KATOWICE, POLAND 12 December 2018 – Climate Change Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman presented the country’s People’s Survival Fund (PSF), the country’s flagship climate finance mechanism for adaptation projects, which help local communities undertake domestic action to address climate impacts and support their transition towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon development pathway. De Guzman, head of the Philippine delegation to the 24th Conference of Parties (COP24) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), delivered the climate adaptation efforts of the country at the side event of the Vulnerable 20 Group of Finance Ministers (V20), organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative. The Secretary said the PSF, which follows an enhanced direct access modality through a demand-based access process specifically tailored for local government units and local organizations, sets a high ambition of how inclusive climate financing should look like. “As a climate financing window, I am proud to share with you the innovations unique to the PSF. It strives to respond to specific local adaptation needs by focusing on grassroots-level engagement with local governments and organizations. It is an innovation because it veers away from the conventional top-down planning process from the national government down to local implementers. It shifts the decision-making process of what to ask for and how much to ask to those who are experiencing the situation first-hand,” Secretary De Guzman explained. He said that the availability of climate funds and opportunities is always an issue in fully undertaking the high ambitions that the country set when the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015. “We know climate finance is critical and we know it is also limited, in terms of availability and in terms of its inability to cover the more serious impacts, which we call loss and damage. The delivery of climate finance needs to be faster, in greater scale and in more responsive modalities,” De Guzman said. He said the Philippines started transforming its climate finance landscape when the PSF Law was passed in 2012, as an amendment to the Climate Change Act of 2009, allocating P1 billion for local adaptation projects and providing much needed predictable funds in support of local climate action. De Guzman added that the Climate Change Commission has been extending technical guidance and support in project proposal design and research in order to ensure that risks and vulnerabilities are articulated well, with the help of delivery partners, including non-government organizations, civil society, and the academe. He emphasized that the PSF seeks to influence the bureaucratic national budgeting and reporting processes, stating that the PSF Board, which manages the fund, is led by the Department of Finance (DOF), together with other economic agencies and non-government representatives, to fast track the mainstreaming of climate action into the overall development strategy of the Philippines. “We are looking forward to the PSF getting more experience and hopefully it finds the perfect balance between access and accountability to allow local governments and organizations to contribute more in the resilience building and adaptation efforts of the Philippines,” De Guzman said. He also noted that the PSF can also serve as a vehicle to channel premium support towards climate risk insurance solutions to help manage the impacts of climate-related disasters, where adaptation and disaster risk reduction aren’t enough, and can be augmented by international sources, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF). “Challenges brought about by the impacts of climate change, both rapid and slow onset, are getting worse every day we spend doing nothing. Inaction has its price. Countries should embrace the massive co-benefits of ambitious climate action,” De Guzman said.

Katowice, Poland 11 December 2018 – Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman welcomed the release of the Adaptation Gap Report 2018, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on December 7 at the climate change summit here, which highlighted Philippine policies and measures that enable climate adaptation in the country. “We thank the report’s citation on our adaptation efforts in the Philippines, and we take this as further encouragement that we are on the right track to saving more lives and livelihoods and building further resilience within our communities, which is what enabling adaptation really means for a climate-vulnerable developing country like ours,” said De Guzman, also , head of the Philippine delegation to the 24th Conference of Parties (COP24) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He shared that the report, which examines the gaps in taking stock and assessing progress on adaptation (expressed through laws and policies, adaptive capacity, and finance), described the Philippines with a “comprehensive adaptation legislation,” starting with the Climate Change Act of 2009, which established the CCC. The report also cited the creation of the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction; and the formulation of the 2010 National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, leading to the 2011 National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which provided a roadmap for climate action in seven thematic priority areas, with the ultimate goal of building the adaptive capacities of women and men in their communities and increase the resilience of vulnerable sectors and natural ecosystems to climate change. De Guzman added that the report acknowledges the government’s efforts of rolling out science-based climate and disaster risk and vulnerability assessment processes to ensure that adaptation and disaster risk reduction are mainstreamed and integrated into the country’s plans and programs at all levels. The Secretary noted that beyond creating the enabling environment, the CCC is also intensifying its efforts in building the capacity of local government units, transitioning sectors towards a green economy, and facilitating efficient access to international climate finance to support climate action within the country. “Through a whole-of-nation approach, the Philippines is constantly exploring new ways, guided by science and the practical knowledge of our communities, to find solutions towards ensuring that our people can truly be able to survive and thrive,” De Guzman concluded. Please click here to download the UNEP The Adaptation Gap Report 2018 .

KATOWICE, POLAND 7 December 2018 – Philippines Climate Change Commission Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman urges countries to make progress in the global fight against climate change, adding that the gathering of the world leaders at the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), commonly known as COP24, is an opportunity for countries to demonstrate their commitment and to set stronger climate action in Poland. Several reports have painted a stark picture of the current state of the planet a few days before the climate talks. The alarming report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for instance, pointed out that world leaders need to step up climate action if the world is to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Already, the Philippines and many other countries are facing challenges such as droughts, higher sea levels and catastrophic typhoons exacerbated by climate change. “We need to incorporate climate change in our long-term policy. In the climate talks, ours is a leadership voice on behalf of the climate vulnerable. The Philippines championed climate justice,” said De Guzman, also the lead negotiator of the Philippine delegation to COP 24. At COP24, countries will need to come to agreement on the implementing guidelines that is necessary to operationalize the 2015 Paris Agreement, signal their intention to strengthen their national climate plans by 2020, and make progress on dealing with the finance. De Guzman said the Philippine delegation to the climate talks will safeguard the continued success of the landmark Paris Agreement, adding that the country will continue to champion the following concerns of developing countries: finance are delivered, including for technology development, transfer and diffusion, and capacity-building; developed countries have clear programmes for delivery; clarity and acceptability of the time frame of the programmes to enable developing countries like the Philippines to build their national capacities to avoid future generation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and to survive the intensifying impacts of climate change through anticipatory adaptation. Additionally, the Philippines will push for the establishment of a global accounting system that deals with both the causes and impacts of climate change, and monitors environmental integrity. This system will allow countries to monitor collective progress against the global temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. The Philippines will deliver on its commitment to submit to UNFCCC its first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) next year. “The NDC of the Philippines conveys our country’s readiness to raise our ambition and pursue the low carbon transition of our sectors towards a climate resilient and green economy,” de Guzman explained. “However, we would like to emphasize that defining the ambition and contributions of developing country Parties entails clarity on the delivery of the means of implementation. It is therefore critical that COP 24 delivers on the guidance on how to ensure scale, predictability and sustainability in the delivery of climate finance.” De Guzman said both developed and developing countries should agree on the modalities, procedures and guidelines, including a common set of clear, straightforward, and measurable indicators, for reporting. A common set of indicators can be tested initially in the current and contemplated reporting instruments, adjusted and adopted at the soonest time possible into a coherent reporting framework. In his message during the Climate Change Consciousness Week last month in Manila, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies can prevent the worst impacts of climate change. “Climate change is indeed one of the major challenges that the entire world must face. It is a day-today problem that demands effective strategies and measures to enable us to mitigate its effects and strengthen our disaster response capabilities,” President Duterte said. “To live in an increasingly warming planet is to live in constant fear and danger.”

