The Climate Change Commission (CCC) met with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Manila to explore areas of collaboration on nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate adaptation and mitigation.   MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, led by Ambassador Marielle Geraedts, are exploring ways to advance nature-based solutions (NBS) as a key strategy for climate change adaptation and mitigation. At a meeting held at the CCC, both parties highlighted opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation on climate action, particularly in scaling up ecosystems-based approaches that reduce climate risks while supporting sustainable development. “Nature-based solutions are among the most powerful and practical responses to the climate crisis. By working with ecosystems-based approaches such as protecting forests, restoring wetlands, and rehabilitating coastal areas, we not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthen our natural defenses against climate impacts,” Borje said. Both parties identified potential areas of collaboration, including participation in ASEAN–Netherlands cross-learning initiatives on climate adaptation and NBS, aimed at facilitating the exchange of technical expertise and best practices across the region. The discussions are aligned with the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, which identifies the scaling up of nature-based solutions as a key cross-sectoral strategy, as well as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which outlines the country’s commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate resilience. The Netherlands, recognized globally for its expertise in water management, climate adaptation, and integrated, nature-based approaches to flood risk reduction, expressed its support for a strengthened partnership with the Philippines through knowledge sharing, capacity-building, and innovative solutions. The CCC underscored that strong partnerships with development partners such as the Netherlands are crucial in advancing climate action, particularly in mobilizing climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support. This engagement reflects the CCC’s continuing commitment to continued collaboration among governments, development partners, and local stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of nature-based solutions in support of the country’s climate resilience and sustainable development agenda.

The Climate Change Commission takes part in the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, underscoring the need for strategic climate finance to support resilient investments across Asia. MAKATI CITY – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the need for strategic climate finance to strengthen resilience against intensifying climate impacts across the region during the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (ACCCDR) held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). As climate risks continue to escalate across Asian countries, the CCC underscored that climate action must evolve into more innovative and transformative approaches that respond to emerging and complex threats. Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the critical role of anticipatory finance, stressing that investments must be made early and strategically to reduce risks before they escalate. “Anticipatory finance is not just about acting early. It is about making the right investments early so that risk is reduced at the point of design and not after failure.” “It is about the speed of the peso moving from the national treasury to a local barangay before the storm makes landfall,” she added. Echoing this, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E. A. Borje emphasized that resilience begins with informed and forward-looking investments. “We must stop building and rebuilding the same risks over and over again. We must build right at first sight. Instead of repeatedly building after being destroyed, we need to invest right from the start. With best available science and data-driven planning, we can plan and implement well, ensuring that every peso spent reduces and does not reinforce risk.” Borje said. He further emphasized that climate finance must be anchored in science-based strategies. In particular, he pointed to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as a key policy framework that guides national and local governments in identifying vulnerabilities and directing investments where they are most needed. The NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., advances a climate-smart and climate-resilient development pathway for the country by enabling targeted, data-driven adaptation measures across sectors and communities. From the local governance perspective, Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) emphasized the urgency of rethinking traditional disaster response approaches, noting the increasing pressure on frontline institutions. “Our traditional approaches to disaster management, while foundational, are no longer sufficient to keep pace with these realities. We must therefore shift not only in strategy but in mindset.” The conference served as a regional platform that brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, the private sector, and development institutions for a series of high-level panel discussions focused on climate finance, policy alignment, and resilience-building across Asia. With the theme “From Risk to Readiness: Investing in Climate Futures in Asia,” the conference gathers key stakeholders from the legislative, national, and local governments, civil society organizations, as well as the private sector and academe to advance climate finance and drive resilient investment across the region. The event was organized by the Asian Institute of Management, co-organized by the Climate Change Commission, and supported by key partners. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

Senator Loren Legarda delivers her keynote address at the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, emphasizing the crucial role of anticipatory climate action. MAKATI CITY – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Senator Loren Legarda both emphasized the importance of stronger anticipatory action legislation to strengthen resilience and preparedness against the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable communities. In her keynote speech at the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, Legarda underscored that policy reforms must shift climate governance from reactive disaster response toward systems that enable early and science-based action, particularly through institutionalized financing and preparedness mechanisms. “We must tear down the firewall between ‘relief’ and ‘readiness.’ Our national budget has long treated climate finance as a post-mortem expense. We allocate billions for after, but pennies for just before. We need to activate resources for anticipatory use.” Legarda stressed that legislative innovation must play a central role in advancing anticipatory response, ensuring that communities and other vulnerable groups are better equipped before disasters strike. “I propose that we move toward a model of 'Conditional Early Action." This means pre-positioning funds in the accounts of local governments—not for rebuilding schools, but for retrofitting them.” “And we need to recognize that vulnerability is not uniform. Women, indigenous communities, the elderly, the PWDs, and those in geographically isolated areas face differentiated and compounded risks. Anticipatory finance must be redesigned to reach them first and not last,” Legarda said. