Photo Credit: PCOO Global Media Affairs Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje introduces President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the President’s special video message at the Head of States and Government Meeting during the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit at the Kumamoto-Jo Hall in Kumamoto City, Japan, April 23, 2022. President Duterte called for bolder, wiser and urgent actions to address water-related issues in the region. He also emphasised the need for an integrated and coherent policy and the resolve to create opportunities for investment and collaboration for technological solutions. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte designated Secretary Borje as Special Envoy and personal representative to the 4th Asia Pacific Water Summit.

Photo Credit: PCOO Global Media Affairs Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje and Tajikistan Energy Minister Juma Daler Shofaqir met on the sidelines of the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit at the Kumamoto-Jo Hall in Kumamoto City, Japan on April 24, 2022. During their meeting, the two officials discussed the interests of the Philippines and Tajikistan in water and energy resources management and climate-resilient infrastructure. They also committed to work together to further strengthen current collaboration and identify new areas of bilateral cooperation. Secretary Borje was joined by Consul General Voltaire Mauricio of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka with jurisdiction over Kumamoto prefecture, and Second Secretary and Consul Jan Kenneth Bolante of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte designated Secretary Borje as Special Envoy and personal representative to the 4th Asia Pacific Water Summit.

Photo Credit: PCOO Global Media Affairs Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje pays a courtesy call on Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi at the sidelines of the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Kumamoto City, Japan on April 24, 2022. Secretary Borje congratulated Mayor Onishi on the successful hosting of the Summit. Secretary Borje also highlighted the importance of local government action for climate change adaptation and mitigation and resiliency, citing Kumamoto as a leader in these two key areas. Secretary Borje was joined by Consul General Voltaire Mauricio of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka with jurisdiction over Kumamoto prefecture. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte designated Secretary Borje as Special Envoy and personal representative to the 4th Asia Pacific Water Summit.

MANILA, 26 April 2022 —  The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and The Climate Reality Project Philippines (TCRP) have launched a monthly webinar series titled “Stories for A Better Reality” to tackle climate issues, promote initiatives and solutions, and inform policy and action framed from the perspective of the youth.   ‘Stories for a Better Reality’ premiered on Friday, 22 April 2022, in time for the commemoration of Earth Day. The launch featured snippets from last year's Earth Day 2021 webcast themed PINASiglang Mundo and 76 episodes of the Stories for A Better Normal series, all led by CCC.    The launch also featured messages from national government agencies, civil society organizations, and youth climate reality leaders to encourage viewers, especially young people, to engage in conversations as advocates for climate action.   “Real stories are powerful ways of moving people to think, decide, and act.  And we need to think clearly about climate change, decide on what needs to be done, and act accordingly to help save humanity and our planet,” said CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje in his opening message.   “Let’s rally more to be part of the climate movement, and let’s continue fighting for the world that you and I imagined and make it a reality for us all,” said TCRP Branch Manager Nazrin Camille D. Castro.   Stories for A Better Reality evolves from the Stories for A Better Normal, a weekly webinar series under the collaboration of the CCC and the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda. The Stories for a Better Normal went live streamed on Facebook from May 2020 to February 2022 with a total of 76 episodes.   “It is important that talks on climate action and sustainability often seen too technical and complex, are better understood by the younger generation,” said Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda as she expressed support to the program.   Stories for a Better Reality was launched in partnership between the Climate Change Commission and the Climate Reality Project Philippines, with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Kids for Kids, and Wavefarers.

MANILA, 23 April 2022 — The Philippines will join the two-day 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit (APWS) in Kumamoto City, Japan. The Summit, happening on 23-24 April 2022, was originally scheduled in April 2020, but postponed due to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.   President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will address the summit in a video message. President Duterte is expected to urge greater regional cooperation to ensure better water resources management and security.   Meanwhile, President Duterte appointed Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje as his Special Envoy and representative. Secretary Borje will participate in plenary and breakout sessions to advance key Philippine positions on water resource management and security in the context of climate change.   Anchored on the theme, “Water for Sustainable Development-Best Practices and the Next Generation,” heads of states and representatives from international organizations in the Asia-Pacific region will gather to address various water-related issues and pursue efforts toward sustainable development.   The 4th APWS will also share the long-standing efforts of the host city, Kumamoto, in conserving groundwater as well as its recovering efforts from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes.   Secretary Borje, as the representative of President Duterte, will share crucial steps of the Philippines to attain water security, including our pursuit of an enhanced policymaking, oversight, regulatory and management substructures at various levels for an integrated climate-adaptive water resources management. Access more details about the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit by visiting its website at https://www.4apws-kumamoto2022.jp/..

