MANILA, 13 October 2020 — House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda urged national and local government leaders to strengthen the country’s disaster risk reduction planning through science to reduce the irreversible impacts of climate change, in observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.  “Our national and local leaders must implement an effective disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) scheme that requires action on several fronts such as good governance and institution building, social protection and anti-poverty effort, investment on augmented capacity and resilient infrastructure, and sustainable resource management,” said Legarda. According to the latest report from the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) entitled, “Human Cost of Disasters: An overview of the last 20 years, 2000-2019,” climate change is largely to blame for a near doubling of disasters caused by natural hazards in the past 20 years.  The UNDRR report also identified 7,348 major disaster events that occurred between 2000 and 2019, claiming 1.23 million lives, affecting 4.2 billion people, and costing the global economy some US$2.97 trillion. The figure exceeds the 4,212 major disasters recorded between 1980 and 1999.  In the Report, UNDRR chief Mami Mizutori remarked: “It is baffling that we willingly and knowingly continue to sow the seeds of our own destruction, despite the science and evidence that we are turning our planet into an uninhabitable place for millions of people.” While the report focuses primarily on the staggering rise in climate-related disasters over the last 20 years, it is also backing the need to strengthen disaster risk governance for the entire range of both natural and human-induced hazards, including those related to environmental, technological, and biological hazards and risks. “In the short-term, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the implementation of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act has succeeded in saving many lives through improved preparedness and the dedication of its staff. But the odds continue to be stacked against them in particular by the business-as-usual case scenarios that are failing miserably on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to levels commensurate with the desired goal of keeping global warming to 1.5˚C as set out in the Paris Agreement,” said Legarda. She further emphasized that lack of awareness and understanding of DRRM and climate change continue to put those vulnerable sectors into the brink of devastation. “It really is all about governance if we want to deliver this planet from the scourge of poverty, further loss of species and biodiversity, the explosion of urban risk and the worst consequences of global warming.  We must act collectively and educate people,” said Legarda. Highlighting the importance of science, Legarda shared action points from UNDRR that could be adopted by local and national leaders, including focused studies on disaster risk communication to help residents interpret warnings, and would aid in steering communication strategies in the most effective forms. Flood control was regarded as a development issue in addition to a humanitarian concern, with a recommendation that priority should be given to cost-effective measures in poor regions at high risk of recurrent flooding, together with malnutrition prevention programs. In addition, there are numerous proven life-saving measures for storm impacts, such as cyclone shelters, wind-resistant buildings, and preservation of protective ecosystems such as mangrove forests which also serve as carbon sinks, and coral reefs. Effective deployment of early warning systems supported by increasingly accurate weather forecasts have the potential to protect vulnerable populations worldwide and save thousands of lives. Standardized methodologies are needed to collect comprehensive national data on deaths from all-natural hazards; and better data collection would improve appreciation and understanding of disaster impacts and improve analyses. More in-depth data, such as disaster damage to buildings, disaggregated demographic and gender data, and impacts on local economies would help decision-makers prioritize and target new measures more effectively. This underlines the importance of a national disaster loss database which is vital to the development of national and local DRR strategies aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. “This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is all about risk governance, so that everything we do during and after this Covid-19 pandemic will ultimately define our country’s readiness and responsiveness to the challenges of the new normal. The only way forward is to heed the science and make decisive actions toward staging a recovery that will pave the way for a better normal for the Filipino people,” Legarda concluded.

