The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Commission on Population and Development (CPD),  and PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PFPI) recently sealed a pivotal tripartite partnership, signaling a concerted effort to address pressing issues ranging from environmental degradation to poverty exacerbated by the climate crisis and population growth.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga led the signing ceremony with Mr. Lolito Tacardon, the Deputy Executive Director of CPD, and Ms. Joan Regina Castro, MD, the Executive Vice President of PFPI.

This collaborative effort underscores the integration of Population, Health, Environment, and Development (PHED) concerns as fundamental to achieving sustainable development objectives. It also emphasizes the critical role of managing population growth rates in combating environmental degradation and adapting to climate change impacts. 

The Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD POA) has underscored the necessity of departing from isolated and siloed approaches and strategies and embracing integration. The collaboration among CPD, DENR—particularly its Climate Change Service (DENR-CCS)—and PFPI aims to harmonize efforts in improving population management, climate action, and community resilience.

PFPI is leading the initiative, steering a five-year USAID project called Building Capacity for Integrated Family Planning/Reproductive Health and Population, Environment, and Development Action (BUILD). This endeavor aims to amplify advocacy, policy communication, and negotiations to galvanize multisectoral commitment toward PHED integration.

A roadmap will be developed for coordinated activities, emphasizing disseminating key messages regarding PHED integration and advocating for cross-sectoral approaches. Through collaborative training sessions, workshops, and technical assistance, the partnership seeks to bolster the achievement of its objectives within the PHED domain.

The signing of the tripartite partnership signifies a unified commitment among the parties towards a shared vision of enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos through concerted endeavors that embed PHED considerations.###

Together with key government agencies, the UK and the Philippines agreed to deepen the collaboration across climate and biodiversity priorities. The conversation set the direction for the year ahead. The scaling of coordination platforms to share experience and technology, streamline priorities, and scale delivery featured strongly. In this regard, the UK will support the Energy Transition Council, Blue Carbon Action Plan, and National Plastics Action Plan in the coming year.

These will build on the successes of 2023, which saw UK support for the delivery of the Philippines National Adaptation plan and Philippines Emission Pathway Calculator.

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Moderated by Ms. Jessica Dator-Bercilla, Science Resilience Fellow of the NRC, the last panel discussion of the day “Utilizing Robust Data Systems for Climate Action” commenced, answering the focus question “To access climate financing, what data must be part of the data ecosystem of LGUs and other stakeholders?”

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Climate resilient development needed as losses and damage will continue to increase into the future putting the most vulnerable people and ecosystems at risk, a report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report said released on March 20, 2023.

The Synthesis Report, which was approved during a week-long session, is the final installment of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. It integrates and summarizes the findings of the six reports published during the current cycle, which began in 2015.

The Philippine Delegation to the plenary session was led by Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and supported by Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera from the Climate Change Commission and Dr. Faye Abigail T. Cruz, Head of the Regional Climate Systems Laboratory of the Manila Observatory and IPCC Contributing Author for the Working Group I of the Sixth Assessment Report.

“Every fraction of degree counts and we are in no position to waste time. The Synthesis Report will be crucial in shaping evidence-informed decisions and actions, particularly for developing and vulnerable countries,” DENR Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh said, reading the statement from DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who represents President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to the Climate Change Commission. 

The report highlighted the need to accelerate action to adapt to climate change in closing the gap between the existing adaptation, and what is further needed in the future. To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the report stated that deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will be required across all sectors.

“We reiterate the call for flexible and accessible means of implementation for adaptation, through climate finance, technologies, and country-driven technical assistance that reflects the need for local, context-specific and demand driven adaptation to address each country’s specific risk profile,” Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh added.

During the week-long approval sessions, the Delegation, in its intervention, strongly supported the inclusion of emissions avoidance in the report as a recognition of risk-based and outcomes-based approaches to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with the use of best available non-GHG emitting technologies. The Philippines also supported the inclusion of green and blue infrastructures which help in reducing risks from extreme weather events.

“We need fast and effective translation of the Synthesis Report to transformative climate actions in the country. With the ultimatum provided by the report, the DENR will continue to conscientiously work with various government agencies and stakeholders in building the resilience of our most vulnerable communities and ecosystems using science-based and data-driven ENR [environment and natural resources] policy and program interventions,” Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of the DENR and the Chairperson-Designate of the Climate Change Commission said. 

The IPCC plenary was attended by more than six hundred delegates from March 13-17, 2023 in Interlaken, Switzerland. ###

by Jonathan Mayuga | Business Mirror

The government has completed the resilience road maps for 16 vulnerable areas, which will serve as a guide in managing disaster risks and climate vulnerabilities in the Philippines.

The road maps and their corresponding investment portfolios for risk resilience (IPRR) are for 12 climate-vulnerable provinces and four major urban cities.

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by Bella Cariaso | The Manila Times

BAGUIO City, Ifugao province and Quezon City emerged as the top winners in climate and disaster resiliency recognition awards.