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission and Ambassador Laure Beaufils of the United Kingdom jointly underscored the importance of advancing COP26 Glasgow agreements in order to urgently address climate change challenges. Secretary Borje and Ambassador Beaufils renewed the commitment to further enhance practical and pragmatic bilateral projects, including mainstreaming, to bolster PH-UK contributions to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Secretary Borje and Ambassador Beaufils identified the Masantol Case Study in Pampanga as a possible area of joint partnership.

  Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission and Ambassador Ilan Fluss of the State of Israel reaffirmed the importance of the Philippines-Israel partnership in addressing climate change challenges. Secretary Borje and Ambassador Fluss agreed to further strengthen cooperation in innovation and technology to ramp up capacities in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

MANILA, 13 April 2022 — In preparation for the Klimathon Awarding Ceremony which will be held on Earth Day, 22 April 2022, Atty. Rachel Anne Herrera, Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission, and Ms. Christine Ponce-Garcia, Assistant Vice President of Nestlé Philippines, welcomed the judging panel composed of key officials from the public and private sector, the academe, and subject matter experts who specialize on climate science and environment. Among the Klimathon Finalists, the judges will decide on the Top 3 innovative and sustainability-focused solutions anchored on the following pillars: plastic waste management; energy efficiency and renewable energy; and food security. Special awards will also be given to proposals that showcase originality; promote gender empowerment; and support community participation. The panel of judges is chaired by the CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, with members Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Dr. Maria Angela Zafra, National Panel of Technical Experts Member, CCC; Ms. Antoinette Taus, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and Founder of CORA Philippines; Dr. Enrico C. Paringit from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); and Ms. Jasmine Estacio, Innovation Portfolio Management Head of Nestlé Philippines.

From left to right: Dean Rico C. Ancog of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) School of Environmental Science and Management; Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert E.A. Borje; and Dr. Patricia Sanchez, Chairperson of the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water and member of the CCC National Panel of Technical Experts during the CCC’s visit to UPLB for the data collection relevant to the ongoing Masantol case study.   MANILA, 12 April 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is eyeing closer collaboration on water resources management and data sharing with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) as part of the CCC’s strategic partnership strengthening program with State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).   In his visit to the (UPLB) Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water (ISCW), at the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje recognized the important role played by the academe and research institutions in “building national capacities for climate change adaptation and mitigation.”   “UPLB’s SESAM and ISCW are well placed to provide a deeper and fuller understanding of the Philippines’ water resources and the ways forward to use and manage them sustainably and harness them properly to support the country’s climate change action agenda,” said Secretary Borje.   Secretary Borje thanked Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez, member of the National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) and Chairperson of UPLB’s ISCW, for sharing data on rainfall projections and other datasets pertinent to the work of the Commission, particularly on the ongoing development of a case study on flooding in Masantol, Pampanga.   “There is a compelling task for us to do more than what we are doing right now, especially [in] mainstreaming climate change and in harnessing local experience and expertise as we work to combat climate change.  As the lead agency in the formulation and coordination of relevant policies, the CCC looks to stronger partnerships with SUCs for science-based and data-based driven policy recommendations,” said Sec. Borje.   Underscoring the willingness of the ISCW to work with the CCC, Dr. Sanchez pointed out that the Center was providing key data that covers the whole Pampanga River Basin.   For his part, Dean and Professor of UPLB SESAM Dr. Rico C. Ancog welcomed Secretary Borje’s visit and said that UPLB looks forward to continuous engagement with the CCC in the field of research, extension and development projects on water and climate change.   “This is what we are doing, teaching and academic research. We're serious about doing good research, but we want this to be something, a platform that could be for a lifetime. One thing we can really provide is the more holistic research, so this is really a good start to support the work of the Climate Change Commission,” said Dr. Ancog.   Secretary Borje also highlighted the crucial role of the academe and research institutions in helping local government units better understand climate and disaster risks in order to formulate more appropriate plans of action in addressing climate change within their communities.   “This is only the start of what a stronger partnership should be in the next few years, not just on research, but also in the implementation of climate adaptation projects,” Sec. Borje affirmed. 

Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje intervenes and urges the UNFCCC to streamline processes, improve modalities to access climate finance for stronger adaptive capacities of vulnerable nations. Secretary Borje delivered his virtual intervention from Manila during the Fifteenth Meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts held in Bonn, Germany.   MANILA, 12 April 2022 — Philippine Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert E.A. Borje called on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to streamline processes and improve modalities in accessing available climate finance to strengthen the adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change.   At the Fifteenth Meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts held in Bonn, Germany, Secretary Borje stressed the urgency of accessing climate finance, pointing out that “The window of opportunity to limit the global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is rapidly closing. The clock is ticking," said Borje.   Secretary Borje, in his intervention delivered virtually from Manila, stressed that vulnerable nations like the Philippines seeking vital financing support for adaptation continued to bear the weight of damages and losses resulting from climate-related disasters.   He underscored the need for “developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments, with limited domestic fiscal resources becoming even scarcer as developing countries deal with the impacts of climate change.”   Secretary Borje underlined that for the Philippines, climate-related disasters in the agriculture sector alone cost 0.05 percent of its Gross Domestic Product annually.    He also said that Typhoons “Rai”, “Vamco” and “Goni” caused loss and damage valued at around 1.2 billion US dollars which “represents my Government’s national health insurance funding for approximately 61 million Filipinos. That is around 56% of the Philippines total population,” adding that “the cascading impacts of loss and damage are compounded further by the COVID-19 pandemic and its burden on the country’s economy.”   Secretary Borje warned that while sound fiscal policies and an integrated pandemic response is helping the Philippines bounce back from the pandemic, the world “does not want a worst case scenario where the climate change costs will be too much for us in the developing world to bear.”   “We need urgent climate action to protect and help vulnerable countries like the Philippines improve resilience and adaptive capabilities,” said Secretary Borje.   Borje reminded the Meeting that at the core of climate adaptation and mitigation is “the principle of climate justice. To the least responsible for climate change, to those with the least resources to the most exposed, we need to do more” adding further that “More needs to be done. Together.”   On the other hand, “The Philippines will continue to do its part, with actions firmly founded on our national climate change strategy. We will proceed with strengthening our country’s anticipatory adaptation capacity through the Formulation of the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change; Stocktaking for the National Climate Risk Management Framework towards enhanced Risk Data Governance and Information Systems; and, Adaptation Case-Building,” Secretary Borje affirmed.   He also explained that funding alone will not suffice and underlined that access must be enhanced. Financing and investments, technology and innovation, and capacity development, through inclusive multilateralism, are crucial as well.   “These tools will help vulnerable countries like the Philippines to address intensifying loss and damage from climate hazards and to implement “no-regrets” and more cost-effective climate actions,” said Secretary Borje.   In closing, Secretary Borje said that the Philippines and other developing countries must do bolder, more coherent action to minimize and avert loss and damage by connecting meaningfully with technical and financial assistance providers to unlock much-needed resources to comprehensively address these climate risks.   “Let us look at ways to streamline processes, simplify procedures, and improve the efficiencies of existing modalities. This is a huge challenge for this Committee. But the Philippines believes that no responsibility is too big nor any task too small as we continue to work together to ensure that climate justice is achieved,” he concluded.   Representatives from New Zealand, Pakistan, and the Climate Action Network commended the Philippines’ steadfast dedication to climate action.

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the telesummit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. | Photo from Presidential Photographers Division   Chinese President Xi Jinping virtually speaks with Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the telesummit. | Photo from Presidential Photographers Division  MANILA, 11 April 2022 — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the need for the Philippines and China to work closely to address the impacts of climate change.   In a statement released by the Office of the President, the two heads of state met in a telesummit to take stock of and review ties over the last six years, and to identify more opportunities for positive engagements and cooperation.   During the one hour telephone conversation, President Duterte highlighted the importance of the Philippines and China working together to ensure that the voice of the developing world and archipelagic states, including the Philippines, will be heard in all relevant climate change fora.   President Duterte also underscored the value of practical and pragmatic partnerships that will help bolster climate change resilience and adaptation capabilities, including through infrastructure projects.   Expressing thanks for China’s strong support for the Philippine Government’s “Build, Build Build,” President Duterte said that “modern and climate resilient infrastructure that enhances physical integration is vital in spurring and sustaining economic growth.   Last week, during the inauguration of the iconic Binondo-Intramuros bridge, President Duterte described the Philippine-China partnership in enhancing key infrastructure projects as nations “working together towards a greener, more sustainable and climate change resilient infrastructure.”   President Duterte looked forward to China’s continued partnership in this area underscoring his hope that “present and future generations will enjoy enhanced mobility and connectivity through innovative physical integration.”   President Xi, on the other hand, expressed full support for ongoing and pipeline infrastructure projects, including the Samal Island bridge project during the telesummit.   President Duterte and President Xi considered the elevation of Philippine-China bilateral relations into a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation as a “milestone achievement that demonstrated the commitment of the Philippines and China to continue building on the gains of the previous years towards the future.”   The leaders’ telesummit was preceded last week by the courtesy call of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on newly-appointed Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje. Secretary Borje and Ambassador Huang reaffirmed the importance of practical and pragmatic projects to advance climate change actions, including through cooperation in innovative infrastructure and in renewable energy.

