Empowering community-based climate action. The local community, youth leaders, and students join the Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, in a tree-growing activity in Santa Fe, Cebu to strengthen local climate resilience. SANTA FE, Cebu — Santa Fe, Cebu youth leaders, students, farmers, and fisherfolk underscored the importance of planting and caring for trees for resilience and sustainability in the Climate Change Commission (CCC) tree-growing activity for promoting ecosystem-based adaptation. The activity planted a total of 33 Molave saplings, a native tree species that aids to advance community-driven, nature-based solutions in localizing climate action in vulnerable island towns like Santa Fe. The initiative reflects continuing collaboration between the CCC and local government units in Cebu aimed at reducing vulnerability and localizing climate preparedness across island municipalities. “This activity demonstrates how local action, especially with strong youth participation, can deliver tangible climate solutions on the ground,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “Beyond planting trees, we are planting the seeds of education and values formation that are building a generation of Filipinos with a keen sense of respect, responsibility, and stewardship for nature and ecology.” “Climate resilience is ultimately built by people through informed communities, empowered youth, and leaders willing to act decisively,” Borje emphasized. “If we nurture both our ecosystems and our values today, we secure not only stronger landscapes but also a more climate-resilient nation for generations to come. Highlighting the importance of community involvement in climate action, Tristan James N. Pacilan, a student leader from Supreme Secondary Learner Government of Santa Fe National High School, said that when small efforts bind together, these kinds of activities will make a big impact. “As someone who has experienced the wrath of a disaster, it is important to realize that it is also us, the people at the community level, who are also one of the root causes of the problem. So now, with the Supreme Secondary Learner Government joining this small initiative of planting trees, we believe that our micro efforts will grow a macro effect,” Pacilan said. Since 2022, the Commission has been actively involved in tree-growing activities and leading reforestation initiatives, such as the Net Zero Challenge. Currently, the Commission has planted approximately 6,000 trees, with the most recent efforts held in the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao, as part of its commitment to localize climate action. The initiative also supports the Philippine government’s broader climate and development agenda under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and aligns with the country’s National Adaptation Plan, which strengthens resilience through diverse strategies such as reforestation and tree planting activities amid climate change. These activities form part of the support of the CCC in the provinces to mainstream climate change, strengthen stewardship education, and build leadership across generations. The CCC continues to work closely with the local governments and communities to accelerate climate resilience, strengthen carbon sequestration efforts, and advance the country’s transition toward a climate-smart and sustainable future. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
The Climate Change Commission meets with young local leaders of Magdiwang, Romblon to strengthen climate action and lead a tree growing activity as a symbol of collective responsibility and commitment to nature-based solutions (NbS). MAGDIWANG, ROMBLON — Young local leaders from the Municipality of Magdiwang, Romblon emphasized the vital role of trees and mountains as natural defenses against climate risks during the visit of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) at Mount Guiting-Guiting. During the discussion, the youth highlighted Mount Guiting-Guiting as a crucial natural buffer, protecting communities from stronger storms and extreme weather events. “Ang Mount Guiting-Guiting ay hindi lamang bundok na hinahangaan; ito ay buhay na panangga ng Sibuyan Island, tahimik ngunit matatag ang tindig na lumalaban sa nagbabagong klima para sa kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon,” said Ann Mari Roda, a youth leader from Magdiwang, Romblon. "Tumutulong itong mag-regulate ng tubig-ulan at pumipigil sa matinding pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa. Nagsisilbi rin itong harang laban sa malalakas na hangin ng bagyo. " she added. The engagement also focused on empowering the youth to take an active role in shaping community-driven and climate-resilient initiatives. As part of the visit, participants joined a tree-growing activity to reinforce nature-based solutions and strengthen the protection of local ecosystems. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje commended the youth for their awareness and proactive approach to ecological protection. “We’re glad that the youth are very proactive and understand the importance of mountains and trees in the fight against climate change,” Borje said. “This level of awareness among young leaders strengthens our capacity to cultivate a culture of preparedness and ecological stewardship at the community level.” Borje further highlighted the strategic value of mountains in reducing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. “Mountains such as Mount Guiting-Guiting are powerful natural resources in the fight against climate change, serving a dual purpose in both mitigation and adaptation,” he said. He explained that healthy forest ecosystems act as carbon sinks, absorb and store greenhouse gases, regulate temperature, and reduce heat. These ecosystems also protect communities by weakening strong winds, stabilizing soil, and absorbing rainwater, helping to reduce the risks of flooding, landslides, and extreme weather events. These activities form part of the support of the Climate Change Commission in the provinces to mainstream climate change, strengthen stewardship education, and build leadership across generations. The CCC continues to strengthen partnerships with local governments and communities to advance inclusive, science-based, and ecosystem-driven climate action across the Philippines. 