The disaster risk reduction and management offices of Baguio City and Quezon City, and an Ifugao native emerged as top winners in the climate and disaster resiliency recognition awards organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Climate Change Service (CCS) and Gender and Development Office, and in partnership with Globe held a virtual ceremony to declare the winning entries of Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards on November 24, 2022. This is in line with the celebration of the 2022 National Climate Change Consciousness Week themed, "Sama-Samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima.”

"Our recognition scheme aims to feature the long track record and important contributions and initiatives in the environment, climate change, and disaster risk management." DENR CCS Director Elenida Basug said.

The three categories were: individual, group and local government unit (LGU) and the two special citations were: Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award and Climate Technology for Resilience Award. Six entries were awarded with major prizes and 6 entries with special citations.

First place in the individual category is Moises H. Butic for the entry “The Ifugao Muyong: Perpetuating a Forest Legacy”. Proudly nominated by the Chief Executive of Ifugao Province Jerry U. Dalipog, Mr. Butic’s story is about the indigenous practice inherited by the Ifugaos from their ancestors called “Muyong System” which is a forest management system that supports biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. Mr. Butic won a cash prize of Php 30,000 for this inspiring story.

The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) bagged first place and the Climate Technology for Resilience Special Citation in the group category for their entry “iRISE UP” (Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population). iRISE UP is an early warning system that organizes, streamlines the DRRM information system of Quezon City so that advisories are quickly disseminated to communities. Php 60,000 was awarded to the group for this innovation.

First place and the Climate Technology for Resilience Special Citation in the local government unit (LGU) category was Baguio’s City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for “The Baguio City Smart Gender-inclusive flood early warning information and mitigation system” which is a project that took a holistic, nature-based, gender-sensitive, and socially-inclusive approach to address the city’s challenges. CDRRMO brought home the Php 80,000 cash prize.

Other major prize winners and special citation awardees were as follows:
2nd place, individual category - Leopoldo N. Bataoil from the Municipality of Lingayen, Pangasinan for “The Rebirth of our Philippine Ylang-ylang” winner of Php 20,000 cash prize
2nd place, group category – Kabasalan National High School’s Youth for Environment in Schools Organization of Balintawak, Pagadian City for “Adopt-a-watershed program” winner of Php 30,000 cash prize
2nd place, LGU category - Provincial Local Government Unit of Cagayan for “Restoring Cagayan River: A H.O.P.E. to Build Back Life Better” winner of Php 40,000 cash prize

Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award, individual – Grachelle Andrea B. Guevarra for “I CAN make a difference”, winner of Php 10,000 cash prize
Climate Technology and Resilience Award, individual category – Reheemah Hafsah Pangarungan for “BioPhil”, winner of Php 10,000 cash prize
Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award was obtained by Bayawon Lucday Lungayan Pendonay Tandacol Tribal Association, Inc. (BLLuPenTTrAs, Inc.) for “The Glimpse of P.O BLLUPENTTRAS Initiatives and Best Practices in Fighting Climate Change”, winner of a total of Php 20,000 cash prize for the special citation.s
Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award, LGU category – Baliwag, Bulacan LGU for “Baliwag Environmental Convergence Program”, winner of Php 30,000 cash prize

"The stories that we received from 16 regions in the country only say one thing: there are already significant actions happening on the ground. We need to take note of them, document them, map them and see how we can scale up the initiatives to expand to other areas in their community." Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said.

Over 60 entries from the 16 regions of the country were received and the selected stories shall be submitted to the Good stories movement, a global initiative lead by people who aim to recognize the “good stories of good people who are caring for the Land, Air, and Water (LAW) of Life.”

All entries were evaluated based on the following criteria: Climate and Disaster Resiliency Content (60%), Visual appeal of the photographs and video (20%), Gender fair text and media (10%), and Geographical reach of the initiative (10%).

The board of judges is composed of Commissioner Atty. Rachel Anne S. Herrera of Climate Change Commission; Ms. Raquel de Leon of the Office of Civil Defense; and Climate Action Expert Mr. Aldrin Bayangos of Globe Telecom, Inc.

The Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR), chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will bring to center stage the milestones towards climate and disaster resiliency during the “Duterte Legacy Summit 2022” on May 30.

CCAM-DRR cluster chair and DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna will lead the presentation of the report, outlining how President Duterte’s strong political will has raised the bar for Philippine environmentalism.

“Over the past six years, government initiatives steered the country into the path of climate and disaster resiliency, through the whole of society approach,” Sampulna said, noting how this became more evident during the pandemic.

Anchored on the theme “Change has Come: We Have Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag Na Buhay, the “Duterte Legacy Summit 2022” that will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) will also serve as a culminating activity of the administration’s campaign on promoting its landmark programs and achievements.

The CCAM-DRR report highlights key areas where landmark progress in climate change resiliency were made due to the steps taken by the Duterte administration in building climate and disaster resilience for the affected communities by disasters and climate hazards; transformative actions to halt and reverse nature loss; supporting quality infrastructures to ensure resilience against extreme weather events and other hazards; innovation and technology to improve knowledge, forecasting and readiness for calamities; key management plans to guide the country towards climate resilience.

