The Climate Change Commission (CCC) highlights the role of climate-smart investments in transforming the healthcare sector into a more efficient, resilient, and equitable system, supporting the country’s public health. PASIG CITY — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) supports the initiative of the Department of Health (DOH) on health sector emissions accounting, which underscores the critical link between climate change and public health, during the launch of the Philippine Health System Integrated National Accounting of Greenhouse Gases (PH-SINAG). The DOH PH-SINAG emphasizes the importance of integrating emissions reduction and adaptation with the health sector while strengthening service delivery. In his message, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje noted that the healthcare sector, which accounts for around 5.6 percent of national emissions, is both a contributor to and a frontline responder to climate change impacts and a critical platform for the country’s climate action. “The health system may not always sit in the foreground of mitigation discussions. But it is clearly a major cross-sector implementation platform, with relevance to energy, transport, waste, buildings, procurement, and public expenditure,” Borje said. The Commission underscored that climate-informed health systems are essential to reduce vulnerabilities, minimize asset loss, and ensure continuity of care amid increasing climate risks such as extreme heat, flooding, and stronger typhoons, referring to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The CCC emphasized that PH-SINAG provides a specific and decision-useful baseline, enabling the emissions within the sector to be more visible and measurable while also enabling institutions to better integrate climate plans into core health system functions. “The task now is not simply to acknowledge emissions. It is to institutionalize the response into planning and budgeting, procurement and infrastructure decisions, facility operations and performance management,” Borje emphasized. PH-SINAG is the first comprehensive, system-wide greenhouse gas emissions baseline for the Philippine health system. Its report addresses the critical gap by providing the evidence base needed to formally anchor the health sector into the Philippines’ climate commitments. Department of Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa acknowledged the growing strain of climate risks on health systems, citing the impacts of extreme weather events, flooding, extreme heat, and pollution on both health outcomes and service delivery. He also underscored PH-SINAG as a critical foundation for identifying emission sources and guiding strategic investments in sustainable and resilient healthcare systems. “This initiative supports the broader goal of integrating health into the national climate commitments and strengthening interagency collaboration for sustainable development. More importantly, this event builds a shared commitment across sectors, promising sustainable health facilities and initiating a roadmap for decarbonization through energy transition, digital solutions, and green procurement,” Herbosa said. The PH-SINAG aims to institutionalize a climate-informed approach to the country’s healthcare system that translates data into action, strengthens resilience, and delivers wider public value. The CCC further highlighted that the initiative strengthens the country’s broader climate architecture by improving measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, and reinforcing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) across the sector. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to ensure that PH-SINAG evolves from an analytical milestone into a durable instrument for evidence-based planning and accountable implementation, supporting a climate-resilient and people-centered health system.
The CCC presented the Philippines’ frameworks on climate finance systems, governance, and budgeting, including the CCET system, to the government representatives from Nepal. Manila, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Finance (DOF) convened a peer-to-peer learning exchange with government representatives from Nepal, providing a platform to share best practices on climate finance systems, governance, and budgeting. Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Climate Finance Network (CFN) under the UK-funded Climate Action for Resilient Asia (CARA) Programme, the exchange aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing on climate finance strategies, institutional frameworks, and tools supporting climate action. The Philippines, through the CCC, presented the current national frameworks, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) of the Philippines 2023-2050 and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) 2020-2030. The Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system was also presented, which institutionalizes the tagging and tracking of climate-related programs, activities, and projects across government. Ms. Aimee Evangelista from the CCC’s Implementation Oversight Division highlighted that “climate budget tagging is not only about tracking expenditures, but about ensuring that public resources are aligned with national climate priorities.” The exchange also highlighted the Philippines’ People’s Survival Fund (PSF) as a key domestic adaptation finance mechanism. The PSF supports local government units and communities in implementing climate adaptation projects, with the DOF serving as the Secretariat and the CCC as one of the members of the PSF Board. The exchange also provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss common challenges, including mobilizing private sector investment, improving data systems and reporting mechanisms, and enhancing access to international climate finance. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that strengthening climate finance systems requires sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange, highlighting the role of peer learning in advancing transparent, accountable, and evidence-based climate action across countries. Director John Narag of the DOF’s Climate Finance Policy Group welcomed the Nepal delegation and underscored the importance of peer learning in strengthening climate finance systems, particularly as the Philippines continues to advance regional cooperation as ASEAN Chair. He highlighted the Philippines’ institutional setup, where the DOF works in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and interagency bodies including the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) to align fiscal policy and budgeting, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen climate finance tracking through initiatives such as a climate finance dashboard. Nepal shared its experience in implementing Climate Budget Tagging (CBT), introduced in 2012 as one of the first systems globally to track climate-related public expenditures. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance highlighted how CBT supports planning, monitoring, and reporting of climate investments across national and subnational levels. Participating agencies from Nepal included the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Forests and Environment, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Both the Philippines and Nepal reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and sustaining knowledge exchange, recognizing peer learning as a key mechanism for institutionalizing climate finance in national planning and budgeting, and supporting long-term resilience and sustainable development. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the Urban Heat and Drought Summit organized by the Quezon City Government, which brings together national government agencies, civil society organizations, local government units, and development partners to advance climate action against urban heat. Manila, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the urgency of localizing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050 to local government units (LGUs) as a key strategy to combat intensifying heat indices during the Urban Heat and Drought Summit 2026 organized by the Quezon City Government and CityNet on April 14. “This dry season, we continue to experience intense heat, which highlights the need for urgent and coordinated action. Through NAP localization, we provide a science-based roadmap that will guide the country in addressing heat risks while protecting key sectors and human health,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. While national in scope, the Commission stressed that the NAP’s impact depends on strong localization, translating strategies into concrete, community-level action that allows LGUs to respond directly to climate risks. Mr. Arnold Grant S. Belver of the CCC’s Policy Research and Development Division, who presented the NAP, emphasized the importance of stronger coordination between national and local governments to ensure effective implementation at the community level. “Strengthening the bond between the national government and Quezon City, and indeed all local governments, is essential to ensure that the NAP translates into concrete, inclusive, and climate-resilient actions for every Filipino community. The temperature and heat is rising, but so is our resolve,” Belver said. Extreme heat continues to escalate in urban areas. In Quezon City alone, heat index levels in 2024 and 2025 reached as high as 46°C, which raised risks to public health, disrupted daily life, and strained energy and water systems. “The NAP is a tailored-fit adaptation strategy for each locality, ensuring that interventions respond directly to their unique climate risks and conditions,” Borje added. The NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., serves as the country’s long-term roadmap to strengthen climate resilience and adaptive capacity toward sustainable development by 2050. In Quezon City, the impacts of extreme heat are becoming more visible across communities, particularly among vulnerable sectors exposed to high temperatures. “But climate change does not announce itself in global averages, it is felt by our people, most especially in specific places,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. The summit gathered CityNet member cities, national and local governments, academe, private sector, development partners, and key stakeholders to drive coordinated action, share solutions, and accelerate climate adaptation efforts against urban heat and drought. The CCC remains committed to localizing the NAP as a key framework for strengthening climate action at the local level. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Giving Earth a break. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the 20th global switch-off event of the Earth Hour movement, where switching on habits for the planet is emphasized as an important role in climate advocacy. PASIG CITY – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined the global observance of Earth Hour 2026 on March 28, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, calling on Filipinos to go beyond the symbolic switching off of lights and embrace long-term, sustainable habits to combat the climate crisis. Now in its 20th year, the annual Earth Hour movement serves as a platform to raise awareness on climate change and biodiversity conservation, mobilizing millions of people across the globe to take collective action. This year’s theme, “Give an Hour for Earth,” aimed to create the "Biggest Hour for Earth" by encouraging people to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet. The event was supported by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., where he urged the public to adopt energy-saving habits and promote environmental responsibility amid global challenges, including the ongoing energy crisis. “This year’s event provides a timely and relevant opportunity for us to reflect not only on the issue of climate change and environmental preservation, but also on the need to conserve energy and to limit fuel consumption amid the current global crisis.” “Earth Hour reminds us that how we use energy affects us all and shows not just our ways but also the kind of future that we choose to build for our nation and our planet,” President Marcos added. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje stressed that while the one-hour lights-off initiative demonstrates unity and environmental awareness, meaningful climate action must extend beyond the hour and translate into everyday practices. “Climate action is not just about one hour of darkness. It is about what we do after the lights come back on. This is not just about turning off the lights. This is about giving life to our hopes and dreams for our country,” Borje said. Anchored on this year’s themed focus, “Switch On Habits for Earth,” the CCC underscored the importance of integrating climate-conscious practices into daily life, such as conserving energy, reducing waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and planting and taking care of trees. The Commission further highlighted that climate change is not only a lifestyle concern but a systems issue, requiring coordinated action from individuals, communities, government, and the private sector. “This is why climate action today, particularly through the youth, should no longer be just an advocacy. It really should be a life that we are going to live,” Borje added. The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policies and programs that promote climate action and sustainable development, in line with national priorities and global climate targets. As the country observed Earth Hour, the Commission called on every Filipino to take part in building a climate-resilient and low-carbon future by making climate action a daily responsibility.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) gathered stakeholders for the Nationally Determined Contribution consultation ahead of the submission of its updated version to the UNFCCC. The hybrid session was held at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development office in Quezon City, with some participants also joining online via Zoom. MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) convened stakeholders to refine the Philippines’ updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of its submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored the importance of the consultation in ensuring coherence and readiness for implementation. “This NDC reflects a one-country team approach: A whole-of-government alignment in policy and planning, a whole-of-economy approach to analysis and the mobilization of investment and systems, and a whole-of-society engagement that keeps our actions grounded and credible,” Borje said. The draft NDC 2026 text—developed by national government agencies—was presented to stakeholders from civil society organizations, marginalized groups, academia, private sector and development partners. The consultation aimed to validate its clarity and technical soundness and to identify remaining gaps ahead of submission. Borje also said the updated NDC strengthens several elements needed for implementation. “Importantly, this updated NDC integrates elements that enable delivery—just transition considerations, strengthened climate finance and other means of implementation, nature-based solutions, and more robust systems for transparency and monitoring.” CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera said the consultation inputs would be reviewed and reflected in the final text. “Today’s consultation makes clear that the direction we are taking is being tested against real conditions on the ground. The NDC is being shaped by the very people and institutions who will help carry it forward,” Herrera said. John Leo Algo of Aksyon Klima, a civil society organization, said this year’s NDC consultations showed progress in transparency and inclusivity. "More consultations were held by the CCC and other agencies nationwide, and we from civil society also conducted our own to ensure more voices are brought to the policymaking table. While improvements such as timelier communications and feedback on how stakeholder inputs are integrated into the document should be made, this was a step in the right direction towards a 'whole-of-society' approach to climate action." The NDC serves as the country’s roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate action. In its 2021 submission, the Philippines committed to a projected 75 percent emissions reduction and avoidance from 2020 to 2030. The targets cover key sectors and their responsible agencies. Energy is led by the Department of Energy (DOE); transport by the Department of Transportation (DOTr); industrial processes and product use, waste, and forest and other land use by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and agriculture by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The NDC 2026 is co-led by the CCC and DENR, in coordination with national government agencies and development partners. The event convened over 200 participants through a hybrid format, bringing together representatives from 14 national government agencies, 22 development partners, 35 civil society organizations and non-profit organizations, 5 academic institutions, 3 marginalized groups, and 26 private sector entities—reflecting a broad, whole-of-society consultation. The NDC advances the priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines, supporting the country’s transition toward low-carbon development, strengthened climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. The CCC remains committed to an inclusive and transparent process in finalizing the country’s NDC, to ensure a credible and workable climate action pathway for the Philippines. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