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 Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Robert E.A. Borje joins the “Provincial Climate and Disaster Risk Summit: Hagiyos,” where he underscores the critical role of local government units in translating national action plans into concrete and effective strategies on the ground. MAGDIWANG, ROMBLON — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in translating national climate action plans into concrete and effective strategies on the ground during the Provincial Climate and Disaster Risk Summit: Hagiyos held in Sibuyan Island, Romblon. The CCC emphasized the need to harmonize local climate action plans amid the continuing intensification of climate change impacts, which affect families and communities in Romblon through intense rainfall and stronger typhoons. “Araw-araw, hinaharap natin ang isang katotohanan—na ang ating buhay at kabuhayan ay nagiging mas marupok, kapag tayo’y nag-aatubili at hindi kumikilos,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. He stressed that LGUs must move beyond planning and toward disciplined implementation to secure a climate-resilient future for the province, noting that “science tells us where the risks are. Discipline ensures we act on that knowledge.” The CCC also highlighted key national policy frameworks that guide and strengthen the country’s resilience efforts, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), which support the use of science-based approaches in local decision-making and implementation. The summit formed part of the development of the province’s Nine-Year Climate and Disaster Risk Resilience Roadmap for 2026 to 2034, which aims to provide a clear and strategic direction for addressing climate risks at the local level. In support of this initiative, the CCC provided technical guidance to local stakeholders in updating their Local Climate Change Action Plans, ensuring alignment with the NAP, toward the formulation of a responsive and science-informed roadmap. Romblon Provincial Governor Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic emphasized the importance of a long-term roadmap in strengthening the province’s preparedness and resilience against climate impacts. She noted that having a clear plan enables communities to act proactively, avoid losses and damages, and adopt best practices that ensure readiness. The event gathered local leaders, including mayors from the municipalities of Magdiwang, Romblon, and Cajidiocan, vice mayors, partners, civil society organizations, and national government agencies. The CCC remains committed to supporting LGUs through capacity building and technical assistance in crafting effective, science-based, and locally tailored climate action plans. 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, led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, presents the National Adaptation Plan to the Province of Romblon, led by Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic. Municipal officials witness the turnover, including Magdiwang Mayor Noel Joseph Marin Machon; Romblon Mayor Gard Montojo; and representatives of Cajidiocan Mayor Marvin "Greggy" R. Ramos. MAGDIWANG, ROMBLON —The Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, met with Romblon Governor Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic to exchange best practices and strengthen the province’s climate action plan. The meeting underscored the importance of technical assistance and capacity-building support to enhance Romblon’s resilience and readiness against the impacts of climate change, particularly in the face of increasing climate risks. Borje expressed the Commission’s appreciation for the opportunity to support the provincial government, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening local climate action efforts. "Our team at the Climate Change Commission is always ready and willing to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to advance the climate action of the province." In line with this, the CCC presented the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as a framework to help align and anchor the province’s climate initiatives toward a long-term, strategic, and localized approach to climate resilience. The NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., serves as a national instrument that guides efforts across all levels of governance to address climate risks and reduce the country’s vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. Borje emphasized the importance of aligning local initiatives with national strategies, stating, "Through the National Adaptation Plan, we aim to ensure that no community is left behind in building resilience and effective adaptation programs. By strengthening coordination across all levels of governance, we can deliver climate solutions that are responsive to local needs while anchored on a clear, long-term national direction." Through the NAP, local government units and communities are supported in identifying appropriate climate actions, strengthening adaptive capacities, and building resilience to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change. The CCC remains committed to supporting local government units in strengthening their mitigation and adaptation programs to ensure climate-resilient communities. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
Single-use plastics persist in the environment for centuries, intensifying climate and social risks for vulnerable communities. Building on the momentum of Zero Waste Month in January, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) reboots and expands its advocacy through the “Bawal Plastik Dito” online campaign, strengthening the national call to reduce single-use plastics and promote responsible consumption and sustainable alternatives. Rolled out through a series of informational and interactive materials on the Commission’s digital platforms, the anti single-use plastics (SUP) campaign aims to move public discourse beyond awareness and clean-up efforts, and toward long-term behavior change and systemic action. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that addressing plastic pollution is a climate imperative, particularly for a country highly vulnerable to climate risks. “Single-use plastics are not just a waste issue, they are a climate issue. From production to disposal, plastics contribute to emissions, degrade ecosystems, and place additional burdens on communities already exposed to climate impacts,” Borje said. “Reducing our dependence on disposability is a necessary step toward building climate resilience.” Anchored on the Commission’s earlier “Bawal Plastik Dito” sticker-pack initiative, the rebooted campaign expands into a year-long information drive to reinforce message recall and sustain public engagement beyond one-off observances. It also supports the implementation of existing laws and policies on plastic waste by translating national commitments into clear, actionable messages that empower individuals and institutions to act. “By encouraging practical choices and supporting systemic change, we can reduce plastic pollution while advancing climate adaptation and ecological protection,” Borje added. “The solutions are within reach, but they require collective action.” Ultimately, the CCC emphasized that addressing plastic pollution goes beyond managing waste. It requires rethinking consumption patterns, redesigning systems, and choosing a development pathway that does not depend on disposability. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.
