The Climate Change Commission participated in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people planting bamboo simultaneously, held in Villaba, Leyte. VILLABA, Leyte – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored bamboo's crucial role as a carbon sink to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote livelihoods during the bamboo planting event titled “Kawayanihan: A Circular Economy Movement” held in Villaba, Leyte. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the need to enhance ecosystems to combat climate-induced disasters, pointing out that deforestation significantly exacerbates climate impacts. Bamboo, in particular, absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than most terrestrial trees. Its deep-rooted structure strengthens riverbanks and stabilizes slopes, and prevents flooding and landslides which are crucial for enhancing climate resilience. “The giant bamboo provides multiple benefits, making it essential to protect this species and promote its cultivation to maximize its positive impact on our ecosystems. This will enhance our biodiversity which will contribute to climate-resilient communities,“ Borje stated. Leyte 3rd District Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon highlighted the pivotal role of bamboo, stating, "This green resource plays a vital role in both our ecosystem and livelihoods, promoting environmental sustainability while it creates livelihood opportunities for local communities." Bukidnon 1st Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba, who led the simultaneous Bukidnon segment of the Kawayanihan, noted that the event presents a significant opportunity for sustainable development through bamboo cultivation. "By promoting bamboo growing, we support local farmers while also tackling reforestation efforts. Given its fast growth rate, bamboo is a valuable ally to combat climate change," he emphasized. Alba also mentioned that this movement is a strong representation of collective action, which is essential in climate efforts to achieve a resilient community. "By uniting our efforts, we can empower individuals and communities to take meaningful steps toward sustainability and environmental stewardship." Meanwhile, Shiela Lantaca, representative from the Department of Labor and Employment, also expressed her support for the initiative. "Our department fully supports this action as it creates potential livelihoods, particularly with the inclusion of green jobs," she stated. Engr. Winston N. Solite, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Leyte, emphasized the significance of the initiative. "This tree planting helps reduce the impacts of global warming, as bamboo serves as an effective carbon sink,” he stated. Approximately 4,500 planters across 19 locations in Mindanao and Leyte simultaneously planted 20,000 bamboo for the Guinness World Record attempt, which also symbolizes the strength of collective climate action at the grassroots level. According to Romela Ratilla, DOST Regional X Director, the bamboos were geotagged to monitor their growth as they are potential sources of raw materials for various high-value products. The CCC remains committed to working with stakeholders and development partners to pursue policies and programs that promote the bamboo industry and other sustainable climate strategies. “Bamboo has long been part of our cultural heritage and rural livelihoods. Through initiatives like this, we preserve that rich heritage while harnessing its potential to build a greener economy,” Borje said. “This initiative demonstrates the power of individuals taking immediate climate action. Let this moment remind us that addressing the climate crisis requires the participation of every citizen, community, and sector,” he added, urging the public to support bamboo and other sustainable solutions that help reduce carbon footprints. Led by the Department of Science and Technology, the Office of Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon and the Office of Representative Jose Manuel Alba, the event was attended by local government officials and partners from various regions for a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people planting bamboo simultaneously. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje at the IOM UN Migration's Regional Study Group Session that focuses on the ongoing development in the localization of NAP in BARMM. COTABATO, Philippines — As part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience across the Philippines, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) shared key updates on the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) during a recent Study Group Session organized by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cotabato City. The Philippines’ NAP, a key document for long-term climate adaptation planning, was developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The session focused on localizing the NAP in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and emphasized the region’s unique challenges and opportunities in integrating climate adaptation strategies into local policies and development plans. Recognizing BARMM’s distinct socio-political landscape and heightened exposure to climate hazards, the CCC emphasized the importance of embedding the NAP into BARMM’s regional development framework. These efforts include conducting risk assessments tailored to the region's distinct geographical, socio-economic and political characteristics. “We are committed to support BARMM in translating national adaptation strategies into localized programs and projects that cater to the specific needs of our communities,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. To further align national climate policies with local action, the CCC assists BARMM’s local government units (LGUs) in the development of their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), which serve as critical tools to identify and implement climate adaptation and resilience measures. Currently, 62.4% of BARMM’s LGUs have submitted their LCCAPs. The CCC aims for 100% submission by 2025 and focuses on enhancing the capacities of the remaining 37.6% LGUs through technical support and capacity-building initiatives. To ensure efficient allocation of financial resources for climate adaptation and mitigation, the CCC introduced Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system to drive transparency in tracking climate investments and promote accountability in climate action. In BARMM, 42 out of 125 BARMM LGUs have submitted their Annual Investment Plans (AIPs) and Quality Assurance Reports (QARs) for FY 2023. The CCC urged the remaining LGUs to engage in the CCET process to better align their financial plans with national climate priorities. The People's Survival Fund (PSF), alongside CCET, supports LGUs and local organizations by financing climate adaptation projects in areas such as water management, agriculture, health, infrastructure, disease monitoring, early warning systems, institutional development, information networks, risk insurance, and community programs. The CCC remains committed to work closely with BARMM and other partners to ensure the successful localization of the NAP, equipping the region to better withstand the impacts of climate change. “We will translate the NAP into tangible actions with measurable results. By prioritizing the submission of LCCAPs and engaging in the CCET process, BARMM can significantly contribute to the nation’s collective capacity to confront and overcome climate challenges, ultimately building a more resilient future for all Filipinos,” Borje stated. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission, led by Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, met with the National Youth Commission headed by Undersecretary Joseph Francisco Ortega, NYC Chairperson, to explore collaboration on climate change programs to empower the youth sector. The meeting identified points of convergence and cooperation to further strengthen the capacity of the youth sector in climate action. These initiatives aim to enhance their role in climate efforts by providing the necessary tools and resources. Additionally, there are plans to develop a more comprehensive training module to sharpen their skills and knowledge for effective community leadership. The exploratory meeting was also attended by several NYC officials and representatives, including Assistant Secretary Christine Joy Cari, who represents the Visayas; Commissioner-at-large Michelle Mae Gonzales; James Caesar Ventura, Division Chief of the Regional Youth Development Division (Kabataan Unit); and Dr. Mark Michael Unlu-Cay from the Office of Asec. Cari.
