The Climate Change Commission highlighted bamboo’s potential to strengthen climate resilience, local industries, and sustainable development at the Mindanao Bamboost Forum. SOUTH COTABATO — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the potential of bamboo innovation to advance climate-resilient development and sustainable construction as government, industry, academe, and development partners convened for the Mindanao Bamboost Forum. In his message, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that expanding the use of locally available, sustainable materials such as bamboo can complement the country’s broader climate action efforts while creating opportunities for local industries, communities, and workers. “Climate action succeeds when it strengthens competitiveness, expands opportunity, and builds resilience. Bamboo reflects that possibility,” Borje said. As the Philippines advances its climate agenda, the Commission continues to support solutions that address climate risks while advancing sustainable development, particularly at the local level. The CCC also emphasized that the country’s ambition for bamboo should go beyond producing raw materials. The goal should be to create greater value through research, engineering, design, manufacturing, and construction, allowing more of the industry’s economic value to remain in the country. “Our ambition should not end with growing more bamboo. It should be to build an industry that becomes a durable driver of Philippine growth, strengthening manufacturing, creating quality jobs, expanding regional economies, and contributing meaningfully to national development,” Borje said. For his part, Bukidnon First District Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba highlighted the need to institutionalize demand for bamboo, particularly through its use in infrastructure and public procurement, as a pathway to further develop what he described as “green gold.” “Industry growth requires a sure, scalable market demand. And that starts with turning public procurement into a guaranteed, scalable market for Filipino families,” Alba said. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. likewise underscored the potential of bamboo beyond its traditional uses, particularly in the construction industry, and the role of government in helping bring these applications to local communities. “This gathering will also highlight the potential of bamboo not just for its traditional use but also for its impact in the construction industry and how government agencies can help scale this into their localities,” said Tamayo. Reaffirming this message at the regional level, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, through Director Olie Dagala, underscored bamboo’s role not only as a renewable resource but also as a strategic economic asset for Mindanao. “At Mindanao, we recognize bamboo as more than a renewable resource. It is a strategic economic asset that advances our Mindanao agenda, particularly our priorities on trade and industry development, ecological integrity and preparedness, and resilience. Through the bamboo development program, we continue to expand opportunities for local producers and strengthen the region’s green economy,” Dagala said. The forum featured discussions on strengthening the bamboo value chain, showcasing bamboo-based technologies and projects, and encouraging wider adoption of bamboo in both public and private sector construction. The forum also featured South Cotabato’s experience in developing and applying bamboo-based solutions, providing participants with examples that may be adapted and scaled in other communities and regions. The CCC also highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing climate-responsive development, bringing together government institutions, architects, engineers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and development organizations to bridge policy, technology, and implementation. “Climate action must translate into solutions that are practical, scalable, and responsive to the realities of our communities. Bamboo offers an opportunity to connect resilience with sustainable development by harnessing a locally available resource for climate-responsive construction,” the CCC said. The forum further contributes to efforts to promote climate resilience through locally grounded innovations and partnerships, consistent with the country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, which provides a framework for reducing vulnerability and strengthening adaptive capacity amid the impacts of climate change. Organized by the Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the South Cotabato Bamboo Industry Development Council (SBIDC), the regional forum brought together stakeholders to explore how bamboo-based technologies, policies, and innovations can be scaled across Mindanao and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment. The CCC remains committed to working with national government agencies, local governments, private sector partners, academe, civil society, and other stakeholders in advancing solutions that strengthen the country’s resilience while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) officials sign a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the partnership to advance climate education, youth engagement, and capacity-building initiatives in support of climate action and national resilience. MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), affirming a shared commitment to advance climate education, youth engagement, and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen climate action and national resilience. The partnership seeks to foster greater collaboration between the CCC and PLV in developing climate-aware and engaged students, while creating opportunities for the academe to contribute to climate action through education, research, community engagement, and capacity-building. “The partnership with PLV provides an opportunity to bring climate action closer to young people and the communities they represent. By strengthening climate knowledge and leadership among students, we help prepare a generation that can contribute meaningfully to a more resilient and sustainable Philippines,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said. The partnership also reflects the CCC's continuing efforts to expand collaboration with academic institutions in mainstreaming climate action and developing future leaders who can help build climate-resilient and sustainable communities. The partnership supports the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, developed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which provides a long-term framework for strengthening the country’s resilience to the impacts of climate change and advancing climate adaptation across sectors and levels of governance. PLV is a local public higher education institution established by the City Government of Valenzuela to provide accessible and quality tertiary education to its residents. It offers academic programs in education, engineering, business, public administration, information technology, health sciences, and other fields that contribute to local and national development. The university also promotes instruction, research, extension, and community engagement, including initiatives supporting sustainability, disaster resilience, civic participation, and local governance. The CCC remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the academe, civil society, private sector, local governments, and other stakeholders to advance science-based, inclusive, and people-centered climate action toward a climate-resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Philippines. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Philippines and Germany strengthened national climate reporting systems through a two-day workshop aimed at improving data, enhancing transparency, and driving more effective climate action. MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government, through the Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the German government, moved to enhance the country’s climate reporting systems through a two-day workshop aimed at translating accurate climate data into more effective, evidence-based action. The workshop focused on strengthening consolidated and centralized systems for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) for adaptation, and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) for mitigation. It aimed to improve progress tracking, enhance data systems, and promote harmonized methodologies alongside stronger institutional capacities. This initiative forms part of the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) project, a joint effort by the Philippine and German governments to raise climate ambition and align national efforts with international and domestic climate and biodiversity goals. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the critical role of reporting systems in guiding climate action strategies. “A strong national reporting system allows us to clearly track progress, align our strategies, and ensure that climate action delivers real results for our communities. This is essential to making sure our actions are responsive to the needs of our people,” Borje said. The workshop also explored best practices in climate reporting, identified key gaps and priorities, and examined approaches from other countries to build a more robust MRV and MEAL system. CCC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Romell Antonio O. Cuenca underscored the challenges posed by fragmented reporting systems, noting that scattered data limits the effectiveness of climate action and highlights the need for continuous improvement. “When our systems are coherent and robust, our reporting becomes more credible, efficient, and meaningful. Beyond that, it strengthens governance and ensures that climate action delivers real and lasting benefits for our communities,” he said. Ms. Maraida Licerio, Senior Technical Advisor of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), highlighted that strengthening climate action does not always require new systems, but rather enhancing existing mandates through more transparent and accountable implementation. The event, organized under the GIZ TRANSCEND project through WSP and Clean Air Asia, brought together representatives from national government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The CCC remains committed to continuously improving and strengthening climate action in the country to address the climate crisis and help prevent communities from bearing the brunt of its impacts. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined the “Walang Plastikan, Walang Iwanan!” Plastic-Free July 2026 activities, supporting collective action to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable consumption and production. MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) reinforced its commitment to scale up the drive against plastic pollution and engage government, civil society, and community partners in promoting sustainable consumption and production as the month-long observance of Plastic-Free July concluded. Anchored on the theme "Walang Plastikan, Walang Iwanan!," the campaign brought together government agencies, civil society organizations, youth groups, and communities to promote sustainable consumption and production, strengthen waste reduction efforts, and encourage climate-conscious lifestyles under the principle of a just transition that leaves no one behind. The Commission kicked off its participation by joining the "Walang Plastikan, Walang Iwanan! Takbuhan!" on July 26, an initiative designed to demonstrate that community sporting events can be organized without generating single-use plastic waste. It aimed to raise awareness on local plastic reduction policies and strengthen collaboration among local governments, civil society organizations, and communities. The activities culminated in the Arts, Culture, and Music Festival on July 31, where the CCC mounted an information booth to highlight its climate action initiatives and the "Bawal Plastik Dito" campaign. During the event, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje and Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera joined government and civil society leaders to pledge their full support for plastic reduction. “At the heart of this effort is a simple principle: walang iwanan. Solutions must be inclusive, ensuring that no community is left behind. Zero Waste is not just about reducing trash, it is about rethinking systems, values, and how we use resources,” Borje said. He added, “Through art, culture, and music, today’s celebration transforms awareness into action and inspires hope.“ Reaffirming reducing plastic pollution as a climate action, Herrera recognized these efforts as a shared responsibility. “Real transformation happens when governments, businesses, civil society, communities, artists, educators, and young people move together with a shared purpose. As we shift toward more sustainable systems and practices, we must ensure that no one is left behind, especially the communities, workers, and sectors most affected by both climate change and plastic pollution,” she said. The event featured interactive exhibits, community murals, cultural performances, reuse and refill demonstrations, workshops on circular living, and performances honoring environmental champions and communities affected by ecological hazards. The CCC, under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasized that addressing plastic pollution reduces greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and communities affected by climate change. Plastic-Free July is a global movement that encourages millions of people worldwide to refuse single-use plastics and reduce waste generation. Through partnerships with organizations such as the EcoWaste Coalition, the CCC continues to advance whole-of-society approaches that encourage responsible consumption and production, support the transition to a circular economy, and reinforce climate action at the national and community levels. The CCC's participation formed part of its continuing "Bawal Plastik Dito" campaign, which supports the national drive to reduce single-use plastics, promote ecologically sound alternatives, and mainstream climate change and environmental sustainability across sectors. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission joins the Centro Escolar University community in advancing climate change awareness and collective climate action. MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the power of youth to drive climate action, highlighting the role of students and the academe at the 119th Foundation Anniversary Convocation of Centro Escolar University. The discussion centered on the convocation theme, “Innovative Approaches to Mitigate Climate Change and Global Warming,” and highlighted the role of academic institutions as critical platforms for advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 and embedding climate action into education systems and campus initiatives. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that the youth are not merely beneficiaries of climate policy, but active agents in shaping a climate-resilient future. He stressed that the academe remains a cornerstone in cultivating the knowledge, values, and leadership necessary to confront the climate crisis. “Every lecture, every research endeavor, and every meaningful exchange within our academic institutions helps shape the future of our nation. It is through education that we cultivate the critical thinking, innovation, and collective resolve needed to confront the climate crisis and secure a more resilient future for all,” Borje said, underscoring the transformative power of education in driving long-term, systemic change. Borje emphasized that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), developed under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., serve as national frameworks guiding the youth and academic institutions in their climate initiatives, strengthening resilience and pursuing a low-carbon future. Dr. Teresa R. Perez, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of Centro Escolar University, reaffirmed the institution’s role in shaping responsive and forward-looking societies. “As a university, we have a unique responsibility. Universities are not merely centers for instruction; they are generators of ideas, incubators of innovation, and catalysts for social transformation,” Perez said. Meanwhile, Borje also underscored the broader civic purpose of education, noting that it must instill a deep sense of responsibility toward both present and future generations. “Education, therefore, is much more than preparation for employment. It is preparation for citizenship. Citizenship is not simply the exercise of rights; it is the acceptance of responsibility for a future we will never experience alone,” he added. After the convocation, the CEU also launched its electronic waste bin as one of its newest initiatives to promote sustainability and proper waste disposal. The event gathered CEU faculty, students, and staff, with participants from a public livestream through the Facebook page, reflecting a unified academic community committed to advancing climate action and sustainability. The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with academic institutions to deepen climate literacy, promote evidence-based policymaking, and empower the youth as central actors in advancing a resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable future. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