   

MANILA, 6 October 2020 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has slated several sessions this October for the Accelerated Climate Action and Transformation (ACT) Local Online Conference, a four-part virtual discussion of the ACT Local Program to provide technical assistance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on climate science, issues, vulnerabilities, and risks, as part of the agency’s Communities for Resilience (CORE): Convergence Initiative.   The ACT Local Online Conference will feature experts who will orient sixteen (16) participating HEIs on climate science; CORE Initiative; Rationalized Planning System and Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (ELCCAP) development; Greenhouse Gas Inventory; Climate Change Expenditure Tagging; and accessing the People’s Survival Fund.   Participating HEIs have previously partnered with the CCC and expressed interest and support by providing technical assistance to their respective local government units (LGUs) on the development of risk-informed local plans, including the LCCAP. They are the following: Bulacan State University, Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Sulu State College, Palawan State University, Aklan State University, University of Antique, Northwestern Visayan Colleges, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Eastern Visayas State University, Leyte Normal University, Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus, Palompon Institute of Technology, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Mapua University, and Baliuag University.   The schedule of the ACT Local Online Conference will be held every Tuesday of October (October 6, 13, 20, and 27) at 10:00AM. In view of ensuring the Commission’s continuous program implementation and delivery of services in this pandemic, the sessions will be held via Zoom and will be streamed live on the Facebook page of the CCC.   The first session will feature discussions from the members of the CCC’s National Panel of Technical Experts, Dr. Carlos Primo C. David and Dr. Glenn Roy Paraso; as well as messages from Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman and House Deputy Speaker and Lone District of Antique Representative Loren Legarda.   The ACT Local Program aims to formalize a sustainable partnership between the national government, academe, and the private sector in providing technical and/or financial resources to LGUs on climate action.   Through ACT Local, relevant stakeholders will be capacitated to assist and contribute to efforts that will generate information, boost capacity development, promote cooperation and convergence, facilitate vertical and horizontal alignment for development planning, and access to climate financing windows toward climate resiliency.   The ACT Local Program will serve as the overarching partnership program of the Commission for the delivery of its CORE Orientation and Training Program through the established climate change consortiums.   For more information about the ACT Local Online Conference and ACT Local Program, visit the Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

MANILA, 6 October 2020 — Filipino fashion designers and entrepreneurs urged the public to patronize and support our innovating weaving and textile industry in this time of pandemic during the 20th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways.”   This episode is the second part of the topic “Weaving Resilience: Reviving Indigenous Textiles and Crafts” which highlighted collaborative efforts in utilizing local textiles from the rural weavers and promoted appreciation of indigenous weaving textiles from various regions in the Philippines.   The online conversation hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda featured designers and brand owners including Lenora Luisa Cabili of Filip+Inna; Marga Nograles of Kaayo Modern Mindanao; Nina Corpuz-Rodriguez of Nina Inabel; Looie Lobregat of Linea Etnika; Susan Marie Liao of Designs by Marie; Jor-el Espina; and Elsie Standen of Allena.   Legarda discussed the significance of reviving the production of Piña Seda, a handwoven fabric made of silk and pineapple fibers, and other traditional textiles.   “The strengthening of the local tropical fabrics industry is attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable development and preserving our rich heritage. With our efforts, we are able to help the local tropical fabric industry, we are able to help our rural artisans, and we are able to provide rural livelihoods," said Legarda.   Ms. Cabili shared the beginnings and products of Filip+Inna, and how they collaborate with different artisans around the country to banner their excellent craftsmanship. She also stressed the exquisite characteristics of piña.   “One of the beauties of the piña is that it is taken from its purest form. The way it is extracted, stripped, dried, knotted, and weaved is an amazing process that I don't see in other textiles around the world," said Cabili.   Ms. Nograles shared the story behind Kaayo Modern Mindanao and its partnership with the Indigenous Weaving Communities of Mindanao.   “People asked me what 'Kaayo' is. I would summarize it into three points: First, 'Kaayo' means kindness or goodness in Bisaya. We wanted everyone to be inspired by kindness. Next, 'Kaayo' is a curated collection of different Mindanaoan stories. So basically, we are a platform to present the treasures of my hometown [Davao]. And lastly, Kaayo Modern Mindanao is about coming together of everyone, of all Mindanaoans. Our brand celebrates collaboration and empowering other people to come together to bring the brand to life,” said Nograles.   Ms. Corpuz-Rodriguez shared how Nina Inabel helped the local weavers, dressmakers, and farmers in Ilocos, and how the brand promoted the many use of the Inabel fabric.   “As an Ilocana, I'm familiar with the fabric "Inabel." It is used all over the household - from curtains to blankets, and even uniforms and medals. But we showed everyone that the traditional fabric, "Inabel," ay hindi lang ginagamit sa bahay, kundi pang fashion din,” said Corpuz-Rodriguez.   