KATOWICE, POLAND 3 December 2018--The Philippines joins 196 countries for a two-week climate change conference in Katowice, Poland, to adopt the implementation guidelines of the 2015 Paris Agreement that bound participating governments to help climate-vulnerable nations adapt to climate change impacts and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the climate talks, known as the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 24) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Katowice, the Philippines reaffirms its leadership on climate action and highlights its initiative on climate justice to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change. The 2015 Global Climate Risk index put the Philippines on top of the list of 186 countries most affected by climate change. “In the climate talks, ours is a leadership voice on behalf of the climate vulnerable. The Philippines has succeeded in championing climate justice and other fundamental principles in the talks,” Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman, vice chairperson of the Climate Change Commission, said. “We continue to enjoin developed countries to improve their mitigation targets, mobilize climate finance and accelerate its flow, as well as the development and transfer of technology,” said De Guzman, also head of the Philippine delegation to the Katowice talks. The climate talks, he said, is an opportunity for the Philippines to show leadership and momentum on global climate action and to ensure the completion of the implementation guidelines of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change that addressed the priorities, needs and attainment of sustainable development for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries. The Philippines is highly regarded in the negotiation process at the climate talks as a leader of developing countries. As Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2015, the Philippines, on behalf of 48 developing countries, led the advocacy for the ambitious global warming threshold of 1.5C, now enshrined in the Paris Agreement as its long-term temperature goal (stated as: “limiting global average temperature to well below 2 °C and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C”). “We succeeded in stipulating in the Paris Agreement that adaptation finance must solely be in the form of grants, and not loans or other means of access. We also succeeded in retaining the focus on loss and damage and on strengthening the international mechanisms and approaches for managing climate and disaster risk,” De Guzman said. As among the most influential voices in the climate negotiations, De Guzman said the Philippines will be constant and persistent in its call for the provision of scaled-up, continuous, predictable, and adequate financial support of developed countries to developing countries. He said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, chairperson of the Climate Change Commission, had made clear that climate change is among the top priorities of his administration. “The government has demonstrated its commitment to protect the country’s natural resources by ensuring that our national development policies and plans help build the capacity of our local communities to adapt to the changing climate and enjoy a clean and green environment,” De Guzman said. Following the recent release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Virtual Leaders’ Summit held on November 22, featured interactive debates and live statements from leaders around the world to raise the ambition of their climate targets by 2020 in order to save vulnerable nations threatened by warming beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius target of the Paris Agreement. In his message at the summit, President Duterte aired a sense of urgency in the fight against climate change, telling world leaders that “climate action and ambition must be shared and demonstrated by all nations.” “I call on industrialized nations to significantly reduce their carbon emissions and provide assistance to developing nations in terms of finance, capacity building and technology transfers, as urged by the Paris Agreement,” the President said. “It is only by helping one another that we can win the fight against climate change,” President Duterte said. The Philippine delegation to the climate talks in Katowice, Poland will be crucial in safeguarding the continued success of the Paris Agreement. The country will continue to champion the following concerns of developing countries: finance are delivered, including for technology development, transfer and diffusion, and capacity-building; developed countries have clear programmes for delivery; clarity and acceptability of the time frame of the programmes to enable developing countries like the Philippines to build their national capacities to avoid future generation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and to survive the intensifying impacts of climate change through anticipatory adaptation.

At the closing of the 2018 Climate Change Consciousness Week, held from November 19 to 23, 2018, Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera reiterated the call for all Filipinos and the international community to step up climate action to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. With the increasing prevalence of climate risks, Herrera said that leaders are tasked to exert more effort, especially for indigenous peoples, farmers, and fisherfolk who are highly dependent on their natural ecosystems, in order to “live safely and effectively amidst the impacts of climate change.” “We must act on what nature and science are telling us. If not, we are putting lives and our biodiversity at risk. Our call for the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold is already gaining momentum globally, and this shall drive us to push for greater ambition and strengthen leadership in climate talks for the benefit of our present and future generations,” Herrera said. “Above all, we must continue to show leadership as a vulnerable country, as a way to amplify and inspire many more to action,” Herrera added. Commissioner Herrera also shared the message of President Duterte, who chairs the Climate Change Commission, at the first Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Virtual Leaders Summit, emphasizing that “climate action and ambition must be shared and demonstrated by all nations” and that developed countries must give their fair share of climate action, especially in terms of technology transfer, climate finance, and capacity building. Climate Change Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman also stated that addressing climate change is “our moral responsibility to ensure that generations will survive and thrive in a warmer world.” Senator Loren Legarda joined this week’s celebration, via a recorded message, underlining the importance of local climate action. “At the global stage, we are forging a bold, strategic vision for adaptation. But we must then contextualize our discussions on our efforts on the ground: climate action is local. For us in the Philippines, adaptation is a matter of survival. We have been urging both our public and private sectors to embrace adaptation and to work together for a secure and resilient future,” Legarda stressed.   ###