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje also emphasized that anticipatory climate action means that we should not think about how often we can rebuild, but how we rarely are destroyed. “We must stop building and rebuilding the same risks over and over again. We must build right at first sight. Instead of repeatedly building after being destroyed, we need to invest right from the start. With best available science and data-driven planning, we can plan and implement well, ensuring that every peso spent reduces and does not reinforce risk,” Borje said. A long-time climate champion, Legarda authored key pieces of legislation that form the backbone of the country’s climate and disaster risk governance, including the Climate Change Act of 2009, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and the People’s Survival Fund Act. The conference convened representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society. International development organizations – including the Embassy of France, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and regional DRM practitioners – were also present to exchange insights and advance collaboration on climate finance, policy coherence, and resilience-building efforts across Asia. Carrying the theme “From Risk to Readiness: Investing in Climate Futures in Asia,” the event aimed to strengthen partnerships and mobilize investments that support climate-resilient 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) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) have formalized a strategic partnership to strengthen the accessibility of climate information through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 04 May 2026. MANILA, Philippines | 5 May 2026 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), reinforcing a partnership that strengthens the accessibility of climate information. Recognizing that the climate crisis is both a scientific and societal challenge, the partnership underscores the need to communicate climate information in ways that are clear, relatable, and grounded in the languages of Filipino communities. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje highlighted the significance of the joint work between the Commission and KWF, citing that KWF is a critical ally in the fight against the climate crisis. “Ang KWF ay mahalagang kaagapay ng CCC sa adbokasiya ng aksyong pang-klima at sa pagtugon sa krisis na kaakibat ng nagbabagong klima,” Borje said. “Bagama't unibersal ang datos at siyensya ng pagbabago ng klima, ang pagpapabatid ng mga epekto nito ay dapat na lokal, inklusibo, at higit sa lahat ay naiintindihan ng bawat isang mamamayan mula sa iba’t ibang antas ng lipunan.” Borje emphasized that the initiative supports the implementation of key national frameworks, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) built under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by strengthening climate literacy and enabling more effective local action. “Ang ganitong teknikal na dokumento ay nangangailangan ng koordinasyon sa inyong institusyon upang masiguro na napapanatili nito ang linguistic inclusivity. Dito nagtatagpo ang dalawang tungkulin: ang CCC sa pagbibigay-linaw sa panganib at direksyon ng patakaran, at ang KWF sa pagtiyak na ito ay nauunawaan at nagiging bahagi ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he added. Affirming this, KWF Chairperson Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran highlighted the critical role of language in nation-building and climate action. “Ang ating wika ay dapat na nagsisilbi sa tao. Ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino ay itinatag hindi lamang upang maging bantay ng balarila o tagasuri ng mga salita; ang ating serbisyo ay kailangang nakararating sa mga mamamayan,” Atty. Barrios-Taran expressed. The partnership also sets the stage for sustained collaboration between the two agencies, including the joint development of communication materials, conduct of capacity-building activities, and co-creation of campaigns that utilize the best available scientific data using national and regional languages. The partnership reflects a whole-of-government approach to climate action, integrating scientific knowledge with cultural and linguistic inclusivity to build a more climate-resilient Philippines. The CCC remains steadfast in engaging with various sectors to advance climate action domestically and globally, reaffirming its commitment to building a climate-resilient and sustainable Philippines. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a message at the inaugural session of the ASEAN Climate Week, highlighting a whole-of-system approach in confronting the global crisis. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) also joined the event and participated in the high-level panel discussion conducted via Zoom. MANILA, Philippines — During the inaugural session of the ASEAN Climate Week on Monday, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), through a whole-of-system approach and strengthened collaboration, holds the resolve to confront the global crisis. “ASEAN stands at the frontlines of the global climate crisis, as stronger storms, rising seas, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods have become realities for millions across the southeast asian region.“ Marcos added, “Confronting these challenges is our shared responsibility and ASEAN has shown that through cooperation, we can overcome common problems with our collective purpose and resolve.” Reiterating President Marcos’ message, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) also underscored an integrated, whole-of-system approach to ensure long-term resilience and economic stability during the inaugural session. The CCC recognized ASEAN as a key platform for strengthening coordination and partnerships to address the global climate crisis. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that addressing climate risks requires a shift from fragmented responses toward more integrated and coordinated systems across the region. “The Philippines approaches this challenge with the recognition that climate risks, economic stability, and energy systems across ASEAN are increasingly interconnected. At the same time, responses remain largely national in scope. This gap—between shared exposure and fragmented control—underscores the need for more integrated and coordinated approaches.” Borje further noted that maintaining climate ambition while ensuring resilience and stability requires aligning each priority within a coherent system that supports long-term development. The ASEAN Climate Week, which is being held from April 27 to May 1, aims to advance Nationally Determined Contributions, strengthen climate action through high-level dialogues, technical exchanges, and targeted training across ASEAN. Held for the first time and hosted by the Philippines, the ASEAN Climate Week underscores the country’s role in advancing regional climate leadership and deepening collaboration among ASEAN Member States in addressing interconnected climate, energy, and development challenges. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

