   “We saw that the world is now evolving, and it’s either people adapt or we will get left behind. So, it’s important that we do adapt because the future for children – we are 100% of tomorrow and so we should really be involved in creating that safe environment for children to thrive in,” said Isabella Tanjutco.   “Our dream is, we would like Museo Pambata to be the leading youth hub in the country that would amplify the voice of the youth and generations of Filipino gamechangers. We would like to breed these kinds of people and I think the future of kids is so important [since] they will be the leaders of tomorrow. We put that in our hearts, we plant the seeds today, and they will be the adults that we will look upon tomorrow,” said Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco.   Payawal showed how they developed Hiraya Childhood Play Farm, an open space where families can have the freedom to move, explore and connect with nature. The guests can reconnect with their inner child and re-live their treasured childhood memories. The farm also enables children to learn about farm life and rural living.   “Since we’re kids, we grew up in the province. Nae-enjoy namin yung simpleng buhay, mga simpleng laro. When we got older, when adulting gets to you and life becomes more complicated, more stressful, and there’s more pressure, there’s also more appreciation when it comes to the simple life, and also more appreciation of your childhood, your past. We started dreaming of having a space of our own, for our family, and also for our kids. We wanted to create a version of a world we want to live in,” said Payawal.   Cortez put emphasis on the role of the environment in shaping the future of today’s children.   “Ang mga karanasan nila mula sa pagkabata ay mahalaga kung paano sila makikipagsalamuha sa kalikasan, sa kanilang paglaki. Kaya po sa Forest School Philippines, and hangad po namin ay maranasan ng mga bata ang nature connectedness. Ayon sa saliksik, ‘Adult environmentalism have been shown to derive from deep and positive childhood experiences in nature,’” said Cortez.   Legarda then reiterated the importance of interacting with the natural world, especially with the children that are mostly affected by pandemic as their learning are only limited with gadgets, making them slowly disconnected from nature.   “We must not limit a museum into the four concrete walls. A museum is a life, nature is a museum, biodiversity is our home. I think we should have Museo Pambata not just in Metro Manila, but for every region. One bill I can file is the establishment of a children’s nature playground museum in every municipality when applicable,” said Legarda.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MAYNILA, ika-14 ng Hulyo taong 2021 — Magtitipon-tipon virtually ang mga organizers ng mga parke at institusyon na naghahandog ng rich at instinctive environmental learning sa mga bata upang hikayatin ang mga pamilya na makilahok sa mga nature-based activities sa kabila ng pandemya sa ika-53 na episode ng seryeng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” na may temang, “Restore Our Earth (Children’s Edition).”   Ang online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto ng dating three-term Senator, na ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda, ay ipapalabas sa Huwebes, ika-15 ng Hulyo 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live sa facebook.com/CCCPhl at facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Kabilang sa online na talakayan sina Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, President at CEO ng Museo Pambata, kasama ang kanyang mga anak na sina Isabella at Natasha Tanjutco ng Kids for Kids; Edeline Payawal, Manager ng Hiraya Childhood Playfarm; at Shawi Cortez, Founder ng Forest School Philippines, upang talakayin ang iba't-ibang mga nakakaaliw na aktibidad na nagtuturo ng environmental awareness at learning sa mga bata.   Ang kalikasan ay may napakahalagang papel na ginagampanan sa paglaki ng isang bata. Ang pagkakaroon ng physical contact ng bata sa natural world ay makakatulong sa progreso ng pagkatuto at paglaki ng bata.   Para sa maraming pamilya na nakatira sa lungsod o may urban lifestyle, at lalo ngayong may pandemya, bihirang makalabas ang mga bata sa outdoors, kung kaya't nalimitahan ang learning environment ng mga bata gamit ang mga gadgets. Ang kakulangan ng sensorial stimulation mula sa direktang pakikipag-ugnayan sa natural environment ay maaring makabawas rin ng interes sa usapin ng pangangalaga ng kalikasan.   Mula sa episode ay makakakuha ng tips ang mga viewers, tulad ng mga magulang at guro, kung paano tuturuang mapalapit ang kanilang mga anak at mga estudyante sa kalikasan at kung paano nila mapalaki ang mga ito na mayroong magandang pagtingin sa mundong kanilang ginagalawan at maituro ang responsibilidad na ginagampanan ng kabataan.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang Stories for a Better Normal na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino at pamayanan sa mga hamon ng climate change at ng pandemya, tungo sa buhay na maka-kalikasan at sustainable sa ilalim ng ‘better normal’.   Ang online na talakayan na ito ay na-organisa sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission, na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 13 July 2021 — Organizers of parks and institutions that provide children with rich and instinctive environmental learning will gather virtually to encourage families to engage more with nature-based activities amid the pandemic on the 53rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Restore Our Earth (Children’s Edition).”   