Science Informing Climate Policy and Action Aligning Policies and Plans to the 1.5˚Celsius Long Term-Temperature Goal Strengthening Local Resilience and Adaptation Capacity Science and Risk-Based Local Development and Investment Planning Enhancing Access to Climate Finance Understanding the Climate Change as Development Policy Nexus Experiences, Best Practices, and Lessons Learned from the Local Government Units Databases, Models, and Tools Towards Resiliency Special Session on Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives: Manila, Philippines 21 November 2018 – The Climate Change Commission is spearheading this year’s observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week from 19 November 2018 with the theme: The 1.5˚Celsius Climate Challenge: Survive and Thrive Together. “Strengthening Community Resilience and Adapting to Climate Change” is where this “community-gathering” revolves and resolves the challenges of climate change. The convention on November 22-23, 2018 not only highlights the spectrum of involvement of actors in climate issues but also weaves their ideas and actions into one tapestry of unified commitment during this 2nd National Convention. The 7 Plenary Sessions provide an in-depth report and discussion on Strengthening Community Resilience and Adapting to Climate Change. Plenary Session 1 discusses the Science Informing Climate Policy And Action which starts with an IPCC Special Report on the Global Warming of 1.50 Celsius by Dr. Rosa T. Perez, Member of the National Technical Experts of the Climate Change Commission. This is followed by the presentation on Climate Change Projection in the Philippines by Dr. Flaviano D. Hilario of the DOST-PAGASA, supported by Mr. John Davis of The Climate Reality Project with his focus on Climate Change Risks: A Global Perspective. Dr. Rodel Lasco and Mr. Leandro V. Buendia present the Philippine Climate Change Assessment Report (2018): An Overview of the Joint Publication of the Climate Change Commission- Oscar M. Lopez Center with the Launch of the Call for Research Studies: Adaptation to Extreme Weather and Slow On-set Events afterwards by Mr. Jerome Ilagan, Chief of Policy Research and Development Division of the Climate Change Commission. The first plenary ends with a discussion Towards Integrating Indigenous Peoples’ Practices and Traditional Knowledge on Sustainable Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Measures in the Local Climate Change Action Plan with the Signing of Memorandum of Agreement of the Climate Change Commission and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. Plenary Session 2 focuses on Aligning Policies and Plans to the 1.5˚Celsius Long Term-Temperature Goal with Revisiting the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and Ambisyon Natin 2040 with Climate Lens by Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon of the National Economic Development Authority, followed by The Updating of the National Climate Change Action Plan by Mr. Jerome Ilagan, Finalizing the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution by Ms. Sandee Recabar, Chief of Implementation and Oversight Division of the Climate Change Commission. The second plenary ends with a presentation on National Policy Review on Energy: Issues, Process, and Progress by Mr. Arnold Grant Belver, Senior Science Research Specialist. Plenary Session 3 aims for Strengthening Local Resilience and Adaptation Capacity through a discussion on the following; National Climate Risk Management Framework: Securing Societal Resilience in the Era of Climate Change by Ms. Amelia Supetran, Senior Technical Advisor of the Climate Change Commission, Revisiting the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan by Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad from the Office of Civil Defense, Department of National Defense, Comprehensive Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program for the Indigenous Peoples by Ms. Jannette Reisland of the Climate Change Commission, Making Cities Resilient Campaign: My City is Getting Ready by lawyer Violeta Seva of Makati City and the Enhanced Master Program in Public Safetyfrom the Philippine Public Safety College. Plenary Session 4 presents the Science and Risk-Based Local Development and Investment Planning through the following topics on; Communities for Resilience (CORE): Capacity Building of Local Governments on Science-based Development Planning, Climate Resiliency Field Schools: Enhancing Resilience in the Agriculture Sector, Enhancing Local Climate Change Action Plans with Climate and Disaster Risk Assessments and Ecosystem based Adaptation and Mitigation Framework, Mainstreaming Green Growth in Development Planning. Plenary Session 5 delves into the Enhancing Access to Climate Finance with Accessing the People's Survival Fund: Updates and Technical Support to be presented by Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, Deputy Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission. This is followed by The Green Climate Fund: Overview of Funding Facilities and Opportunities, and the National and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds: Guidelines and Updates. 2nd National Convention continues on the following day with Plenary Session 6 with Understanding the Climate Change as Development Policy Nexus which places the spotlight on the following matters; Climate Change and Health Nexus, Climate Change and National Security Nexus, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development Nexus, Mainstreaming Gender on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction. Experiences, The Best Practices, and Lessons Learned from the Local Government Unitstakes on full attention as representatives from La Trinidad, Benguet, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Brooke's Point, Palawan, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna share their experiences to the audience. Plenary Session 7 concentrates on Databases, Models, and Tools Towards Resiliency with a presentation by Ms. Sandee Recabar on National Integrated Climate Change Database Information and Exchange System (NICCDIES), followed by Baywide Coastal Zone Modeling From Ridge to Reef from Mr. Jay-ar Ragub, EnP of the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office 8, ClimeX.db: A Risk Assessment Tool by Mr. Jodel Villacorte, Municipal Planning and Development Officer, General MacArthur, Leyte, ClimeX.dB Application on Comprehensive Land Use Plan Development by Ms. Judith Alde, Municipal Planning Development Officer, Balangiga, Samar. To end the 2nd National Convention, a Special Session on Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives provides the avenue for information and learning exchange on the following; Bamboo for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation by Mr. Edwardo Manda of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, AKAP Health Facility: A Green Evacuation Center by Architect Ma. Luisa Daya-Garcia of the Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines, and Development of a Certificate Course Program on Disaster and Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation for Local Government Managers using CORE Modules and the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding of the Climate Change Commission and Development Academy of the Philippines.

National Business Climate Action Summit Breakthrough Business Models for a Decarbonized Transportation Sector Drawing Market-based Solutions for Solid Waste Management Water Climate Smart Philippine Hospitals Launch of the Awards System for the Private Business Sector Manila, Philippines 21 November 2018 – The Climate Change Commission is spearheading this year’s observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week from 19 to 25 November 2018 with the theme: The 1.5˚Celsius Climate Challenge: Survive and Thrive Together. A soot is a finely divided carbon deposited from flames during the incomplete combustion of organic substances such as coal as defined by Collins dictionary. Damaging our health and environment, we inhale it, every day. From the boardrooms to one hall of discussion, each participant on this day carries with them in their suitcases the knowledge, methods and strategies, and their commitment for carbon neutrality. On the third day of the conference, the event brings together government actors, business leaders and development agencies’ movers to shed light on the issues and actions governing industries and other sectors’ carbon emission and to discuss and resolve this head-on. The conference starts with The Journey of Exponential Transformation: A Presentation at the Global Climate Action Summit 2018 by Christina Figueres of Mission 2020 and Professor Johan Rockstrom of the Stockholm Resilience Center. A panel discussion to be moderated by Howie Severino focuses on the Rising To The 1.50 Celsius Climate Challenge: Translating Vision Into Action wherein Messages of Leadership Resolve and Commitment to Climate Action is laid out. This is participated by Atty. Emilio Aquino of SEC, Bernard Vincent Dy of Ayala Land Inc., Tessie Sy-Coson of SM Investments, Hans Sy of SM Prime Holdings, Michael Holmes of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc., Edmundo Fortunado of Analog Devices Philippines and Irwin Lee of Universal Robina Corporation. Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson on Senate Committee on Finance and Climate Change asserts through We Are Doing Something About Climate Crisis: The Philippine NDC Video, their efforts to address this challenge that we all face. An overview of the Climate-Smart Philippine Hospitals Program is going to be presented by Dr. Linda Milan, Advisor for the Greening Philippine Hospitals Initiative of the CCC, followed by the Launch of the Awards System for the Private Business Sectors by Sandee Recabar, Chief of the Implementation and Oversight Division of the CCC. The afternoon session holds the venue for exchanging information, knowledge and efforts on Breakthrough Business Models For A Decarbonized Transportation Sector and Drawing Market-Based Solutions For Solid Waste Management.