Ambassador Huang Xilian of the People’s Republic of China shook the hand of Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje during the latter’s courtesy call.   Ambassador Huang Xilian of the People’s Republic of China shook the hand of Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje during the latter’s courtesy call.   Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje received a token from Ambassador Huang Xilian of the People’s Republic of China during the latter’s courtesy call.   Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje and Ambassador Huang Xilian of the People’s Republic of China during the latter’s courtesy call. MANILA, 5 April 2022 — The Philippines and China affirmed the importance of continuing partnership in climate change action and emphasised the need for greater cooperation through practical, pragmatic projects.   At China Ambassador Huang Xilian’s courtesy call on Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission, both sides emphasised that urgent climate change action is required - in adaptation,  mitigation and finance - in order to address the many climate challenges faced by the developing world.   “Now, more than ever, partnerships that work are crucial for climate change action to make a real difference. The Philippines and China are well-placed to harness existing cooperation as a launchpad for intensified joint action,” said Secretary Borje.   Saying that the perspective of the developing world and archipelagic/island nations must inform and shape global discussion on climate change, Secretary Borje also stressed that these nations, including the Philippines, “continue to bear the brunt of climate change impact.”   “It cannot be business as usual for our country, our region and our world. We must work harder together. Vital to this is access to technology as well financing for adaptation and mitigation,” said Secretary Borje.   For his part, Ambassador Huang recognised the Philippines’ important role in giving a resonant voice to the developing world on the issue of climate change.   Saying that the Philippines faces many climate challenges and has its own contributions to global discussions and action, Ambassador Huang underlined that China will work closely with the Philippines on “projects and programs that can impact positively and quickly on communities.”   Both Secretary Borje and Ambassador Huang identified cooperation in renewable energy, including solar energy as convergence that offers practical opportunities for proactive partnership.   Both officials also recognised the need to make climate finance and technology more accessible and should continue to be advanced in all relevant fora until results are visible.   Ambassador Huang expressed readiness to further strengthen climate change cooperation between the Philippines and China through discussions with Commissioner Xie Zhenhua for China’s Climate Change Affairs.   Secretary Borje and Ambassador Huang closed the meeting by agreeing to work closely together to “open wider the door of climate change cooperation, action and finance” for the Philippines and China in bilateral, regional and international fora.

From left to right: Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, CCC-National Panel of Technical Experts; Masantol, Pampanga Mayor Dan Guintu; CCC Chair-Designate Carlos G. Dominguez; CCC Secretary Robert E. A. Borje; and Dr. Patricia Sanchez, CCC-National Panel of Technical Experts. | File name: 29032022MAF (1) | Photo from Presidential Photographers Division   Local residents of Barangay Sapang Kawayan participate in the dialogue conducted by the Climate Change Commission. File name: 29032022MAF (22) | Photo from Presidential Photographers Division   Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez and Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E. A. Borje inspecting key structures in Barangay Sapang Kawayan, Masantol.  | File name: 29032022MAF (11) | Photo from Presidential Photographers Division   The Climate Change Commission conclude the visit to Barangay Sapang Kawayan, Masantol, Pampanga with a joint photo opportunity. From left to right: Rachel Herrera, CCC Commissioner; CCC Chair-Designate Carlos G. Dominguez; CCC Secretary Robert E. A. Borje; and Albert Dela Cruz Sr. | File name: 5A3A0068 MANILA, 31 March 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) jumpstarted the agency’s climate adaptation study in Barangay Sapang Kawayan in Masantol, Pampanga, stressing the importance of a science-based approach and strong community engagement in order to help better understand and effectively address climate change-related and flooding concerns of the town.   CCC Chair-designate and Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez together with CCC Vice Chairperson Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Commissioner Albert P. dela Cruz, Sr. and Commissioner Rachel S. Herrera, in a dialogue with local leaders and residents, announced a pioneering climate adaptation study that will involve the Philippines National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE).   In 2021, the NPTE identified flooding as one of the climate-induced risks in the Philippines.   Masantol, situated in the Pampanga River Delta, experiences frequent flooding attributable to several factors, including climate change drivers. Sapang Kawayan is Masantol’s nearest island barangay to Manila Bay. With a total population of 3,251, it is part of a larger community that is considered vulnerable to climate change.   “Kaya po kami nandito, dala ang aming mga eksperto, para masusing pag-aralan ang inyong pamayanan. [Dahil sa] climate change, tumitindi ang ulan, dumadami ang typhoons, tumataas ang tubig mula sa Manila Bay, at kailangang mabigyan ng karampatang atensyon ang inyong kalagayan,” said CCC Secretary Borje.   Secretary Borje emphasized that CCC is mobilizing and utilizing the country’s Panel of Technical Experts for a comprehensive, multidimensional and science-based approach to climate change adaptation in Masantol.   NPTE members, Dr. Patricia Ann Sanchez, expert on Climate Change Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Hydrology and Water Resource Management; and Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, expert on Agricultural Engineering and Natural Resource Management joined the visit and recommended Pampanga River, storm surges, and water quality as initial focus areas of the study.   Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu recognized the importance of an effective partnership between Masantol and CCC in order to come up with sustainable solutions to the town’s perennial flooding problem. Mayor Guintu stated that the Local Government Unit will fully support CCC’s Study.   The NPTE is expected to finalize the study within the year and recommend appropriate interventions to bolster Masantol’s resiliency.   Secretary Borje announced that the CCC will organize another visit of members of the NPTE in April 2022.   Also present during the visit and town hall meeting were Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Sherina Alvarez, Sapang Kawayan Barangay Chairperson Haydie D. Reyes, municipal councilors, and personnel of the Provincial and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte underscored the importance of consolidating and moving forward the Philippines’ agenda on climate change, particularly on Climate Justice and Climate Finance. In a joint courtesy call by Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera and Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr., the President emphasized the need for principled action to advance the interests of island developing states such as the Philippines in order to ensure effective global adaptation and mitigation measures through practical partnership and cooperation.  The Commissioners, for their part, jointly assured President Duterte that the CCC is committed to further strengthening policy formulation and coordinating mechanisms to advance the Philippine climate change agenda. President Duterte appointed Secretary Borje as Vice-Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission and the Commissioners Herrera and Dela Cruz Sr. for a term of six (6) years.  The Climate Change Commission is the lead policymaking agency for the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of programs and plans of the Government relating to climate change. Present during the joint courtesy call were Madame Cielito Avancena and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, member of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change.