The program, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 15 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are managers of children recreational facilities including Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco,  President and CEO of Museo Pambata, with daughters Isabella and Natasha Tanjutco of Kids for Kids; Edeline Payawal, Manager of Hiraya Childhood Playfarm; and Shawi Cortez, Founder of Forest School Philippines, to discuss fun activities for kids while at the same time providing environmental awareness and learning.   Nature plays a significant role in a child's growth. It is said that having physical contact with the natural world can positively impact a child’s acquisition of knowledge and development.   However, as the urban lifestyle progresses, people slowly become disconnected to the natural world, and the pandemic further shifted the life of children completely indoors that made learning and playing primarily through gadgets. The lack of sensorial stimulation and learning from touch, smell, and feel in nature is seen as breeding apathy towards environmental concerns.   The upcoming episode will provide tips to viewers, especially parents and teachers, on how to bring their children and students closer to nature towards raising them to have a healthy relationship with the world around them and teaching them the role of the youth in restoring the Earth.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MAYNILA, ika-12 ng Hulyo taong 2021 — Binuksan ng Climate Change Commission (CCC) ang mga nominasyon para sa kanilang National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE).   Ang NPTE ay kinabibilangan ng mga eksperto sa iba't-ibang mga disiplinang may kaugnayan sa climate change na nagbibigay ng scientific technical advice sa Commission ukol sa climate science at teknolohiya, at sa best practices sa risk assessment at enhancement ng adaptive capacity of vulnerable human settlements sa climate change, alinsunod sa Climate Change Act of 2009.   Sa pagbubukas ng mga bagong nominasyon, naglalayong ma-enhance ang proseso ng nomination, selection, at appointment sa NPTE at mapalawak pa ang pool of experts ng bansa sa climate change. Masisiguro din nito ang institutional, regional, at sectoral representation, at gender balance ng NPTE membership.   Alinsunod sa CCC Resolution No. 2021-004, maaring mag nominate ng mga kilalalang eksperto sa mga sumusunod na fields of discipline at may kaugnayan sa climate science, public policy at administration, at climate risk governance:   1.  Natural sciences: Climate change science and meteorology, Earth science and oceanography, Natural science, Environment, biodiversity, and human ecology, Health, agriculture and food security, Water and hydrology, Climate change adaptation and mitigation, Disaster risk reduction and management, Renewable energy and sustainable energy, and Low-emission infrastructure and transport;   2.  Social sciences: Sustainable development, Development planning and management, Sociology and anthropology, Geography, Political science, Demography and population studies, Development communication, and Ethnic studies, including gender policies;   3.   Law: Environmental law, International climate diplomacy and negotiations, and International law;   4. Economics: Economics, Climate finance, Sustainable finance, Circular economy, Sustainable consumption and production, Ecological solid waste management, Sustainable delivery of goods and services, and Analysis of potential loss and damage and disruption of services from climate change risk or impacts;   5.  Data science: Mathematics, Climate change risk assessment, Climate change data ecosystem and analytics, Greenhouse gas inventory, and Climate change expenditure tagging;   6. Governance: Implementation of policy frameworks and strategies, program and project management; National security administration; Policy research and development, Technology needs assessment; and Monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment of programs and projects related to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk reduction and management, with preference to those with relevant work in rural and coastal communities; and   7.   Priority thematic areas of the National Climate Change Action Plan and other technical areas relevant to the mandates and work of the CCC.   Ang nominado ay kinakailangang: (1) Filipino citizen; (2) may proven track record sa kanyang field of expertise; (3) hindi kailanman napatunayang gumawa ng plagiarism, o nahatulan ng crime of moral turpitude; (4) walang conflict of interest sa mandato ng CCC or NPTE; (5) hindi nagkaroon ng position laban sa ating mga katutubo o indigenous peoples; and (6) kilala bilang authority sa climate change kasabay na rin sa alinman sa mga nailistang fields of discipline.   Upang mag nominate, magpadala ng pirmadong liham o duly signed official letter sa CCC, kalakip ang mga dokumento na syang nagpapatunay sa qualifications at integridad ng nominado. Sinumang kandidato para sa NPTE ay maaari lamang i-nominate ng katuwang nyang government agency, o di kaya'y isang academic o research institution, civil society organization, o private sector stakeholder. Anumang private sector nominating institution o entity ay kinakailangang rehistrado ng Securities and Exchange Commission.   Ang deadline para sa submission ng nomination letters ay sa Huwebes, ika-15 ng Hulyo 2021. Para sa updates at iba pang mga information ukol sa qualifications at requirements, bisitahin ang website at social media pages ng Climate Change Commission o contact the NPTE Secretariat at [email protected].