The session on the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) provided an overview of its legal foundation and the nine-step formulation process. CCC Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio Cuenca delivered the keynote message for the writeshop. MANILA, 18 October 2024 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recently conducted the ACT Local Programme Training Writeshop, designed to empower local government units (LGUs) to fast-track the development and implementation of risk-informed Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs). Attended virtually by almost 800 representatives from LGUs across the country, the writeshop emphasized the critical role of local climate action in achieving the objectives set out in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contributions Investment Plan (NDCIP). Participants received technical guidance on integrating climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into their local development plans and strengthening their capacity to respond to climate-related risks. The writeshop facilitated in-depth discussions on essential technical topics related to the formulation of enhanced LCCAPs, including the LCCAP 9-step process and Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA). "With each LGU submitting its Local Climate Change Action Plan, we can shift our narrative from victims to victors, bringing us closer to a climate-resilient and sustainable Philippines," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje in a message delivered by CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca. "The CCC is here to support you every step of the way, and I am confident that with your dedication, we will achieve our shared goals." The event featured lectures and talks from several notable speakers, including Dr. Rodel Lasco from the Oscar M. Lopez Center, Elsbeth T. Maralli, Division Chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region II, Wilmer Agustin, Weather Specialist from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and Vanessa Baguiwet, Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The CCC’s ACT Local Programme aims to equip LGUs with enhanced technical knowledge and capabilities necessary to craft effective LCCAPs based on existing local development plans. With a compliance rate of 88.98% as of August 2024, the CCC targets at least 90% of LGUs to submit their LCCAPs by December 2024 and aims for 100% compliance by 2025 in alignment with the Philippine Development Plan. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera and NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Abad Santos emphasized the Philippines’ goal to strengthen its commitment to climate action at the Nationally Determined Contribution Partnership Steering Committee Meeting in New York. NEW YORK, 16 October 2024 – The Philippines highlighted the importance of international collaboration and national leadership in advancing climate action, aligning its efforts with the 1.5°C global goal during the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Partnership Steering Committee Meeting held in New York, USA. The two-day event gathered representatives of developing countries, developed countries and their funding organizations, multilateral development banks, and academia, who form part of the NDC Partnership steering committee, to discuss the current and upcoming work program aimed to support higher ambition in NDCs by 2025. The Philippine delegation, led by Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Undersecretary Carlos Abad Santos of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), expressed gratitude for the NDC Partnership's efforts to address the growing needs of developing countries. During the meeting, Herrera acknowledged the NDC Partnership’s assistance, which includes resources from the Partnership Action Fund (PAF) and the deployment of in-country facilitators to help develop the Philippines’ NDC Partnership Plan. She emphasized the need for sustained international collaboration and country-level leadership for successful climate action efforts. "The (NDC) Partnership is at a crossroads but is well-placed to seize the momentum. For the Philippines, we prioritize climate action from the highest and across all levels of government, aligning with our national development agenda.” Herrera also highlighted the unique role of the NDC Partnership in guiding countries through climate financing mechanisms. "The platform has become the 'approach of choice' for many, including the Philippines, as we engage with bilateral partners and multilateral development banks to enhance our climate resilience," she stated. She pointed out the importance of focusing on countries committed to implement and enhance their NDCs, those with the potential for transformative adaptation co-benefits, and those promoting inclusion and gender empowerment. Equally important are countries that may lack quantitative indicators but show promise through peer-to-peer learning due to positive outcomes and progress in realizing ambitious goals. In his remarks, Undersecretary Abad Santos reiterated the Philippines' commitment to submitting an enhanced NDC by 2025. “The Philippines intends to submit an enhanced NDC 3.0, focusing on scaling up climate action and ambition on mitigation and implementation,” he stated. This updated plan will establish a robust measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system, emphasizing adaptation and resilience. He shared that the country’s NDC will revisit parameters and measures across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, industry, and forestry, while setting respective targets based on integrated modeling and economy-wide analysis. Abad Santos stressed the importance of collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector, and stakeholders to assess progress, address barriers, and improve implementation coordination, ensuring that climate actions are both ambitious and feasible. As the Philippines prepares to update its NDC for the 2025 cycle guided by the Paris Agreement, it will continue to prioritize adaptation strategies that address the immediate needs of its people while scaling up mitigation efforts to contribute to global climate goals. The CCC remains committed to coordinating and collaborating with international partners to drive effective climate action and a climate-resilient future for the Philippines. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