Strengthening climate transparency. The Climate Change Commission (CCC), together with key national agencies and development partners, officially launched the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency in the Philippines (CBIT PH), a project aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to comply with the transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement. PASIG CITY – The Climate Change Commission recently launched the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency in the Philippines (CBIT PH), a transparency project aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to comply with the transparency requirements under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. Implemented by the CCC as executing agency, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as co-lead, the CBIT PH is funded by the Global Environment Facility through Conservation International – Global Environment Facility (CI-GEF), with the Manila Observatory serving as executing agency support partner and project management unit. In his opening remarks, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the need to integrate existing policies, data systems, and platforms into a cohesive and functional whole. “We have policies that set direction. We have sectoral systems that generate data. We have platforms that are meant to bring these together. And under the Paris Agreement, particularly through the Enhanced Transparency Framework, we are expected to connect all of these to track progress, to understand impact, and to inform decisions.” “These are not separate requirements. In practice, they have to work as one system that links science, policy, and investment and allows us to act with clarity and consistency. The CBIT Philippines Project is meant to operationalize that,” Borje added. An inception workshop followed the launch, which convened key government agencies including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Transportation (DOTr), development partners, and stakeholders to align strategies for enhancing the country’s climate transparency systems, particularly on Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions. The project is co-led with the DENR, with support from the Global Environment Facility through Conservation International – Global Environment Facility (CI-GEF). DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh underscored the importance of transparency in driving global climate ambition, noting that investments in transparency serve as the backbone of the global transition toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. “A strong transparency system allows us to demonstrate progress of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), unlock greater access to climate finance, and design policies that are grounded in real and reliable data,” Teh said. Meanwhile, Aki Marcelino of CI-GEF highlighted that transparency remains central to the Paris Agreement, enabling countries to track progress and strengthen accountability. Fr. Ramon Villarin of the Manila Observatory also emphasized that transparency lies at the heart of climate action, stressing the need for stronger institutional capacity and data systems. Held on April 20–21, 2026, the two-day workshop featured presentations from key sectoral agencies, including the Department of Energy, DOTr, and DENR, on their ongoing transparency initiatives for greenhouse gas emissions. Discussions also surfaced challenges in reporting and identified capacity needs to support the country’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. A ceremonial signing of commitment among partner institutions was also conducted, reaffirming support for the project. On the second day, participating agencies engaged in workshops on the CBIT PH results framework, targets, budget, and workplan, contributing to the project’s three-year implementation roadmap. Anchored on Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, CBIT PH aims to strengthen institutional coordination, enhance technical capacities, and improve knowledge sharing to enable a more transparent, coherent, and responsive climate information system, supporting the whole-of-government approach to climate action under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The CCC emphasized that strengthening transparency systems will not only support compliance with international commitments but also improve climate policy development, resource mobilization, and overall governance, in line with the administration’s push for science-based, data-driven, and accountable climate action.   For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

At the ASEAN Climate Week, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscores the need to institutionalize climate budget tagging to ensure transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making across governments. MANILA, Philippines | 29 April 2026 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the importance of institutionalizing climate budget tagging systems to strengthen transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making for climate action during the ASEAN Climate Week Parallel Session on Climate Finance and Climate–Economy Modelling. Speaking at the regional knowledge exchange, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that climate action must be treated not only as an ecological concern but also as a fiscal and economic discipline, requiring robust systems that guide public investment and planning. He highlighted the Philippines’ Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system as an essential tool for governments to identify, classify, and track climate-related expenditures, bringing structure and transparency into how governments account for climate action and align with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Sustainable Development Goals. “At its core, CCET is about transparency and accountability. It allows our Government to clearly report how public funds are utilized for climate action not only for compliance under the Enhanced Transparency Framework and the Biennial Transparency Reports, but to ensure that spending leads to measurable outcomes.” Borje also stressed that no country can build effective climate finance systems in isolation, pointing to the need for strong whole-of-government coordination among environment, finance, and planning institutions. Such coordination, he said, is essential to ensure coherence in climate policies and optimize the use of limited resources. At the regional level, the CCC recognized ASEAN as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building, enabling Member States to share experiences, align approaches, and collectively strengthen climate finance frameworks. The session, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Finance (DOF) as part of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, brought together senior officials and technical experts from across ASEAN to discuss climate finance tracking, fiscal planning, and climate–economy modelling. The CCC reiterated that strengthening climate finance systems requires sustained collaboration, continuous improvement of data systems, and a shared commitment across institutions and countries to advance transparency and accountability in climate action. The ASEAN Climate Week, held from April 27 to May 1, aims to advance Nationally Determined Contributions, strengthen climate action through high-level dialogues, technical exchanges, and targeted training across ASEAN. Held for the first time and hosted by the Philippines, the ASEAN Climate Week underscores the country’s role in advancing regional climate leadership and deepening collaboration among ASEAN Member States in addressing interconnected climate, energy, and development challenges. As the Philippines continues to champion climate governance and finance innovations, the CCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with ASEAN partners to scale up effective tools such as CCET and support the region’s transition toward resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart development.