MANILA, 26 March 2022 — Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) is one of the recipients of 2022 Wind Vane Award conferred by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on March 23, during PAGASA’s 157th anniversary and the observance of the 157th National and 72nd World Meteorological Day.   The Wind Vane Award is given to individuals, local governments, and organizations who have greatly contributed and supported the hydrometeorological bureau in its efforts to reduce climate and disaster risks and provide timely weather forecast information and advisories to the general public.   Commissioner Herrera, the sole female awardee, was recognized for her support in the country’s first Green Climate Fund (GCF) project on the establishment of a multi-hazard impact-based forecasting and early warning system (MH-IBF-EWS), which was approved in 2019 and was granted $10 million US dollars to modernize the country’s early warning systems to deliver actionable and timely forecasts and warnings down to “last mile” communities.   PAGASA is the project’s lead executing entity, with support from other agencies, local government units, and organizations, while the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) serves as the project’s direct access entity.   Other Wind Vane awardees for this year are: Department of Agriculture Makati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV4) GMA News IMReady Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services, DOST Dr. Joonseok Lee, Toconet Korea, Co., Ltd. Hon. Juan Carlo Singson Medina, Mayor, Vigan City Dr. Cedric D. Daep, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) Hon. Antonio T. Kho, Governor, Masbate Bataan Peninsula State University Molugan Barangay Council, headed by Hon. Arnold Macarandan, Brgy. Molugan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