Ms. Lobregat shared how she was inspired by their local cultural heritage to create products that make weaves mainstream and celebrate the stories of the hands and parts that make them – through Linea Etnika.   “Linea Etnika really embraces slow fashion. Things are purposely made to last. I know that Linea Etnika is a small company but I'd like to believe that we have a very big heart and strong conviction to make this happen. We go for zero waste, and we upcycled and repurposed some of our products,” said Lobregat.   Mr. Espina shared the background of his brand and how fascinated he was with the colorful handwoven fabrics of Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique.   “The designers and entrepreneurs are here to revive and give respect to these fabrics. We are free to create new things, we are free to do and work on different colors and patterns, but we have to respect the crafts of our ancestors so that our tradition will be preserved and continue,” said Espina. Ms. Liao shared the inspiration behind Designs by Marie, which came from their family’s love for arts, culture, and heritage that made them create a sustainable brand, especially in helping the artisans of Antique.   “It is a sustainable brand that has a tribute to our beloved province of Antique. We merge tradition with fashion. We aim to empower more Antiqueño artisans and continuously support their livelihood,” said Liao.   Ms. Standen shared Allena’s advocacy of protecting and preserving the past tradition which should be enjoyed and passed on as a legacy to the future generations.   “As a brand with responsibility, we know that consumers nowadays are getting smarter, so being "traceable" means we can answer their questions such "who made our clothes?," "what is it made of?," and "is it relevant that it can be passed on to their daughters?". Traceability, for us, has different ingredients: the people, the raw materials, and the research and development that comes with it,” said Standen.   As a textile art, culture, and heritage advocate, Legarda showed her extensive collection of local garments and Filipino knitwear made by the invited guest designers, in support of the rural artisans, weavers, and livelihoods.   “While this is about fashion, we talked about rural livelihoods, Philippine innovation and design. What we discussed is connecting businesses and enterprises in the cities to the mountains and the farmlands, and the need to connect artisans, livelihoods and weavers to the market,” Legarda concluded.   This three-part episode emphasizes the role of the traditional weaving industry in preserving our cultural heritage and local craftspersonship. The last part, which will focus on promoting traditional arts and crafts will air on October 8th.   The upcoming episode will feature founders of social and community-based enterprises including Karl Lozano of Sesotunawa; John Francia and Trish Lim of Woven crafts; and Nida Danao of Silnag.   Episode 21 will also show video clips of local artisans including weavers Angelina and Sammy Buhle from Hingyon, Ifugao; Teofilo Garcia, a Casque maker and Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan from San Quintin, Abra; Eduardo Mutuc, a Metalsmith and Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan from Apalit, Pampanga; and Magdalena Gamayo, a Textile weaver and Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan from Pinili, Ilocos Norte.   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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and the Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 5 October 2020 — In observance of the annual World Habitat Day, with this year’s theme “Housing For All: A Better Urban Future,” the Climate Change Commission (CCC) urged leaders from the public and private sectors to enable sustainable and climate-adaptive systems within the housing sector in order to improve shelter and other human settlement concerns within cities and communities.   Observed every first Monday of October, World Habitat Day focuses on the state of human settlements and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It focuses on improving all levels of partnership between government and relevant stakeholders in successfully implementing policies and methods to ensure adequate and affordable homes for all.   This observance recognizes the role of cities and local governments around the world in eliminating inequalities and poverty levels by providing access to basic amenities like shelter, food, and water for all, especially in this time of pandemic and climate crisis. Even before the pandemic began, however, there was already an estimated 1.8 billion people living in slums and informal settlements, inadequate housing or in homelessness in our cities worldwide, with around three billion people lacking basic handwashing facilities, according to the United Nations.   As cities prioritize COVID-19 response, the threat of typhoons, flooding, extreme heat, and spread of vector-borne diseases due to climate change remains. This risk is particularly worrying for the Philippines where populations and incidence of poverty are high. Adapting to climate change is thus an imperative for cities, home to half of the world’s population and where 80% of GDP is produced, according to the Global Commission on Adaptation.   The CCC highlighted ongoing work for the development of science-based climate risk management interventions for five cities under the Building Climate Resilient Urban Plans and Designs (BCRUPD) project with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, League of Cities of the Philippines, UN Habitat, and other key partner agencies and organizations.   The CCC also committed to foster capacity building and knowledge exchange for green urban development, such as in its existing partnership with the National Housing Authority and the Philippine Green Building Council best practices on  sustainable building designs and standards, including renewable energy and energy efficiency, and build a sustainable technical support network for government agencies and relevant stakeholders for low-emission local development strategies.   In this World Habitat Day, let us all support efforts that would enable more sustainable and climate-adaptive cities and communities, to ensure a better life for all in an urbanizing world.