Strengthening institutional capacities and promoting fiscal transparency. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted its Annual Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) Orientation for the Fiscal Year 2027 National Budget Preparations, bringing together key stakeholders from national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) convened key government institutions for its annual Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) orientation in support of the Fiscal Year 2027 national budget preparations, reinforcing efforts to integrate climate action into public planning and budgeting. The CCET is a key policy tool that enables government agencies to track, monitor, and report climate-related expenditures, ensuring that public investments contribute to climate resilience and low-carbon development. It also promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for climate action. In his opening remarks, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E. A. Borje underscored the importance of CCET as a mechanism that strengthens transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for climate action. “This [CCET] is not merely a compliance requirement; these are public funds, and we have a responsibility to ensure they are managed with the highest level of integrity,” Borje said. “Now, this leads to a crucial point: the effectiveness of CCET depends entirely on the active participation of all agencies. It is a whole-of-government effort,” he added. Echoing this, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera highlighted the value of accurate climate expenditure tagging in guiding better policy and investment decisions. “When climate expenditures are tagged properly, we get a clear picture of where the support from taxpayers’ money is going, where the gaps remain, and where public resources may not yet be aligned with climate risk. We are in a better position to make decisions, to design programs, and improve on them, so that we can better explain our choices to the public who we serve,” Herrera said. On behalf of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando U. Toledo, DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran emphasized the role of CCET in ensuring coherence and effectiveness in climate-related spending. “CCET is what allows us to see clearly: where our climate funds are going, how effective they are, and whether they are truly addressing the risks faced by our communities. Without it, climate spending becomes fragmented. With it, we gain direction, discipline, and accountability,” Libiran said. The two-day activity, held in collaboration with the DBM, aimed to build the capacity of participating institutions to undertake climate change expenditure tagging and align their programs, activities, and projects with national climate priorities. Conducted in a hybrid format, the orientation gathered 1,381 participants across platforms, from different national government agencies (NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs). During the orientation, participants were provided with updates on climate change policies, planning frameworks, and budgeting processes. The session also offered technical guidance on the application of CCET methodologies, equipping agencies with the knowledge needed to effectively align their proposed programs with the country’s climate agenda. This activity also included focus group discussions (FGD) on its second day, conducted in partnership with the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance - Governance Reform, Integrity, and Transformation Research Collaboratory (UP NCPAG GRIT Labs) as part of the National CCET Impact Assessment. The FGDs generated valuable qualitative inputs on implementation realities, including institutional constraints, capacity gaps, and emerging practices that contribute to more effective climate expenditure tagging. The CCC emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and fostering a whole-of-government approach to climate action, particularly in ensuring that climate considerations are systematically embedded in the national budget. Through initiatives such as the CCET Orientation, the Commission continues to advance climate governance by enabling agencies to make informed, strategic, and accountable investments that support the country’s long-term resilience and sustainable development goals.