MAYNILA, ika-26 ng Enero 2022 — Magbabalik ang Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways na may bagong episode ngayong linggo, kung saan kikilalanin ang ilan sa mga young Climate Reality Leaders (CRL) at ang kanilang mga makabagong ideya at solusyon bilang pagtugon sa climate crisis. Ibabahagi rin ng mga inimbitahang CRL ang kanilang mga karanasan sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang mga pamayanan at critical decision-makers, habang tinitiyak ang pangkalahatan at tunay na representasyon ng mga kabataan at iba pang mga vulnerable sector.   Ang online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto at pangunguna ng dating three-term Senator, na ngayo’y Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, ay ipapalabas sa Huwebes, ika-27 ng Enero 2022, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live sa facebook.com/CCCPhl at facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Tampok sa mapapanod na episode, na pinamagatang “Young Climate Leaders Breaking Barriers,” sina Ferth Vandensteen Manaysay, Engagement Officer ng Climate Reality Philippines; Sara Jane Ahmed, Finance Advisor ng Vulnerable Group of Twenty (V20) ng Ministers of Finance ng Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF); at Carissa Pobre, Project Assistant ng Agam Agenda.   Ang mapapanood na episode ay makapag-bibigay sa mga manonood ng mga insight ukol sa mga kuwento at makabagong pamamaraan ng mga inimbitahang CRL na nagkaroon ng  malaking ambag sa climate movement. Ang mga talakayan ay tututok sa kani-kanilang mga trabaho at mga karanasan bilang young climate leaders upang maibahagi sa iba pang mga climate advocate at sa general audience ang papel ng mga kabataan sa usapin ng climate action at ang pangangailangan ng agarang pagtugon sa climate change.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan, kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, at mga kasanayan sa pakiki-angkop sa klima, naglalayon ang “Stories for a Better Normal” na baguhin ang kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino, mga pamilya at pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga paraan kung paano maisasakatuparan ang ‘better normal’ sa loob ng ating mga pamayanan.   Ang online na talakayan na ito ay na-organisa sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission, na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 17 March 2022 — Science fiction film “Viridescent” bagged the Best Film award and three other major awards in the Klima Film Festival 2021 Awarding Ceremony held on March 11 via Facebook Live.   “Viridescent” is a story of a visionary woman and a defeatist man who must work together to retrieve crucial biological data that has been lost. With a breakdown in communication between the two, a one-man mission arose— the one-man mission of a woman, to fulfill their dream of securing planet Earth for humankind again. Its prequel, “Verdant” won as 1st runner-up in the first-ever KFF in 2020.   Aside from the grand prize, which comes with a cash prize of P70,000, the KFF returnee-participant – Mikone Joshua Calungsod of MCDP Films, formerly Ang Maharlika Productions – also took home the following awards: Best in Climate Advocacy, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography.   The Festival’s 1st Runner-up, who will receive a cash prize of Php 50,000, is “Sigalot sa Pagitan ng Tao at Kalikasan” directed by Erwin Adupe of ENCA Film Production, while “Tanaw” directed by Kaila Ysavl Bergonio of Playback Multimedia won as 2nd runner-up and took home Php 30,000.   After series of deliberations, only four (4) films made it to the finals. These four films were then submitted to the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board to secure a permit to exhibit.   Moreover, these films were screened by six (6) esteemed KFF judges composed of science and film experts. They are as follows: Dr. Doracie Zoleta-Nantes, Chairperson of the National Panel of Technical Experts; Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Executive Director of the Oscar M. Lopez Center; Ms. Mary Liza B. Diño, Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines; Ms. Honey M. Castro, Chief of Corporate Affairs and Information Resource Management Division of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino, Professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute and member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino; and Ms. Sari Raissa LL. Dalena, Professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute and an independent filmmaker   The PCW also assisted in identifying the film with the most gender-responsive content.   Below is the complete list of winners of the Klima Film Festival 2021:   Grand Winners: ·Best Film – Viridescent ·1st Runner-Up – Sigalot sa Pagitan ng Tao at Kalikasan ·2nd Runner-Up – Tanaw   Major Awards: ·Best in Climate Advocacy – Viridescent ·Best Screenplay – Tanaw ·Best Musical Scoring – Sigalot sa Pagitan ng Tao at Kalikasan ·Best Production Design – Viridescent ·Best Cinematography – Viridescent ·Best Performance – Andrea Marie Bool for her role as “Aira Mendoza” in Tanaw ·Best Director – Erwin Adupe for Sigalot sa Pagitan ng Tao at Kalikasan   Special Awards: ·Audience Choice Award – Modern Stray (Trianggulo Productions) ·Gender-Responsive Award – Tanaw   Finalist ·Modern Stray   Major award winners will receive trophies and Php 15, 000 each, while the remaining finalist will also bring home Php 15,000. Special award winners will also receive a trophy and a cash prize of Php 5,000 each. The trophies for the KFF are made from recycled materials.   Starting this month until March 2023, enjoy a free unlimited access to the top 4 entries, along with the 10 finalists of the KFF 2020, through the iWant TFC, the Official Media Partner for the KFF.   The conduct of the Klima Film Festival Awarding Ceremony is supported by the GIZ Philippines through the Support CCC II Project jointly implemented by the CCC and GIZ Philippines.   The Klima Film Festival is a project of the Climate Change Commission in partnership with the Oscar M. Lopez Center to mainstream the effects of climate change through the use of short films written and produced by young Filipino filmmakers across the country.   See the latest updates from the Climate Change Commission and the Oscar M. Lopez Center through their website at https://climate.gov.ph/ and https://www.omlopezcenter.org/.