Water sufficiency - The heart of people’s health and survival nexus in light of 1.5oC Water technologies and agriculture Water Security, Regulation and Governance Climate Science Youth Congress - CCC’s 2019 Search for Young Outstanding Climate Scientists Manila, Philippines 20 November 2018 – The Climate Change Commission is spearheading this year’s observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week from 19 to 25 November 2018 with the theme: The 1.5˚Celsius Climate Challenge: Survive and Thrive Together. On its second day, 20 November 2018, the conference takes a deep dive into the water issues with the objective of emerging with crystal clear information, technology, best practices and commitment to action from various sectors. We have long been submerged under the combined harmful habits in the use of water across our very own lifestyle and livelihood, from agriculture to fisheries to business practices. This threatens the quality and security of water - the vital need for life to continue. The conference tackles Water Security by The Numbers to be presented by Lisa Bersales, PhD from the Philippine Statistics Authority, followed by Clean Water For Our Communities: The Heart of The People’s Health And Survival Nexus In Light Of 1.50C by Susan Pineda-Mercado, PhD, the Special Envoy of the President for Global Health Initiatives. Department of Agriculture takes on the stage with its Latest Water Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture by Director Angel Enriquez. On the business sector, Jose Angelo Fernandez will present the Aboitiz Model: Public-Private Partnerships Approach to Water Security. Waves of other issues and efforts come into the spotlight when Roberto Soriano, PhD discusses the Climate Science: Assessment of Laguna Lake For Sustainable Water Use In Metro Manila, Followed by Towards A Convergent Water Regulation and Governance In The Era Of Climate Change by Executive Director Sevillo David, Jr. of the National Water Resources Board, and Securing Water For The Local Government Units by Secretary Eduardo Ano of DILG. The afternoon session shows the surge of developments that the Philippine Science High School endeavored to research and study: Development Of A Self-Sustaining Rainwater Collection System and AWD-Based Water Level Sensor For Philippine Farm For Reduced Water Consumption; Synthesis of A Pectin-Based Biodegradable Superabsorbent Polymer From Citrus Maxima For Agriculture Use; and Design of An Automated Spray Irrigation System For Cabbage Farming Using A Time-Domain Reflectometry-Based Soil Moisture Sensor The Climate Change Commission will launch its 2019 Search for Young Outstanding Climate Scientist before the day ends. The collaborative efforts from among leaders, students, communities and business sectors fortify the resolve to address water issues with ideas, information, and coherent action.

Simultaneous to the celebration of the 2018 Climate Change Consciousness Week, President Rodrigo Duterte joined several other heads of state and high-level policymakers today in the first Virtual Leaders Summit of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). The CVF, a coalition of 48 developing countries, was chaired by the Philippines when it led the campaign in 2015 to enshrine the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold in the Paris Agreement. The Forum is currently chaired by the Republic of Marshall Islands, led by President Hilda Heine, who is hosting the online event meant to bring together world leaders and step up global climate ambition. In his message, President Duterte, who chairs the Climate Change Commission (CCC), emphasized that climate change is “a day-to-day problem and reality” for our people, which is why the government has “pioneered [its] own climate finance mechanism for local adaptation projects and pursued other climate change resiliency initiatives.” “Climate action and ambition must be shared and demonstrated by all nations,” President Duterte said, calling on all countries to do their “fair share” of climate action. “I call on industrialized nations to significantly reduce their carbon emissions and provide assistance to developing nations in terms of finance, capacity building and technology transfers, as urged by the Paris Agreement. It is only by helping one another that we can win the fight against climate change,” Duterte said. Climate Change Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman, as the Philippine National Focal Point to the CVF, also delivered a keynote statement, stressing that “climate action delayed is climate justice denied” and that “we must rise up to the 1.5 climate challenge to survive and thrive together.” Senator Loren Legarda also shared her journey to champion the environmental and climate change advocacy in the Philippines through a message, delivered by Climate Change Commissioner Rachel S. Herrera, for the All-Women Summit Champions Panel that featured stories of women taking leadership in climate action. About the CVF Virtual Leaders Summit The CVF Summit, as envisaged by current CVF Chair and Republic of Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, is an entirely online and carbon-neutral platform that calls for nations to show leadership and commit to raising their level of ambition in solidarity with the most vulnerable. Heads of state and high-level representatives are invited to participate in the CVF Summit and demonstrate intentions to raise ambition, including updating their national targets. Read more: https://www.virtualclimatesummit.org/about/