The Climate Change Commission emphasizes the need to strengthen alignment between national and local action plans to address climate risks more effectively. CEBU CITY — The Climate Change Commission (CCC), along with other national government agencies, local officials, and faith-based leaders, pushed for stronger alignment between local planning and national climate policies to reinforce Cebu’s resilience against intensifying climate risks during the Cebu Climate Action Summit 2026. The CCC emphasized the role of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in guiding local government units (LGUs) to develop science-based, actionable strategies, including Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), Annual Investment Plans (AIPs), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) plans. Recognizing Cebu’s high exposure to flooding, intense rainfall, sea level rise, and landslides, the CCC underscored the urgency of coordinated, forward-looking action. From 2021 to 2025 the province has incurred nearly ₱14 billion in damages from major typhoons, including Odette, Tino, and Uwan, placing lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure at risk. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje stressed the need to move beyond planning toward coherent and aligned implementation. “We do not lack plans. We lack alignment. If conditions are changing, our path to development cannot remain the same. When systems align, risk is reduced before it becomes loss.” He emphasized that climate risks are becoming more complex and interconnected across sectors. “We are no longer dealing with isolated hazards, but with risks that move across systems.” Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro acknowledged the province’s increasing climate risks, citing the changing nature of weather patterns and their growing impacts on communities. "The challenges are changing, the rain is no longer what it used to be. What used to be a simple downpour can now mean flooding, disruption, and danger," Baricuatro said. The discussion featured sessions that deepened understanding of climate hazards and enabled the exchange of best practices across key sectors. Ms. Corazon B. Clarin, Convenor of the Cebu Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction initiative, underscored the importance of social equity and accessibility, emphasizing that persons with disabilities must be fully included in climate action. The Archbishop of Cebu, Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, D.D., highlighted the moral urgency of climate action, calling for reflection that leads to concrete action. "Today, those cries are becoming louder. The cry of the poor, the cry of the earth, and even the cry of future generations. These are not separate cries; they are one, and they are calling us not just to reflect but to act." The Province of Cebu remains highly vulnerable to compounding hazards, including flooding in low-lying and urban areas, rain-induced landslides in upland communities, and drought that threatens water security and agriculture. These overlapping risks underscore the need for integrated planning and sustained investment in resilience. The Summit was organized by the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which brought together national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, the academe, faith-based institutions, and the private sector. It served as a platform to strengthen. This supports the guidance and vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, ensuring that policies, plans, and investments work together to build a climate-resilient future. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

National and regional civil society organizations (CSOs) and women’s groups convene in “Regional CSO Dialogue for an Inclusive and Just Transition in Southeast Asia,” held on 27 April 2026 in Taguig City. TAGUIG, Philippines | 27 April 2026 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the vital role of coherence and coordination in the recently held Regional CSO Dialogue for an Inclusive and Just Transition in Southeast Asia, in line with the priorities of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship 2026. Speaking at the dialogue, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized that climate ambition must translate into outcomes that work under real-world conditions across diverse systems and capacities in the region. He noted that climate risks across ASEAN are increasingly interconnected and systemic, requiring coordinated, whole-of-society approaches. He stressed that the transition being pursued goes beyond sustainability, with implications for resilience, energy security, and long-term competitiveness. “A just transition cannot remain a principle, it has to become a discipline,” Borje said, highlighting the need to ground policies in how economies function, how communities live, and how systems respond under stress. He pointed out that while ASEAN has multiple platforms on climate change, disaster resilience, and energy cooperation, the challenge now is ensuring these deliver better data, improved access to finance, and stronger implementation on the ground. Borje underscored that policies are strengthened when informed by the needs and experiences of communities, emphasizing the critical role of CSOs in shaping inclusive and responsive climate action. The dialogue, which was organized by the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund through the ALAM (Advancing Learning and capacities in the ASEAN on Mitigation: Financing a Just and Nature-Positive Energy Transition) Project, gathered over 30 national and regional CSOs and women’s organisations working on climate change and just transition to exchange knowledge, experiences, and good practices on accessing climate finance and implementing just transition initiatives. As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, Borje said the country is advancing a climate agenda that is science-based, people-centered, and action-oriented, with a focus on strengthening enabling conditions for implementation, particularly in aligning data, finance, and systems across sectors. The CCC, under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reaffirmed the importance of sustained partnerships among governments, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to translate regional commitments into concrete outcomes, especially for vulnerable communities. The regional dialogue contributes to ongoing efforts to inform the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change and strengthen collaboration on climate finance and just transition pathways across Southeast Asia.