MANILA, 3 March 2022 — Following the latest report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that further reveals the Earth’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate and strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures, especially at the community and local level.   The contribution of the IPCC’s Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), affirms that  “global warming has caused dangerous and widespread disruption in nature,” and “climate change is affecting the lives of billions of people, despite efforts to adapt.”   “I have seen many scientific reports in my time, but nothing like this. Today’s IPCC report is an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership. With fact upon fact, this report reveals how people and the planet are getting clobbered by climate change,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.   To recall, the Working Group I report, released in August 2021, showed that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900, and  that over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming.   The second installment of the AR6 focuses on the impacts of climate change on nature and people around the globe, explores the future impacts at different levels of warming and the resulting risks, and offers options to strengthen nature’s and society’s resilience to ongoing climate change, to fight hunger, poverty, and inequality and keep Earth a place worth living on – for current as well as for future generations.   “The report is a dire warning about the consequences of inaction. It shows that climate change is a grave and mounting threat to our well-being and a healthy planet. It also shows that our actions today will shape how people adapt to climate change and how nature responds to increasing climate risks,” said IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee.   The report introduces a special section on climate change impacts, risks, and options to act for cities and settlements by the sea, tropical forests, mountains, biodiversity hotspots, dryland and deserts, the Mediterranean as well as the polar regions; and an atlas that will present data and findings on observed and projected climate change impacts and risks from global to regional scales.   Specifically, the report presents the following points:   ·Human-induced climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme events, has caused widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people, beyond natural climate variability. Some development and adaptation efforts have reduced vulnerability. Across sectors and regions the most vulnerable people and systems are observed to be disproportionately affected. The rise in weather and climate extremes has led to some irreversible impacts as natural and human systems are pushed beyond their ability to adapt.   ·Progress in adaptation planning and implementation has been observed across all sectors and regions, generating multiple benefits. However, adaptation progress is unevenly distributed with observed adaptation gaps. Many initiatives prioritize immediate- and near-term climate risk reduction which reduces the opportunity for transformational adaptation.   ·Evidence of observed impacts, projected risks, levels and trends in vulnerability, and adaptation limits, demonstrate that worldwide climate resilient development action is more urgent than previously assessed in AR5. Comprehensive, effective, and innovative responses can harness synergies and reduce trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation to advance sustainable development.   “Our atmosphere today is on steroids, doped with fossil fuels. This is already leading to stronger, longer, and more frequent extreme weather events. Climate change-induced disasters come with high human and economic impacts,” said World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.   “This new IPCC report comes out at a time of great turmoil, when we need strong multilateralism to promote peace and a healthy environment. And the message this report sends is clear. Climate change isn’t lurking around the corner, waiting to pounce. It’s already upon us, raining down blows on billions of people,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen.   Meanwhile, the Working Group III report, which will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation), will be released on April, according to the IPCC.   The CCC said that the latest IPCC release evidently illustrates the catastrophic effects of climate change and of rising temperatures in many parts of the world, including our country. Action to help our communities adapt is urgently needed.   Further, the National Panel of Technical Experts of the CCC has recently identified the leading climate-induced risks in the Philippines along with recommended strategies and measures to address long-term vulnerabilities and increase the country’s adaptive capacity to the impacts of the worsening climate.   The Commission vows to accelerate and improve local climate action by making climate risk information more available, understandable, and actionable. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the CCC will continue to strive to reach and capacitate as many local governments as possible in understanding risks and how these should be addressed by implementing effective and coherent adaptation and mitigation measures.   Access the Working Group II’s contribution to the Assessment Report through this link: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-ii/ and watch the replay of the launch through the Facebook page of the IPCC at https://www.facebook.com/IPCC/videos/646659490000380.

MANILA, 2 March 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the celebration of World Wildlife Day tomorrow.   March 3 of each year marks the celebration of World Wildlife Day, in support of wild fauna and flora across the world and their role in ecosystems, and serves as a reminder to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species. The date also recognizes the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973.   This year’s theme, “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration,” draws attention to the state of endangered and critically endangered wildlife, and to reverse their fate by implementing and supporting conservation and habitat restoration efforts. This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero hunger) 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), 13 (Climate Action) 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).   Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our wildlife. Intense storms destroy nesting trees, drown animals, spread invasive species, and damage marine ecosystems. Prolonged heat and droughts stress plants and animals and burn grasslands and forests. Seasonal changes in plant growth causes unsynchronized animal life cycles.   High temperatures lead to ocean acidification and bleaching of coral reefs, which countless marine species depend on for food and shelter. Warmer waters also cause changes in ocean currents, altering migration patterns. Melting of mountain glaciers and land ice threatens species located in the Polar region, while sea level rise affects coastal wildlife.   With the increasing numbers of endangered and extinct species, the CCC urges all sectors of society to work together to change the course by conserving threatened species and protecting their habitats from threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss.   By raising awareness and educating the people on the importance of supporting wildlife conservation and protection, we as humans can help chart a path towards a sustainable future, with the goal of living in harmony with nature.