MANILA, 6 October 2020 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has slated several sessions this October for the Accelerated Climate Action and Transformation (ACT) Local Online Conference, a four-part virtual discussion of the ACT Local Program to provide technical assistance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on climate science, issues, vulnerabilities, and risks, as part of the agency’s Communities for Resilience (CORE): Convergence Initiative. The ACT Local Online Conference will feature experts who will orient sixteen (16) participating HEIs on climate science; CORE Initiative; Rationalized Planning System and Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (ELCCAP) development; Greenhouse Gas Inventory; Climate Change Expenditure Tagging; and accessing the People’s Survival Fund. Participating HEIs have previously partnered with the CCC and expressed interest and support by providing technical assistance to their respective local government units (LGUs) on the development of risk-informed local plans, including the LCCAP. They are the following: Bulacan State University, Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Sulu State College, Palawan State University, Aklan State University, University of Antique, Northwestern Visayan Colleges, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, Eastern Visayas State University, Leyte Normal University, Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus, Palompon Institute of Technology, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Mapua University, and Baliuag University. The schedule of the ACT Local Online Conference will be held every Tuesday of October (October 6, 13, 20, and 27) at 10:00AM. In view of ensuring the Commission’s continuous program implementation and delivery of services in this pandemic, the sessions will be held via Zoom and will be streamed live on the Facebook page of the CCC. The first session will feature discussions from the members of the CCC’s National Panel of Technical Experts, Dr. Carlos Primo C. David and Dr. Glenn Roy Paraso; as well as messages from Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman and House Deputy Speaker and Lone District of Antique Representative Loren Legarda. The ACT Local Program aims to formalize a sustainable partnership between the national government, academe, and the private sector in providing technical and/or financial resources to LGUs on climate action. Through ACT Local, relevant stakeholders will be capacitated to assist and contribute to efforts that will generate information, boost capacity development, promote cooperation and convergence, facilitate vertical and horizontal alignment for development planning, and access to climate financing windows toward climate resiliency. The ACT Local Program will serve as the overarching partnership program of the Commission for the delivery of its CORE Orientation and Training Program through the established climate change consortiums. For more information about the ACT Local Online Conference and ACT Local Program, visit the Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

MANILA 2 October 2020 – Citing recent studies on poverty, hunger alleviation, and human capital, House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda called for more equalization of the budgets across departments in order to improve the welfare and capability of the Filipino people to cope with the challenges due to the pandemic and climate crisis.   Legarda said that a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) released in August 2020 reported that with just a 10% decline in incomes, up to 5.5 million Filipinos would be pushed into poverty, adding that the pandemic is causing income dislocations larger than that.   The PIDS report emphasized however that the social amelioration program and the small business wage subsidy would reduce this number to 1.5 million, thereby saving four million Filipinos from poverty. “The proposed 2021 budget must therefore substantially increase the provisions for programs like these in the budgets of the DSWD, DA, DOLE, DTI, and other concerned agencies, to support our Filipino families and prevent them from falling below the poverty line,” Legarda said.   Legarda also cited the World Bank’s Human Capital Index 2020 Update, which gave the Philippines a 0.52 rating and made the dramatic conclusion that “children born in the country today will fail to achieve almost half their potential.” She also mentioned the Social Weather Stations also reported that 30.7% of respondents in a nationwide survey reported experiencing hunger once in the last three months.    “These reports show us that we need to stack the odds in favor of survival and human development.  If we aim to use the Build, Build, Build program to lift people out of poverty and reduce the incidence of hunger, the connections need to be made clear and certain.  Otherwise, we are not putting our money where our mouths are,” Legarda insisted.    Rather than make line item realignments, Legarda suggested taking a broader and more conservative look that assumes the worst and hopes for the best.      “The discrepancies are in the billions, with the DOH budget being reduced by P50 billion, while the DPWH gets a fresh P85 billion on top of their previous budget, which was already 25% higher than 2019.  I believe though that infrastructure development creates job opportunities and must trickle down to the poorest.  No less than an overhaul and a better spread among the agencies to ensure sufficient funding for human capital will work,” she said.   Lastly, Legarda cited the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) Flagship report, which stated that climate change could push more than 100 million people within developing countries below poverty line by 2030. She therefore called for increasing the budget provisions for climate adaptation projects and programs by government agencies, emphasizing the need to empower local governments and communities in managing climate risks and hazards.   “It is not enough that we plan just to recover from this pandemic. We must acknowledge that even when this pandemic is all over, we still have a climate crisis to deal with. The President himself said that our response to the climate crisis should be just as urgent. Let’s invest in where it truly matters so our development gains won’t be wasted come another typhoon or drought. Let’s strive for a better normal by enabling genuine and lasting resilience for all,” Legarda concluded.  