Manila, Philippines 16 November 2018 - The Climate Change Commission is spearheading this year’s observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week from 19 to 25 November 2018 with the theme The 1.5˚Celsius Climate Challenge: Survive and Thrive Together. The observance will highlight the whole-of-government climate action together with sustainable development stakeholders. A week-long conference aims to synergize the country's vision and policy direction towards green economy and low-carbon future, informed by the latest climate science and technology, knowledge and best practices on climate change resilience. The opening ceremonies on Monday, 19 November 2018, at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Area Complex will be led by Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission. Senator Loren B. Legarda, Commissioner of the Global Commission on Adaptation, and, at the same time, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Global Champion for Resilience and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Champion for National Adaptation Plans, will deliver the keynote. The President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as Chairman of the Climate Change Commission, will share his Vision for a Climate-Resilient Philippines. Invited speakers for the plenary sessions include Lourdes Tibig, PhD, National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission, on The Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the Global Warming of 1.5oC; Fr. Daniel J. McNamara, S.J., PhD, Professor, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Davao University, on The Philippine Climate Change Outlook; and Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Climate Change Commission; Mr. Heherson T. Alvarez, Former Vice-Chairperson, Climate Change Commission, Mr. Vince S. Perez, Former Secretary of Energy, Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua, Department of Education, Assistant Secretary Lorenzo A. Clavejo, Director, National Security Council, on The Philippine Climate Policy Landscape to be moderated by Bloomberg TV news anchor Roby Alampay. Invited to deliver their statements on climate action include the Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. de la Pena on Linking Science, Policy and Climate Action; Department of Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones on Advancing Climate Change Education in the Philippines, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary-General Ernesto M. Pernia on Aligning National and Local Development Plans to the 1.5oC Global Climate Goal. Business leaders Ms. Alegria Limjoco, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Nestor V. Tan, President, Bankers Association of the Philippines; Mr. Hans Sy, Chairman, Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Mr. Jose Albert, President, Philippine Association of Supermarkets; Mr. Federico Lopez, Chief Executive Officer, First Philippine Holdings Corporation; and Mr. Leandro Leviste, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Solar Philippines, are invited to rise to the 1.5oC climate challenge and deliver their commitments to climate action. In the afternoon, Rodel D. Lasco, PhD, Scientific Director of Oscar M. Lopez Center, will lead in the launch of The Philippine Climate Change Assessment Report. A series of thematic priorities of the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) will follow. The first thematic panel on Securing Sustainable Food and Water Systems to be moderated by Carlos Primo C. David, PhD, Member, National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission, will include Mr. Segfredo R. Serrano, Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, Department of Agriculture; Dr. Sevillo D. David, Jr., Executive Director, National Water Resources Board; Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., Chancellor, University of Philippines Los Baños; and Mr. Ramoncito S. Fernandez, President and CEO, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. The second thematic panel on Ensuring Ecosystems Integrity and Services for Climate Resilience to be moderated by Rodel D. Lasco, PhD, Member, National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission will include Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-The, Undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Ms. Julia Nebrija, Program Manager, Department of Budget Management; Atty. Lloyd Christopher A. Lao, Commissioner, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board; Mr. Richard B. Tantoco, President and Chief Operating Officer, Energy Development Corporation; and Mr. Edgardo C. Manda, President, Philippine Bamboo Foundation. The third thematic panel on Multistakeholder Convergence for a Healthy, Safe, and Climate-Resilient Society to be moderated by Glenn Roy V. Paraso, PhD, Member, National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission, will include Mr. Camilo G. Gudmalin, Undersecretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development; Dr. Lyndon L. Lee Suy, Assistant Secretary, Department of Health; Mr. Albert A. Magalang, Chief, Climate Change Division DENR-EMB; and Ms. Maria Adelaida Mias-Cea, Regional Coordinator for Asia Pacific, UN Habitat Philippines. The fourth thematic panel on Leveraging Climate Ambition, Economic Opportunity, and Sustainability to be moderated by Mr. Leandro Buendia, Member, National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission, will include Mr. Federico Abuan, Assistant Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment; Mr. Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director, Health Care Without Harm Asia; and Dr. Linda L. Milan, Former Director, World Health Organization. And the last thematic panel on Mobilizing Clean Energy, Finance, and Investment to be moderated by Atty. Pedro H. Maniego, Jr., Senior Advisor, Climate Change Commission, will include Mr. Jesus P. Posadas, Undersecretary, Department of Energy; Ms. Airene M. Robinson, Assistant Secretary, Department of Transportation; Mr. Lawrence S. Fernandez, Vice President, Meralco; Mr. Renato Redentor Constantino, Executive Director, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; and Mr. Alexander Ablaza, Director, Blue Sky Energy Asia. Secretaries Emmanuel F. Piñol of Agriculture, Roy A. Cimatu of the Environment and Natural Resources, Francisco T. Duque III of Health, Ramon M. Lopez of Trade and Industry, and Alfonso G. Cusi of Energy, will deliver their respective leadership resolve and commitments to climate action. For registration, please visit our portal: http://1o5c.ph/

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board has approved the accreditation of the Land Bank of the Philippines as Direct Access Entity (DAE) of the GCF during its 21st Board Meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manama, Bahrain. LANDBANK was one of 16 access entities granted accreditation during said meeting. LANDBANK now stands as the first DAE accredited by GCF in the Philippines and one of 75 DAEs worldwide. The GCF is an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement, dedicated to supporting global efforts to respond to the challenge of climate change. It aims to help developing countries limit or reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change by supporting programs and projects that promote a paradigm shift to low-emission and climate-resilient development, while taking into account the needs of developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. As a DAE, LANDBANK now has the mandate to ensure development, management, and delivery of program/project activities that are aligned with the objectives and target results of the GCF and the country’s national priorities, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), among others. It is responsible for managing a project from design to project evaluation and financial closure using the organization’s own systems, i.e., its procurement, environmental and social standards (E&S), audit and accounting procedures, among others. LANDBANK’s accreditation has been approved for: (i) category A environmental and social risk level; (ii) medium project size of up to US$250M, and (iii) specialization on project management, on lending/blending and grant mechanism. As DAE, the Bank can serve as instrument for channeling GCF resources to programs and projects related to sustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, transport, water, housing, tourism, health, among others, of the concerned national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperative, financing institutions, among others. Supported by the GCF Readiness Programme (GCFRP) of the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU) of the Federal Republic of Germany, LANDBANK was provided technical assistance by the World Resources Institute (WRI) on submitting its Stage 1 accreditation requirements and by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on responding to comments from the Accreditation Panel for Stages 1 and 2 of the accreditation process. UNDP also assisted Land Bank on the development of its project portfolio for GCF, a Concept Note and Project Preparation proposal which are aligned with the national priorities and frameworks, and the ongoing country programming process. UNEP, WRI and UNDP have managed GCFRP’s implementation activities with the National Designated Authority (NDA) for GCF – previously, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and currently, the Climate Change Commission (CCC).   LANDBANK recognizes its role in strengthening the country’s capacity to access climate finance sources for the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Following its accreditation, Land Bank will be reinforcing its project portfolio and the scalability of projects that will be proposed to GCF, in partnership with the CCC, concerned agencies of the government and the private sector.