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.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) convenes stakeholders and development partners during the first organizational meeting of the Gender and Climate Change Advisory Group. MANILA — In a decisive move to ensure that climate action benefits all Filipinos equitably, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with national agencies and development partners, has formally launched the organizational phase for the implementation of the Philippines' Nationally Determined Contribution Gender Action Plan (NDC-GAP) 2024–2030. This milestone was marked by the inaugural meeting of the Gender and Climate Change Advisory Group (GCAG), a multi-sectoral body tasked with steering the Plan into concrete action.   The GCAG is co-chaired by CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Deputy Executive Director Anita E. Baleda of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The meeting convened a broad coalition of core agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), alongside partner agencies such as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). Providing critical support for this endeavor are development partners, including the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with technical assistance led by the Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI).   The GCAG meeting successfully forged a unified implementation strategy for the six-year plan, clarified member roles and responsibilities, and identified immediate priority actions to sustain momentum across all government levels. Officials underscored the profound importance of this coordinated action. "The implementation of the NDC GAP marks an important step for the Philippines. It moves us from mere recognition that climate change is not gender neutral, to concrete action, by putting gender and social inclusion squarely into how we plan, implement, monitor, and improve our climate actions,” highlighted by Commissioner Herrera.   The operationalization of the NDC-GAP through the GCAG ensures that our climate policies and investments actively work to reduce systemic inequalities and empower the most vulnerable sectors of our society. Echoing this sentiment, PCW Deputy Executive Director Baleda stated, “[...] Our work must extend beyond dialogue. This platform should catalyze concrete, institutionalized actions that strengthen gender-responsive climate governance across agencies and sectors. The PCW remains steadfast in its commitment to provide policy guidance and advisory support in advancing inclusive climate action.”   Providing a sectoral perspective, Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh defined the GCAG formation as a strategic move that will concretely impact NDC actions. "We are equally vigilant in tracking the implementation plan for the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Uses (AFOLU) sector, which is another critical component of our NDC." In closing, Mr. Gautier Singh-Kohler, Deputy Country Director for the Philippines at the Agence Française de Développement, reaffirmed AFD’s full support for the initiative while reiterating that the work should not create an undue administrative burden. Instead, he underscored the importance of harmonizing and strengthening existing accountability systems, with particular emphasis on fostering greater convergence between adaptation and mitigation streams. He concluded that the initiative is "not only a platform for accountability, but also a strategic platform where gender can be mainstreamed and pushed towards all the different streams of government work."   Looking ahead, the GCAG will prioritize the finalization of its membership composition and operational guidelines, complete a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise, and initiate capacity-building sessions for designated GAD Focal Points across all member agencies. These foundational activities will pave the way for the development of gender-responsive policy guidance and the establishment of robust monitoring tools to track progress and financing for gender and climate action at both the national and local levels. “The NDC GAP will only be as effective as the relationships and trust we build across institutions. The GCAG is a space for that—to surface challenges early, align policies and tools, and learn from each other as we move forward. We look forward to working closely with all of you as we collectively advance the implementation of the NDC GAP from 2024 to 2030,” CCC Commissioner Herrera said. This will ensure that the NDC-GAP delivers on its commitment to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s vision of an inclusive and climate-resilient future for the Philippines.

Driving climate action at scale. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) presents a science-based framework for climate resilience and low-carbon development to the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and Regional Development Council (RDC), and underscores the role of local government units in addressing climate risks across the National Capital Region. PASIG CITY — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) presented its science-based climate action and priority areas for collaboration to the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and Regional Development Council (RDC), aiming to strengthen regional coordination and accelerate climate action across the National Capital Region (NCR). The presentation outlined the national climate scenario, key policies, and a partnership strategy that brings climate science into urban systems and decision-making, with direct implications for the region’s local government units (LGUs).  At the core of the Commission’s message is the need to move from fragmented responses to a systems-based approach, integrating climate risk data, projections, and policy frameworks into critical sectors such as flood management, transport, solid waste, and land use planning. This approach enables LGUs to better anticipate risks, reduce asset loss, and protect communities from compounding climate impacts. “It’s critically important that we provide support for the planning ahead. We are encouraged by the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which emphasizes a systems-based approach to the issue of climate change and addressing its impact,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said. “We underscore that climate change does not arrive as a single-footed event.” In the presentation, the CCC also highlighted the section of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) that tackles the Climate Impact Drivers (CIDs) exposure level of LGUs in the NCR. This included sea level rise, extreme sea levels, increased temperature and droughts, fluvial flooding, and extreme weather. With this, the Commission emphasized that climate risks in Metro Manila are increasingly interconnected and multi-hazard, requiring coordinated, region-wide strategies. These initiatives are designed to strengthen LGU capacities as frontline actors in climate action, enhancing their ability to integrate climate change into local development plans, access financing, and implement resilience-building measures on the ground. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Atty. Romando S. Artes expressed the agency’s full support for the CCC’s mandate and its drive for science-based climate action across the region, and pushed for creating a technical working group moving forward. He underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing climate resilience and safeguarding Metro Manila communities. Moreover, Artes expressed the MMDA’s commitment to work with CCC to advance the transformative climate agenda and science-based planning. The joint MMC-RDC platform, which serves as both the policy-making body for metro-wide governance and the region’s development council, provides a strategic venue to align national climate commitments with regional planning and local implementation. The meeting was attended by 13 Metro Manila mayors, with some of them joining online.  The CCC also called on these local chief executives to take part in the National Climate Resilience Forum in July 2026, which aims to further align policies, investments, and partnerships toward a climate-resilient and low-carbon future. Through sustained engagement with the MMC and RDC, the CCC continues to push for a regional, systems-driven approach to climate governance — one that translates science into action, strengthens LGU capacities, and minimizes economic and asset losses across Metro Manila.