MANILA, 29 September 2020 — Indigenous textile experts shared knowledge on culture-based livelihoods such as traditional weaving and crafts during the 19th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Weaving Resilience: Reviving Indigenous Textiles and Crafts.”   The first of this three-part episode which focused on promoting indigenous textiles and crafts also highlighted the impacts of COVID-19 on the indigenous weaving and crafts industry and ways to enhance its resilience.    The online conversation, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, featured  Dr. Norma Respicio, Philippine textile expert, University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Emeritus; and Ms. Rhoda Pon-an, Executive Director of the Antique Development Foundation.   Dr. Respicio discussed the indigenous weaving traditions and local community craftsmanship from different areas in the Philippines, and shared the issues and problems for the Philippine textile industry and the tasks that need to be done in promoting and preserving traditional weaving and crafts.   “Let us include art technology in school curricula probably at Junior High School para mas maintindihan at ma-appreciate nila what they are learning. Also, set up community museums, and research and documentation centers, which can be run by the locals themselves so that they would appreciate more what they have," said Dr. Respicio.   Ms. Pon-an introduced the work of Antique Development Foundation, showed various indigenous textiles and craft industries in Antique. She also shared ways on how everyone could support the Antique indigenous weaving industry.   “Gamit ang mga indigenous materials ng Antique tulad ng abaca, nito at pinya, ang mga weavers ay binigyan ng sapat na kaalaman para ang kanilang mga produkto ay maging maganda at mabili sa merkado. Ang iba't ibang bayan ay may sariling produkto tulad ng buri weaving, patadyong, abaca, nito, hand embroidery, banig, bariw, piña at bamboo panel production,” said Pon-an.   Legarda highlighted the need to implement Republic Act No. 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabric Law which she authored, prescribing the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for official uniforms of government officials and employees and for the purposes which require the use of fabrics in government offices and functions.   Legarda also showed various weaving centers in Antique and fairs and exhibitions which showcase the indigenous weaving and crafts industry, such as the National Arts and Crafts Fair, Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition, and Harvest Fair in Antique.   Legarda also introduced traditional weavers from different regions in the country and the struggles they face due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.   “Tulungan natin ang ating mga micro-entreprises, tulungan natin ang ating mga weavers sa iba't ibang mga probinsya, at tulungan natin ang lahat ng mga maliliit na negosyo para magkaroon sila ng kabuhayan during this pandemic and the days and months ahead,” Legarda concluded.   This three-part episode emphasizes the role of the traditional weaving industry in preserving our cultural heritage and local craftspersonship. The second part, which will air on October 1st, will feature Filipino designers supporting local weavers, and the third part, set on October 8, will focus on promoting traditional crafts.    Len Cabili, Designer of Filip+Inna; Marga Nograles, Designer of Kaayo Modern Mindanao; Niña Corpuz-Rodriguez, Owner of Nina Inabel; Looie Lobregat, Founder of Linea Etnika; Susan Marie Liao, Designer of Designs by Marie; Jor-El Espina, Owner of Jor-El Espina Atelier; and Elsie Standen, Creative Director of Allena will join the upcoming episode.    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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and the Mother Earth Foundation.

The Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines visited and met with Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman of the Climate Change Commission last September 18, 2019 and presented their National Youth Demands in preparation for the 2019 Global Climate Strike. The visit was part of the CCC's commitment to actively collaborate with the youth in addressing the climate crisis. MANILA, 28 September 2020 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins our young Filipino climate advocates in calling for urgent and bolder actions towards climate justice in observance of the Global Day of Climate Action on September 25. The Global Day of Climate Action is a worldwide youth-led movement for climate awareness and justice conducted at the time that the United Nations’ General Assembly also takes place. This year’s assembly is virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, Filipino youth organizations focused on the theme “Para Sa Klimabukasan,” staging innovative climate strikes and movements online. This year’s mobilization recognized the youth who stood by the environment and vulnerable and marginalized communities, as well as honored fallen medical and environmental frontliners who courageously fought COVID-19 and the climate crisis. The climate body supported the Filipino youth’s call for urgent and decisive climate action from all nations, especially those who are historically responsible to the climate crisis, in order to uphold climate justice, implement environmental and natural resource conservation policies, support the ambition to create a circular economy in cities and communities, and promote youth participation in policymaking processes. The Commission expressed that it remains committed to advancing climate action and sustaining the fight for the 1.5 warming threshold by ensuring that these will be incorporated in the development of policies and implementation of plans to uphold the country’s best interests in the context of climate justice. Moreover, the agency encourages national and local leaders, academe, private sector, and civil society to continue empowering the youth in all aspects of climate action by supporting their initiatives, hearing their voices, and working with them towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

 

The Philippines, represented by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), expressed its commitment to submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) before the year ends, despite the challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic at the ASEAN-COP26 Dialogue 2020.  CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera stated that the Philippine NDC will convey more realistic yet ambitious mitigation targets, alongside the country’s adaptation priorities. She also called for greater synergy within the region in raising ambition, especially in the implementation of the ASEAN countries’ NDCs to help achieve the global goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as prescribed in the Paris Agreement,  taking into account the needs of vulnerable people, places and ecosystems. CCC Policy Chief Jerome Ilagan meanwhile emphasized that the existing policies, plans, and roadmaps of the Philippines will support the development of long-term strategies on low emission and sustainable development. The ASEAN-COP26 Climate Dialogue serves a platform for senior government officials from ASEAN Member-States (AMS) to share their experiences in meeting and enhancing their climate pledges under the Paris Agreement through NDC enhancement and implementation.  The dialogue also provides an opportunity for AMS to exchange lessons on developing long term climate strategies (LTS), as well as promote cross-regional discussion on driving and building momentum for climate action in the lead up to COP26 and in exploring strategies for economic recovery from COVID19 within the region.