• Over 1,000 delegates meet in Manila to discuss adapting to the worst impacts of climate change • Recent global warming assessment predicts devastation to coastlines and crops across Asia-Pacific • Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum is the largest gathering of its kind in the region MANILA, PHILIPPINES — More than 1,000 scientists, government officials, representatives from civil society and businesses, as well as development partners from 60 countries are meeting this week at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila for the 6th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum to share and discuss urgent adaptation solutions to build resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change. The recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC paints a bleak picture of a future world riddled by climate impacts if drastic changes are not made to limit global warming to 1.5ºC. But even under this best-case scenario, the Asia and Pacific region faces significant devastation, from inundated coastlines to destructive droughts. Immediate action is needed to scale up efforts and build resilience to avoid severe effects on livelihoods, public health, and economies. “Adaptation ensures that we, as a people, are prepared and resilient enough to survive through the impacts of climate change with our culture and identity intact for generations to come,” said the President of Palau Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. in his message to the forum participants. “We need to find solutions to pave the road for a resilient society, economy, and ecosystem using platforms from Asia and the Pacific,” said Mr. Yasuo Takahashi, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. The Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum is the flagship event of the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) and gives delegates the opportunity to forge partnerships and share learnings from actions, cutting edge science, and practical solutions that will strengthen resilience. The forum also helps establish regional priorities and mobilize political support for the international climate conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland in December 2018. “There is increasing prevalence of climate change and disaster risks in our cities and local communities. The poor and the marginalized are bound to suffer the most,” said Philippine Climate Change Commission Secretary Mr. Emmanuel M. De Guzman. “Reducing disaster risk and adapting to climate change is a pro-poor response. It liberates the poor from the vicious cycle of poverty and risk. It is social justice in action.” “Climate change, with its wide-ranging and largely adverse impacts, has emerged as a new threat to the continuing sustainable development of the region, with the potential to undermine five decades of progress,” said ADB Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development Mr. Bambang Susantono. “For ADB, to help achieve the development objectives of this region, investing in building resilience to climate and disaster risks has to be a new norm.” “Climate change resilience is imperative for the Asia-Pacific region. We have no choice but to adapt,” said UN Environment Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Ms. Dechen Tsering. “Fortunately, here in Asia, we have the tools and insight to do so. The APAN Forum builds partnerships to share this knowledge.” Co-hosted by the Government of Palau, the Philippine Climate Change Commission, and ADB, together with the APAN secretariat at UN Environment, the forum is the largest gathering of adaptation practitioners in the Asia and Pacific region. This year’s theme is “Enabling Resilience for All: Avoiding the Worst Impacts” and features interactive sessions, panel discussions, and knowledge exchange. FOLLOW APAN FORUM: Website: http://www.asiapacificadapt.net/adaptationforum2018/ #APAN2018 Flickr: APAN Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/user/Asiapacificadapt

The Climate Change Commission, in partnership with the Republic of Palau and Asian Development Bank, successfully convened the first of its three-day climate change adaptation forum, 17 October 2018 in Asian Development Bank in Mandaluyong City. With the theme Enabling Resilience For All: Avoiding the Worst Impacts, the opening day of the Asia-Pacific Adaptation Network’s (APAN) 6th Asia Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum gathered government leaders, scientists, policy makers, and development partners from different countries across the Asia Pacific to discuss how humanity can adopt and withstand the impacts of climate change. On his opening remarks, CCC Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman accentuates the need for massive coordination and visibility among regions to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change. “Climate talk all over the world is happening in the same vein: The sense of urgency has finally sunk in… The efforts to build adaptation and resiliency are not anymore limited the global south,” De Guzman said. De Guzman also highlighted that most programs of the Philippines are adaptation- and resiliency-heavy, emphasizing the CCC’s flagship capacity building program - the Communities for Resilience. De Guzman also mentioned that our country is on the process of developing, enhancing, and ensuring the implementation of Local Climate Change Action Plan and the importance of the People’s Survival Fund in relation to disaster resilience. He also reiterated the nation’s call to fight for the 1.5°C as entrenched in the Paris Agreement, following the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 this month. “What is relevant, what matters, is that we continue our work—we must do as much as we can, as fast as we can. We must take stock of everything we can do, and we must do it. We must adapt but also deploy more efficient, competition-driven, decentralized clean energy systems, promote inclusive mobility, build green, embed transparency, promote accountability, bake resilience into long term development policy,” De Guzman said. “These efforts require massive coordination and visibility across regions. And we are here because we understand that the work of adaptation requires sharing what we know, deepening our linkages, and moving in lockstep with each other,” he concluded. CCC also handled parallel sessions on Strengthening Resilience through Social Protection Programs, Local Governments at the Forefront, and Understanding the Cascading Risks of Climate Change. A cocktail reception hosted by the Climate Change Commission closed the day one of the 6th Asia Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum.

Today, 16th of October 2018, at the Hague, Netherlands, the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) will be launched, championing the idea of preparing for climate risks in a multi-sectoral endeavor that cannot be done by just one agency or ministry but rather requires transforming how societies invests and plan. Senator Loren Legarda is chosen to be one of the 20 commissioners of the GCA, and will be confirmed as GCA commissioner during the opening ceremony of today’s launch. Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines will also be there to represent the Philippines as a founding partner of the Global Center on Adaptation, a managing partner of the GCA. The launch will be overseen by Ban Ki-Moon, former UN Secretary General; Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and Kristalina Georgiva, (CEO) of the World Bank. Watch the Livestream of the Launch of Global Commission on Adaptation. Please click here.

To address the needs of the indigenous peoples (IPs) severely affected by the Supertyphoon Ompong in the provinces of Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in partnership with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS) and the Department of Health (DOH) conducted technical and humanitarian services for the IPs of Mount Pulag on 10-12 October 2018. CCC Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman led the mission. More than 600 IPs benefited in the joint service delivery in the municipalities of Bokod and Kabayan in Benguet, and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya - places severely scoured by landslides during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong. Through series of assessments conducted with the help of several technical experts, Sec. De Guzman said that the local governments are expected to develop project proposals on their climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and apply for grant financing from the People’s Survival Fund. De Guzman said that this initiative will also enable the participating cities and towns from said provinces to review and enhance their local climate change action plans (LCCAPs) by adopting an ecosystems-based adaptation and mitigation (EbAM) planning network and complete their climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA). Medical assistance in coordination with DOH Central and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were also held to ensure that the IPs were provided with proper medication and treatment. Following the mission, in a meeting with Benguet Governor Crescenio C. Pacalso, Secretary De Guzman shared that the local governments of Benguet were able to identify and prioritize several adaptation measures which includes organic farming, bamboo propagation, planting and processing for generating livelihood and mitigating landslides, solid waste management, rainwater catchment and renewable energy for homes, and promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, among others.