The Climate Change Commission joins the 2nd Adaptation Investment Forum, highlighting the importance of investing in adaptation efforts to strengthen resilience against climate change. TAGUIG CITY — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the importance of strengthening climate resilience through strategic investments during the 2nd Adaptation Investment Forum. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E. A. Borje emphasized that strengthening climate adaptation requires not only identifying solutions but also building the systems and investment pathways needed to implement them effectively. “The challenge of adaptation does not stop at discovering solutions. It also involves organizing institutions and creating investment pathways so solutions can actually happen,” Borje said. The  Philippine Adaptation Investment Platform (AIP), launched at the Forum, is an innovative mechanism designed to mobilize investments for climate adaptation initiatives, particularly those that protect and strengthen economically important yet highly climate-exposed food crops across the Philippines. The AIP will support pilot implementations in several areas across the country, including Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Bukidnon, and Isabela, focusing on climate-resilient initiatives for key crops such as sugarcane, rice, coffee, corn, and other high-value agricultural products. These initiatives aim to help protect the livelihoods of farming communities whose incomes depend on climate-sensitive agricultural production. The AIP supports the implementation of the country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which adopts a science-based and risk-informed approach to strengthening resilience across sectors and communities. Developed under the leadership of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the NAP serves as the Philippines’ long-term roadmap toward building climate-resilient and climate-smart communities. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera urged local government units and development partners to take a proactive approach in prioritizing climate initiatives and investments. “To our local governments: bring forward your priority projects—we are building mechanisms to help you structure, finance, and scale them. To our development partners and financial institutions: strengthen early-stage support, deploy catalytic capital, and help scale what works.” Complementing the launch was the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the Adaptation Investment Learning Course (AILC), which aims to support the localization of the NAP by equipping local governments and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to develop viable adaptation investment projects. The learning course is designed to help translate local climate knowledge into actionable and bankable adaptation initiatives that can attract investments and deliver tangible benefits to communities. Borje highlighted the importance of strengthening knowledge and capacity to help turn climate plans into concrete investments at the local level. “Knowledge and capacity-building must become a launchpad for a pipeline of evidence-based adaptation investments. When investments reach the local level, the results are immediate and practical,” he added. The event was co-presented by key national government agencies together with the CCC, with support from the United Kingdom Government led by Ambassador Sarah Hulton. The CCC continues to advance partnerships and financing mechanisms that transform climate plans into concrete actions that protect communities, livelihoods, and the country’s food systems. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

The Climate Change Commission participates in the Summit on Enhancing Interagency Harmony and Integration in Philippine Sectoral Development Planning in Pasay City, promoting coordination and climate integration. PASAY CITY — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for stronger climate governance integration, interagency coordination, and policy harmonization in development planning during the Interagency Summit for Philippine Sectoral Development Planning held at the Philippine International Convention Center. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E. A. Borje emphasized the importance of strengthening policy coherence while ensuring that climate change considerations are integrated into development strategies across sectors. “Our policies must align across sectors such as agriculture, water resources, energy systems, land use, infrastructure, and environmental management. National strategies must translate effectively into regional planning frameworks and ultimately into local implementation,” he said. Borje also underscored the importance of national climate policy frameworks in guiding integrated and science-based development planning. “The risks we face today are systemic. And if risks are systemic, our governance response must also become systemic,” he added. The discussion highlighted key policy frameworks, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), which serve as guiding instruments for the country’s climate and development pathways. The NAP, developed under the leadership of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to steadily reduce climate-related loss and damage while enhancing the country’s adaptive capacity. The plan outlines long-term strategies to achieve transformative resilience and sustainable economic development by 2050. Meanwhile, the NDCIP supports the country’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030, guiding coordinated implementation across sectors and institutions. The summit also formed part of the ongoing effort from the Draft Action Agenda aimed at strengthening interagency collaboration, policy alignment, and integrated planning across national government agencies and local government units. The event was organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources, bringing together representatives from national government agencies, local governments, civil society organizations, development partners, the academe, and the media to advance more coherent and coordinated development planning in the Philippines. The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to support interagency collaboration to ensure that the Draft Action Agenda evolves into a robust framework for integrated, agile, science-based, and climate-resilient development planning for the country. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