MANILA, 25 September 2020 — In celebration of the World Environmental Health Day tomorrow, the Climate Change Commission paid tribute to the country’s environmental health practitioners (EHPs), workers, and advocates, and called for stronger support for climate and environmental programs, especially in this time of pandemic and climate emergency.   Celebrated every September 26th of each year, the World Environmental Health Day aims to underscore the impacts of environmental risks and hazards on public health and wellness.   The observance is also in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which seeks to raise public consciousness on the relationship of health and the environment and promote activities that ensure accountability on health and environmental integrity.   According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in four deaths across the globe are due to environmental factors. Every year, an estimated 12.6 million people die as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment. Environmental risk factors, such as air, water, and soil pollution, chemical exposures, ultraviolet radiation, and climate change contribute to more than 100 diseases and injuries.   The CCC noted that the outbreak of COVID-19 disease caused serious devastation, loss of life, and economic hardship to people all over the world. At the same time, it has brought us to a turning point, of recognizing the greater value of biodiversity conservation and planetary health for sustainable development.   In this World Environmental Health Day, as we exert all efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, may we also continue taking better decisions and actions that would nurture and protect the delicate balance between humanity and the environment and planet we live in.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte virtually addresses the general debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on September 22, 2020, in New York. This is the first time that President Duterte addressed the UNGA and has called on the parties of the Paris Agreement to exhibit urgency in fighting climate change.  Before fellow world leaders at the 75th United Nations General Assembly, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called for all to act on the climate crisis with urgency as one united community under the Paris Agreement. The President stated: “The same urgency needed to fight COVID-19 is needed to address the climate crisis. This is a global challenge that has worsened existing inequalities and vulnerabilities from within and between nations. Climate change has worsened the ravages of the pandemic. Peoples in developing countries like the Philippines suffer the most. We cannot afford to suffer more. The Philippines joined the Paris Agreement to fight climate change. We call on all parties, especially those who have not made good their commitment to fight climate change, to honor the same. We call on all parties to strengthen communities and peoples for preparedness and resilience. We are talking about mankind and Earth, our one and only home.” To this end, we underscore the need for climate action to shape our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Global and national economic stimulus packages must channel massive investments in renewable energy, sustainable mobility and transportation systems, ecosystems-based adaptation measures, and green and climate-resilient infrastructure. Keeping to the commitments in the Paris Agreement will allow the world to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The 1.5°C temperature goal is a threshold of chance and hope for developing countries like the Philippines. If we breach it, we lose countless lives and bring immeasurable suffering, especially to the poor and vulnerable. Honoring the 1.5°C goal is to raise global ambition and accelerate action that would enable better support to build resilience for developing countries. It is to bring climate justice to the fore.  We call on our leaders to heed science and let it inform the country’s national and local development plans to ensure strong risk governance and sustainable development at all levels. This must go hand-in-hand with the full implementation of our environmental and climate change laws. We urge our policymakers to create an enabling environment that would decouple economic growth from the endless extraction and misuse of natural resources, including the development of policies that will drive innovations in energy, transportation, and manufacturing systems. Lastly, we call for greater cooperation and action on the finalization of the country’s First Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The sooner we submit our NDC, the sooner we can unlock new sources of climate finance that will enable us to advance rapidly the implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation programs in our communities. May the President’s leadership resolve inspire all of us to increase the intensity and depth, and the breadth and impact, of our climate actions to make our development sustainable and our societies resilient.

