MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) secured continued support during House of Representatives budget deliberations for its efforts to further strengthen climate governance, build local capacities, and improve access to climate finance, as the Commission advances translation of climate policies and investments into concrete action for communities.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said the Commission’s programs focus on strengthening institutional and local capacities, improving access to climate information, and developing mechanisms that support climate-responsive planning and investments.

“Our work is ultimately about enabling governments and communities to better understand climate risks and translate this knowledge into concrete programs and investments. By strengthening coordination, capacity, and access to climate finance, we can help ensure that climate action reaches the communities that need it most,” Borje said.

During the budget deliberations, Bohol Representative John Geesnell Yap, sponsor of the CCC budget, highlighted the Commission’s role in coordinating and monitoring government efforts on climate change and in helping integrate climate considerations into national, sectoral, and local development planning.

Yap noted that the impacts of climate change are already being experienced across the country, affecting communities, livelihoods, and the broader development of the Philippines.

“Intensifying tropical cyclones, sea level rise, heavy rainfall events, and increasing temperatures already affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of Filipinos,” Yap said.

The House earlier terminated budget scrutiny of the CCC, which is proposed to receive ₱183.482 million under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

During the deliberations, the Commission highlighted its continuing work on Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET), capacity building, climate information and services, climate finance coordination, and support for local governments in developing and implementing climate programs.

Under the CCET, the CCC reported completed tagging processes for 148 of 202 national government agencies (NGAs), 57 of 98 government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and 102 of 119 state universities and colleges (SUCs).

The Commission also provides capacity-building support to LGUs, particularly in accessing climate financing mechanisms such as the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), where project documentation and proposal development are among the key requirements for funding access.

The CCC is likewise supporting efforts to strengthen climate finance coordination, including the proposed establishment of a dedicated climate finance unit within the Commission. House Bill No. 8918 has been filed to support this institutional mechanism.

Through the localization of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the CCC is also working with partners to ensure that climate planning responds to local risks and the needs of vulnerable sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

“Climate action is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort. The CCC will continue to work with our partners to strengthen capacities, improve coordination, and mobilize investments that contribute to a climate-resilient and sustainable Philippines,” Borje said.

The Climate Change Commission is the country’s lead policy-making body on climate change. Under Republic Act No. 9729, or the Climate Change Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10174, the CCC is mandated to coordinate, monitor and evaluate government programs and actions on climate change and mainstream climate change into national, sectoral and local development plans and programs.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.