Manila, Philippines - The Climate Change Commission (CCC) urges for stricter and more efficient implementation of the Paris Agreement during its press briefing for policymakers and media on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C today. “The Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) affirms the Philippines’ call for greater urgency and ambition in implementing the Paris Agreement,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Emmanuel de Guzman on his welcoming remarks. This briefing, held in partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) is the first of a series that the CCC will conduct to sustain a common understanding on the 1.5 science and goal, and to effectively align science, policy and action at all levels. Through this briefing, de Guzman wishes to localize and provide a layperson’s viewpoint of the IPCC Special Report and employ massive public information, communication and education strategies so that Filipinos can adopt green lifestyles and respond to save vulnerable communities and the planet. The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) under Philippine chairmanship advocated strongly for the 1.5 climate ambition to define and drive the global climate action, as reflected in the Manila-Paris Declaration adopted in Manila and in Paris in November 2015, by more than 40 developing nations.   As this latest climate science informs national policy and global action, De Guzman emphasized that now is the time to uphold the integrity of our ecosystems, to protect local communities from the onslaught of extreme weather, and to secure sustainable food and water supply, and the health and safety of our homes and communities. “There is no more eloquent moment than now to declare that climate action in the context of climate justice is a moral imperative and that all must now work together, as brothers and sisters of one humanity, to build a common home and a common future that lets all survive and thrive,” De Guzman added. Rosa T. Perez, PhD, a member of the National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) of the Climate Change Commission and one of the Lead Authors of the IPCC Special Report, reiterated that “Climate change is already affecting people, ecosystems and livelihoods around world.” She continued that “clearly, half a degree matters, there are clear benefits in keeping warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius compared with 2 degrees Celsius or higher.” In the context of sustainable development, Dr. Perez added “limiting to a 1.5 degree Celsius can go hand in hand in the achievement of other world goals such as the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development.” Limiting warming to a 1.5 degree Celsius is not impossible but very challenging as it requires “rapid and far-reaching” transition in land, energy, buildings, transport and cities. On the economic implications of the Special Report, Professor Toby Monsod, PhD, of the University of the Philippines School of Economics, said that “getting to a 1.5 degree Celsius is still technically and economically feasible under a variety of social and economic assumptions providing action begins very soon.” She added “there will be trade-offs but these (trade-offs) are context-specific. We, as a country, need to build on this and do our homework.” “Addressing climate change as a distinct objective is an opportunity to spur wider economic transformation. That climate change should not be paired with disaster risk reduction and management or subsumed under environmental sustainability, rather should be paired with development as a necessary condition to reduce poverty and achieve prosperity,” Professor Monsod added. Commissioner Rachel Herrera of the Climate Change Commission committed to communicate and organize briefings with the members of the cabinet and with the key committees of both Houses of Congress in the coming weeks. Said Special Report is the IPCC’s response to the governments’ appeal for the publication of a special report comprised of the impacts of global warming on natural and human systems, several climate change research, as well as the effects of global warming on sustainable development when they adopted the Paris Agreement in 2015. With more than 6,000 scientific references cited worldwide, said report was prepared and furnished by ninety-one authors and review editors from 40 countries.

July 24, 2018. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) acknowledges the importance of science in leading efforts towards climate resilience and renewable energy policy development during the 5th National Panel of Technical Experts’ (NPTE) Forum on July 24 at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU). With the theme “Renewable Energy and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation for Sustainable Development,” this NPTE forum aims to develop and provide deeper understanding on the significance of utilizing and investing more on renewable sources of energy to lower our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. First City Councilor Belen Acosta of the Davao City local government spoke in behalf of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte proudly remarked that the city strongly advocates renewable energy with corresponding policy legislation to help them create jobs and minimize the effects of climate change. Acosta also emphasized that environmental protection is a priority of the Davao City government as manifested in their “No Mining Policy” and the active functioning of their Watershed Management Council (WMC). CCC Commissioner Rachel Ann Herrera, on her opening remarks said that we are “aiming for affordable and clean energy as set by the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and for sustainable energy being one of seven priorities under the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP).” Series of sessions and presentations were conducted during the forum led by NPTE members, Dr. Rosa Perez, and Mr. Leandro Buendia, on Climate Projection and Mitigation of Climate Change in the Philippines. Dr. Glenn Paraso served as the forum’s moderator. Climate Change Commissioner Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman echoed Senator Loren Legarda’s call for renewable energy as the author of the Climate Change Act and one of the authors of the Renewable Energy Act of the Philippines. De Guzman said that Legarda asked our policy implementors to observe closely enough the examples of other countries to begin to appreciate the rise of renewables in many countries around the world because it is what we need today, not just from a social and ecological standpoint, but also from an economic and sustainable policy development perspective. “Our country would be able to avoid future carbon emissions by pursuing low carbon development pathways with climate change adaptation and resilience building actions” de Guzman said. “Let me assure you that the CCC is committed to work in convergence with other government agencies in transforming energy sector with an increasing share of renewable energy to bring cleaner, greener, healthier, and more resilient future for the Filipino people,” de Guzman concluded. ###

June 8, 2018. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) renewed its call to ban single-use plastics to halt the worsening state of our marine ecosystems in observance of the World Oceans Day.   “Preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean, which is the theme of this year’s Ocean Day, pictures the urgent need to end the excessive use of plastics,” CCC Vice Chairman and Executive Director Emmanuel De Guzman said. “Plastics found in our oceans is a clear manifestation of our throwaway culture that we developed over the years. We cannot continue to go business-as-usual as it heavily pollutes not only our waters, but also our air when burned,” de Guzman added. Philippines is recognized as one of the countries with rich marine ecosystems in the world but is also one of the major source of plastic trash contributing almost 3 million metric tons of plastic wastes and 500,000 metric tons of plastic waste leakage per year. "We have relied so much on our oceans for food, employment, energy and recreation for many years. Unfortunately, due to our abusive practices and lack of sense of responsibility, our waters are slowly dying and it is not impossible that marine habitats and life in the sea will soon become extinct," de Guzman said. Aside from our crisis with marine litter, we are also experiencing destruction of coral reefs and diminishing fish population because of the fast sea surface temperature rise and ocean aciditation. “It cannot be denied that climate change is existing. We have to do appropriate actions to address it and ending plastic pollution is one good way to start,” de Guzman emphasized. The health of our marine life is crucial to continuity of life, especially since the Philippines is among the top fish-producing countries in the world. Thus, de Guzman urged big corporations, the major contributor of microplastics, to step up and strictly regulate the production of plastics. “We certainly cannot do this alone. Aside from the advances made by different government agencies and other stakeholders, I would also like to call the attention of big companies here in the Philippines to come and join us in bringing our oceans back to its pristine state.” de Guzman said. “We fear that in no time, our oceans are carrying more plastics than fishes. We cannot see any more solution but to come together and implement necessary actions that will help us achieve our goal – bring back the health of our ocean, coral reefs, and the entire marine ecosystem for the benefit of the present and future generations,” de Guzman concluded. ###