Officials from the Philippines and the United Kingdom convene at the 6th UK–Philippines Climate Change and Environment Dialogue in Makati City, where government representatives and development partners discuss advancing climate resilience, sustainable growth, and ecological cooperation. MAKATI CITY, Philippines—The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joined key government officials from the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) at the 6th UK–Philippines Climate Change and Environment (CCE) Dialogue, which reinforced both countries’ commitment to advancing climate resilience, sustainable growth, and green finance. The dialogue featured several sessions covering key areas of climate and environmental action. Participants explored the partnership of two island nations working as one and discussed science-based localization and resilience building, including opportunities in the blue economy. Other topics also addressed nature and sustainable growth that highlighted the potential of biodiversity credits, as well as mobilizing climate finance to support a just transition. Meanwhile, the CCC presented updates on the implementation and localization of the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which underscored the importance of translating national adaptation strategies into concrete actions at the local level. Developed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, the NAP outlines the country’s long-term roadmap for strengthening climate resilience across key sectors and communities. “Localization is essential to ensure that the National Adaptation Plan delivers meaningful outcomes for communities on the ground,” said CCC Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio Cuenca on behalf of CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “By aligning national priorities with local realities, we can help local governments identify risks, develop practical adaptation solutions, and strengthen resilience in vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, water, and coastal ecosystems.” The Commission also highlighted ongoing efforts to support provinces in translating climate risk assessments into locally driven adaptation initiatives and investment-ready projects. Through localized climate analytics and partnerships with national government agencies, development partners, and local institutions, the CCC continues to strengthen risk-informed planning and programming across the country. “This shows how much we can achieve together; we bring the data and expertise and share the purpose of the table, and today we found that ultimate partnership which is really strong,” UK Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton said, expressing her appreciation for the strengthened collaboration with the Philippines and highlighting her keen interest in advancing joint efforts as she wrapped up the discussions. “We remain firmly committed to working with you and to turning today’s agreements into concrete action in the years ahead.” The dialogue concluded with the signing of the Partnership Statement between the Philippines and UK, reaffirming that climate action is not the responsibility of a single nation but a shared commitment that requires collaboration, partnerships, and coordinated efforts across countries and communities. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

Officials and employees of the Climate Change Commission joining the celebration of National Women’s Month activities MANILA, 9 March 2026 —The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the nation in celebrating National Women’s Month in March, recognizing Filipino women as powerful leaders and innovators driving the country toward a climate-smart and resilient Philippines. The Commission is launching its Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda and Strategic Plan to advance gender-transformative climate governance, and rolling out a month-long set of internal programs and initiatives to strengthen gender inclusivity in the workplace, such as capacity-building through Gender Climate 101, staff wellness support via Serbisyo para kay Juana at Juan, and wearing of purple every Wednesday to advocate for women and gender equality. Under this year’s subtheme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the CCC draws inspiration from the pre-colonial Babaylans who were integral community pillars – healers, spiritual guides, decision-makers, and catalysts for social transformation. Unconfined by society’s limited preconceptions, they led with profound wisdom, unwavering courage, and boundless care. “Tayo ay may tungkuling gabayan ang pambansang direksyon ng bansa laban sa lumalalang epekto ng pagbabago ng klima. Kailangang tiyakin natin na walang sektor—lalung-lalo na ang kababaihan, mga batang babae, mga katutubo, mga may kapansanan—ang maiiwan” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, Chair of CCC’s Gender Focal Point System. The Commission also acknowledged the enduring contributions of women leaders in national climate governance, including that of Senator Loren Legarda, whose work laid the legal and financial foundation for the country’s climate action framework as the principal author of the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the People's Survival Fund Act, among many landmark laws on climate and environmental action. The Commission's commitment to gender-responsive action is reflected in its own structure, where women occupy more than half of all positions in the CCC. These women are actively shaping the strategies and policies that guide climate governance, with expertise in both STEM fields and the social sciences. “We recognize women not only for their resilience in enduring storms but for their ingenuity in building the systems and strategies that allow our communities to thrive despite them,” said CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. Furthermore, Borje stressed that empowering women is not simply a matter of inclusion but of strategic national investment. “When we invest in Filipino women, we invest in stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more climate-secure Philippines,” he added. As the Philippines advances towards a climate-smart future, the Climate Change Commissioners emphasize that the nation is strongest when the voices of those most vulnerable are heard and represented. The leadership of Filipinas, they said, is essential for building a climate-resilient and inclusive future—because those who truly understand the struggles on the ground are the ones best positioned to provide real and effective solutions.