The environment chief said the Duterte government pursued a convergence strategy “defined by an institutional network of public and private support between government and stakeholders with strong multi-sector orientations and links to the academe and research institutions” as shown in the Boracay and Manila Bay rehabilitation programs, and the rehabilitation efforts in provinces wreaked by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in November 2020.

Likewise in particular is the coastal town of Del Carmen in Siargao whose residents did not experience as much devastation during the typhoon because of the massive mangrove reforestation and were able to quickly recover from Typhoon Odette, according to Del Carmen Fisherfolk Association (DCFA) secretary Judilyn Arreza,

DFCA is a peoples’ organization taking part of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) since 2016 and, according to Arreza, the town’s healthy environment was key in their economic sustainability especially in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette and the imposition of the lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic, noting catch yield of DFCA’s members has increased to as much as P1,000 per day on top of the economic benefits they get from Del Carmen’s ecotourism activities. ###

by Santiago Celario

DENR-led Cabinet cluster to host dialogue on climate change and environment

The Task Force Build Back Better (TF BBB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) finished the first phase of its dredging and widening activity along Marikina River.

From the 70 meter wide Marikina River, its portions in Barangays Baranka, Calumpang, and Industrial Valley Complex are now 20 to 30 meters wider and two meters in depth.

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The Cabinet cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction reports its efforts in building stronger and safer communities in a Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) Forum on July 22.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Roy Cimatu mentioned that the tropical cyclones, strong earthquakes, El Niño, and a volcano eruption that happened just between July 2019 and May 2020 cost a billion pesos in damages to properties, agriculture, and infrastructure.

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By Aira Juarez | 22 July 2021

TV5.com.ph

(July 22, 2021) – Mitigating floods during the seasonal monsoon months remained the top priority of the Duterte administration in addressing climate change impact in the disaster-prone country, the environment secretary said on Thursday as continuous moderate to heavy rains soak the capital.

In a pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum of the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction, Roy Cimatu said the government is prepared to resolve perennial flooding in low-lying areas in Metro Manila as well as in landslide-prone areas in the provinces.

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by Eireene Jairee Gomez | Manila TImes

ON Friday, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the dredging activities in one of the three priority sandbars along the Cagayan River is on track and will be completed by July this year.

"We are pressing on to stay on track despite the roadblocks brought about by the onset of the rainy season and the logistical hurdles posed by the coronavirus pandemic. But we are pushing forward to finish clearing the sandbar in Lal-lo, Cagayan by the second or third week of July," said Cimatu, who is also the chairperson of Task Force Build Back Better.

He said the task force had already dredged 253,743 cubic meters or 74 percent of 44,304 cubic meters that make up the 11.4-hectare sandbar in Lal-lo, Cagayan.

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Malaya

San Miguel Corp. is on track to more than double its daily dredging of silt and trash for its P1-billion Tullahan-Tinajeros river system cleanup project from 600 metric tons (MT) per day to 1,500 MT per day for the 11.5-kilometer (km) stretch it is working on.

This covers the initial sections 1-3 of the project from the mouth of the Manila Bay in Navotas City to Tinajeros Bridge, and sections 4-5 from Tinajeros Bridge to Potrero in Malabon and Valenzuela cities. SMC’s five-year project covers the entire 27-km length of the Tullahan-Tinajeros river system.

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LUNGSOD QUEZON, Abril 19 (PIA) -- Inihayag ni Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Chairman-designate ng Climate Change Commission (CCC), ang isinumiteng “Nationally Determined Contribution” (NDC) ng Pilipinas ang magiging instrumento para umunlad ang ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng pag-adopt ng modernisado at low carbon na teknolohiya gayundin ang mga pamamaraan na magpapagaan ng krisis sa klima.

Ani Sec. Dominguez, sa papagitan ng NDC, ang ekonomiya ay mas tatatag at mapapanatili ang pag-unlad.

Nauna nang inaprubahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ang unang “Nationally Determined Contribution” (NDC) sa bansa para mabawasan ang greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.

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Remate

INILUNSAD ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa pamamagitan ng Gender and Development Office at Climate Change Service ang Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards na may titulong “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards.”

Layunin nito na makapagbigay ng pagkilala sa Filipino “movers and workers” na patuloy na gumagawa ng hakbang upang mapalakas ang kampanya laban sa climate and disaster resiliency.

Ang Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards na sumusuporta sa Global Good Stories Movement ay layuning mahanap at mabigyan ng pagkilala ang mga kuwento ng bawat indibidwal o grupo kung ano ang epekto ng climate change and disaster sa kanilang komunidad at paano nila ito nabigyan ng solusyon sa pamamagitan ng mga programa sa pagbibigay ng proteksyon sa kanilang kapaligiran at konserbasyon, climate change at disaster risk reduction.

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By: Krissy Aguilar | Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has committed to the United Nations its target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 75 percent between 2020 and 2030.

The Philippines submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on April 15, as seen on the latter’s website.

“The Philippines commits to a projected GHG emissions reduction and avoidance of 75%, of which 2.71% is unconditional and 72.29% is conditional, representing the country’s ambition for GHG mitigation for the period 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy,” the country’s NDC stated.

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