MANILA, 23 September 2020 — For the 19th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Weaving Resilience: Reviving Indigenous Textiles and Crafts,” traditional weaving experts will share knowledge on indigenous weaving traditions and crafts, as well as underscore the need to enhance the resilience of the weaving industry against climate change.  The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 24 September 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.   Indigenous textile experts and traditional weavers will join the online conversation, including Dr. Norma Respicio, Philippine textile expert, University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Emeritus; Ms. Anna India Legaspi, piña cloth expert based in Aklan; and Ms. Rhoda Pon-an, Executive Director of the Antique Development Foundation.  The episode will also highlight traditional weaving as an environmental-friendly, sustainable, and culture-based livelihood, and feature grassroots enterprises that keep the weaving traditions alive.  In previous episodes, the online series tackled food gardening, saving seeds, permaculture, good nutrition and diet, youth climate activism, sustainable urban mobility, planting native trees, practical sustainability, narrating risk to resilience stories through books, tree pest and disease management, and biodiversity conservation in order to teach citizens to be self-sustainable, self-sufficient, and appreciative of our nature.   This upcoming episode aims to emphasize the role of our traditional weaving industry in preserving our cultural heritage and local craftspersonship, as well as generate broader public support for traditional weaving and crafts as our indigenous weavers and groups face challenges due to the pandemic and climate crisis. 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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 21 September 2020 — Panay Island biodiversity experts and advocates urged Filipinos to support efforts on biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism in order to protect endemic plant and animal species, wetlands and protected areas, and the natural heritage of Panay Island, during the 18th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” with the topic “Panay: Native Plants, Birds, and Island Ecology.” The online conversation, hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, featured experts and advocates, including former Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo; Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag, biodiversity researcher and member of the Panay Bird Club; Mr. Ralph Perez, Administrator of Lunhaw Madia-as; Ms. Lisa Paguntalan, Executive Director of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (PhilBio); and Dr. Enrique Sanchez Jr., President of the Philippine Initiative for Conservation of Environment and the People (PhilinCon). Former Vice Governor Calizo presented the two well-known mangrove eco-parks of Aklan, the Bakhawan Nature Study and Eco-Park and the Katunggan It Ibajay Eco-Park, and explained how their mangroves saved Kalibo from strong typhoons and disasters. “Itong mangroves, maraming benefits para sa mga local residents dahil makakakuha ka ng crabs, shellfish, and woodworms. Nagpapa-contest din kami ng different ways of cooking kabilog, pwede ka rin mag-kayak, and sa gitna, meron siyang parang sandbar na pwede kang mag-picnic doon. It is not only for the protection of the environment, but we have developed another tourist attraction for the municipality of Kalibo," said Calizo. Mr. Calawag featured different kinds of birds in Panay Island and expressed that the fauna of Panay, one of the major islands of the Philippines, remains understudied and many species have yet to be discovered. He reiterated that a well-balanced ecology could support a healthy avifauna and that an abundance of avifauna indicates a healthy ecology. “Napakasarap ng feeling na mas naa-appreciate po ngayon ng mga plantitos, plantitas, at bird enthusiasts na very blessed po ang Panay Island at Antique in terms of our natural heritage. Hopefully, this advocacy can help spark the younger generations’ zeal to protect our sustainable tourism and to develop community-based tourism organizations para ma-empower ang local communities na i-preserve and conserve ang natitirang natural heritage mula sa bundok papunta sa dagat,” said Calawag. Mr. Perez introduced Lunhaw Madia-as, a group of native tree enthusiasts that aim to protect endemic and native trees and forests. He also shared that all must veer away from plant poaching to preserve our forests. “This is very much obvious now with the plant phase that’s taken over everywhere—the plant-demic they call it—with everybody trying to get their hands on plants, even those that are endangered and have been poached from our forests. For the people to be more invested in taking care of the forests, they should be able to refuse what people from the cities throw at them in exchange for these plants,” said Perez. Ms. Paguntalan introduced the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., which develops biodiversity conservation programs and partnerships in some of the world’s highest conservation priority areas since 1990. She also discussed their priority conservation measures for Panay Island. “Usually ang mga tao, kapag nag-collect ng seedlings, hanggang doon lang. A better normal should be: irecord natin ang time kung kailan tayo nakakuha ng mga seeds at seedlings. I-geo tag natin ‘yung mother place kung saan tayo nag-collect para malaman natin na sa time na ‘yan, mayroong bunga, bulaklak, at maraming seedlings, at bumuo ng plano kung kailan tayo ulit magkolekta ng seeds at seedlings,” said Paguntalan. Dr. Sanchez introduced the Philippine Initiative for Conservation of  Environment and the People and discussed the successes and remaining challenges of Panay Island conservation work, as well as their advocacy