MANILA, 1 March 2022 — In observance of the Fire Prevention Month, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) reminds the public to take preventive measures to make our communities and the environment safe from fires.   The month of March is declared as the Fire Prevention Month by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A.    March is one of the hottest months of the year and the beginning of summer season. During this period, a lot of fire incidents are happening across the Philippines. Although our country is well-known for devastating typhoons, we also record fire incidents not only in urban areas, but also in mountains and forests. Wildfires are caused by a lot of factors, such as temperature, terrain, soil moisture, forest fuels, wind speed and direction, and frequent lightning strikes. These conditions are worsened by climate change. The changes in climate causes increase in average annual temperature, drier conditions, and drought, which elevates the risk and severity of wildfires. Burning forests release greenhouse gas thereby contributing to global warming.   This year’s theme, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa,” encourages every individual to take preventive measures to avoid fire incidents. The Commission reminds the public to practice fire safety measures at home, community, forests and mountains. These include following safety protocols for handling fire when camping and storing fuel, proper disposal of cigarette butts, and local implementation of wildfire preparedness measures.

MANILA, 28 February 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center revealed today the six (6) distinguished judges for the Klima Film Festival 2021. They are as follows:   ·Dr. Doracie Zoleta-Nantes, Chairperson of the National Panel of Technical Experts   Dr. Nantes is currently the President of Southern Luzon State University. A recipient of the Most Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, her specializations include Human Geography of Disasters, Natural Hazards, Environmental Migration and Rural-Urban Dynamics in Cities and Developing Agricultural Regions.   ·Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Executive Director of the Oscar M. Lopez Center   Dr. Lasco is a pioneering and multi-awarded scientist with more than 36 years of experience at the national and international level. He is an author of several reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology in the Philippines.   ·Ms. Mary Liza B. Diño, Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines   As the current Chairperson and CEO of FDCP, Ms. Diño streamlined the agency's existing programs and aggressively conceptualized and implemented new, sustainable programs and initiatives that encompassed all areas of film industry development, from policies and legislation, training and education, international alliances and collaborations, workers' welfare and information, and support for Filipino filmmakers in all aspects.   ·Ms. Honey M. Castro, Chief of Corporate Affairs and Information Resource Management Division of the Philippine Commission on Women   With 20 years of experience in the government service, Ms. Castro is an expert in gender and development, communications, and advocacy management.   ·Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino, Professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute and member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino   Dr. Tolentino is currently a Professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute. He has written extensively on Philippine cinema, literature, and popular culture producing more than 90 publications. Some of his works include “Like/Unlike: Kuwentong Facebook at Politika ng Agam-agam” (2014), “Almanak ng Isang Aktibista” (2011), and “Sakit ng Kalingkingan: 100 Dagli sa Edad ng Krisis” (2005).He is also a member of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. ·Ms. Sari Raissa LL. Dalena, Professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute and an independent filmmaker   Ms. Dalena is currently a Professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute. She won twice at the URIAN Film Awards for two short films: “Asong Simbahan” and “Mumunting Krus”. Her first feature-length documentary, “Memories of a Forgotten War,” had the honor of being the closing film at the Documentary Fortnight in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art and was screened at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. Memories of a Forgotten War and From Asia With Love are being distributed by Third World Newsreel. Her short film “Kamikaze” was selected at the Clermont Ferrand Short Film Market.   The esteemed jurors, hailed from the science and film industry, evaluated the short films for their cinematic attributes and technical execution, story and content, impact, as well as gender considerations.   Aside from the Best Film, these judges shall also determine the winners of the special awards including Best in Climate Advocacy, Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Performance, Best Musical Scoring, Best Production Design, and Gender Balance Award.   Catch the winning films during the KFF 2021 Awarding Ceremony on March 11, 2022 at 1:00-3:00 PM via Zoom and Facebook Live through the pages of the Climate Change Commission and Oscar M. Lopez Center, in  collaboration with iWant TFC, as the KFF’s Official Media Partner, and the Support CCC II Project implemented jointly by the CCC and the GIZ Philippines.   The Klima Film Festival, a joint initiative with the OML Center started last year, aims to mobilize the youth in amplifying the importance of local climate solutions to further increase their influence on local climate policy-making, and generate local climate adaptation stories as viewed by young Filipino filmmakers by providing venue for the production and promotion of climate science-based short films.   For more information about the Klima Film Festival, visit the Facebook Page of the Climate Change Commission at facebook.com/CCCPhl, its website at https://climate.gov.ph/events/klima-film-festival/kff-2021, or message the KFF Secretariat at [email protected].