June 1, 2018. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the National Integrated Climate Change Database and Information Exchange System (NICCDIES) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Support Project for the Philippines (NSPP) last May 31 at Novotel in Quezon City. As access to climate change data becomes vital to multi-sectoral development planning, NICCDIES (http://www.niccdies.ph/) is designed to be a game-changing element in the collaboration process. It is a web-based, “one-stop-shop” information portal for climate change mitigation activities in key sectors of agriculture, waste, industry, transport, forestry and energy. NICCDIES is intended to consolidate climate change data both from the public and private sectors and other stakeholders, allowing for decision makers to access, distribute and exchange these data for use in policymaking, development planning, investment decision making. The portal is the fruition of LECB PHL’s accomplishments concentrating on three components which are capacity building for public sector, enhanced support programme with the private sector and development of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Action Plan. “Thanks to LECB, we are better-equipped and share a collective resolve in pursuing a low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathway. Moving forward, we can mobilize finance and find innovative solutions for the benefit of our nation and future generations,” said CCC Sec. Emmanuel M. De Guzman. “The challenge at hand is to transform the NDCs into tangible actions that would lead to long term, zero-carbon and climate-resilient development—a development that responds to the needs of working class families and places them at the heart of the government’s climate agenda,” he explained. De Guzman said the NSPP will help the Philippines its contributions to the Paris Agreement. “This new work stream shall support the government in achieving the transformation and change we seek,’ he said “Keeping the global temperatures below 1.5 degrees celsius seems difficult but the consequences of not doing it is devastating. The Philippines may not be a major contributor but if you pool in the emissions from countries with smaller contributions it can make a fundamental difference in lowering the carbon debt and greenhouse emissions globally, especially if we have the private sector on board in achieving the NDC,” UNDP Country Director Titon Mitra said. Based on the UNDP global NDC Support Programme framework, the NSPP will also advance gender-responsive NDCs by strengthening and supporting leading roles of women in climate action. ###

May 22, 2018. In observance of this year’s International Biological Diversity (IBD) Day on May 22, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) called on national and local authorities to strictly implement laws for the conservation of Philippine biodiversity, such as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. With the theme of “Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity”, this year’s IBD Day coincides with the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and highlights the progress made in the achievement of its objectives at the national and global levels. “As the inevitable impacts of climate change are becoming more and more intense, the need for adaptation measures through our laws and other initiatives has also become more urgent. The Philippines is a mega biodiverse country, with millions of Filipinos dependent on our rich natural resources. It is therefore an imperative for us to build the resilience of our biodiversity against climate and disaster impacts,” said Climate Change Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman. De Guzman also placed importance the value of convergence among various governance spheres at all levels and sectors in ensuring that our biodiversity, natural resources, ecosystems, and protected areas are sustainably developed and managed. De Guzman also supported the call of Senator Loren Legarda to implement Ecosystems-based Adaptation (EbA), which includes the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration ecosystems, in order to enhance the resilience of our biodiversity against the impacts of climate change. Among these EbA practices include the maintenance and/or restoration of mangroves and other coastal wetlands to reduce flooding and erosion; sustainable management of upland wetlands and floodplains for maintenance of water flow and quality; conservation and restoration of forests to stabilize land slopes and regulate water flows; establishment of diverse agroforestry systems to cope with increased risk from changed climatic conditions; and the conservation of agrobiodiversity to provide specific gene pools for crop and livestock adaptation to climate change.[1] “Let us consider the case of Boracay, which was once considered as one of the world’s most beautiful islands but has fallen under serious threat because of human degradation and climate change. With the strong resolve from our government, we are slowly rebuilding Boracay back to its pristine state. When our country succeeds in enforcing our laws and maximizing our action in protecting our environment and addressing climate change, we can be certain that the Philippines will remain a natural wonder in the years and generations to come,” De Guzman concluded. __________________ [1]Climate Change and Biodiversity. Convention of Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/climate/intro.shtml

May 18, 2018. The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) pushed for just transition to green and climate-smart economy during the first Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on the Development of the Green Jobs Act Assessment and Certification System and Guidelines, May 17 at the Aruga by Rockwell, Rockwell Center, Makati City. “In this era of climate change, it is important to pave way for low-carbon and green economic development with innovative and reformative practices, plans, and programs on climate change adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development,” highlighted Vice Chairperson and Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman in his opening speech. The multi-stakeholder consultation focused on the provision of broad perspectives of the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 (RA 10771) as well as the incentives scheme for enterprises. Products and services standards that will be used to define which products can be considered green and conventional were also tackled during the meeting. RA 10771 provides a framework to identify, develop, certify, sustain, and incentivize “green jobs” to support the country. This law also promotes environmental sustainability and decent work by sharpening the country’s policy focus on promoting green jobs. Another important feature is the creation of an incentives system that will encourage business enterprises to generate and sustain more green jobs. ILO Director Khalid Hassan reiterated that “the message of the Green Jobs Act enables the country to address both environmental and climate change. We no longer have to choose between creating jobs and preserving the environment. Environmental sustainability can be pursued while creating decent jobs.” De Guzman highlighted the importance of integrating green jobs and just transition to the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) which the Philippines intends to submit to the UNFCCC within the year as in line with our ratification and joining of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Highlights of the meeting include the presentations on the Green Jobs Certification Process, Framework, and Green Jobs Content and Accounting. Sectoral workshop for Green products Standards and presentations were also held during the meeting. “We will constantly support convergence meetings such as this so we could all work together, pool our resources, knowledge and expertise, for a safer, more secure and sustainable future for the Filipino people,” de Guzman added. This multi-stakeholder consultative meeting was participated by several government agencies, business and development partners and members of the academe. The sectoral consultative meeting is set to happen on May 23-25.