on forest protection, noting the unique wildlife species that are now at the brink of extinction. He also expressed that the government should make environmental preservation a priority in the national budget. “It is expected that the government takes an ever-increasing role in the appropriation of a budget permitting efficient conservation of Panay‘s treasure trove,” said Dr. Sanchez. Legarda shared that the pandemic is an important reminder that human interaction with the ecosystem must remain balanced and that there needs to be greater attention and action towards environmental protection and conservation of ecosystems. She added that promoting our understanding on the benefits of our biodiversity is a critical first step in engaging the public towards these efforts. “The recovery during and after the pandemic has to be a sustainable, green, and resilient recovery. Parte dapat ng recovery natin ang pag-mainstream ng biodiversity conservation, pangangalaga ng ating mga hayop, puno, at halaman, at ang pag-document at propagate ng ating mga native trees. Kailangan bigyan ng karampatang atensyon at suporta para sa ating kalikasan na siyang bumubuhay at bubuhay sa atin at sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” Legarda concluded. 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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and the Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 21 September 2020 — In celebration of Zero Emissions Day (ZeDay), the Climate Change Commission (CCC) renewed its call to further reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of renewable energy (RE) in the country.   Observed on September 21st of every year, the Zero Emissions Day, which was borne out of an online initiative, aims to put a global 24-hour moratorium on the combustion of fossil fuels. The goal is to engage people to change their actions on a daily basis towards more climate-friendly choices in their personal life.   The celebration’s message, “Giving our planet one day off a year,” is a simple yet profound reminder of how global economies have relied on the burning of fossil fuels for development, at the expense of our environment and planet. The amount of energy consumed by modern society is staggering, as more and more power-hungry devices become part of people’s daily lives. But the bulk of electricity generated globally is still fossil fuel-based, with only a small percentage generated through renewable energy (RE) sources, such as solar, water, and wind.   The CCC noted that electricity sourced from fossil fuel combustion remains the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which lead to global warming and climate change.   The Philippines, being one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, has endured a number of climate-related disasters, including typhoons, droughts, and floods. But it still heavily relies on fossil fuel imports, which account for almost half of the country’s total primary energy supply.   The CCC expressed its support for the projected tripling of RE-based capacity of the country to an estimated 15,304 MW by the year 2030 under the  National Renewable Energy Plan (NREP). Achieving the targets would be highly dependent on the successful implementation of the NREP as well as the incentive mechanisms in the Renewable Energy Law.   The CCC also shared the following ways that everyone could follow to limit their energy and fuel consumption and reduce their carbon footprint:  Choose to bike, walk, or take public transportation when going to work, doing groceries, or running errands.. Prepare no-cook meals or cook meals good for many servings. Turn off lights and gadgets when not in use. Pick up a hobby that does not involve electronics, such as reading a book, painting, running, or being a plantito or plantita! Avoid unnecessary online purchases and food deliveries. Socialize with your family members and spend moments with nature.   In this Zero Emissions Day, may we be more mindful on the negative impacts of fossil fuels on our health, environment, and climate. We urge all sectors of our society to reduce their emissions and embrace a clean energy future. 

 

MANILA, 19 September 2020 — In celebration of the National Clean-Up Month, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) encouraged households and individuals to take time to declutter, implement proper waste management practices, reassess past purchases, and join online efforts towards the preservation and conservation of the environment. By virtue of Proclamation No. 244, the month of September is declared as the National Clean-Up Month, while Presidential Proclamation No. 470 also designates the 3rd Saturday of September as National Clean-Up Day. Both observances seek to encourage citizens and communities to be responsive in cleaning and protecting the environment. The CCC stressed that there should be increased awareness on waste due to the production and consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE), face masks, gloves, and other COVID-related supplies, which may end up as litter in waterways and our oceans. In this regard, the CCC calls on national and local authorities and citizens in implementing the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which requires  practices on effective waste management—such as segregation of garbage at source, segregated transportation, processing, treatment, and proper disposal of solid waste—beginning from the home and extending to all levels of society. The CCC enjoins the public to do individual or small cleanups in the home and within the neighborhood, while complying with health and safety measures in this community quarantine due to COVID-19. May this year’s celebration also inspire the youth, national and local leaders, policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to do their fair share in keeping a healthy, resilient, and sustainable planet for all.