Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Antonia Loyzaga and Manila Observatory (MO) Executive Director Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J. signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the creation of a climate change information management system.

The database will contain interactive and downloadable maps that will support the Department in developing its strategies for a science-based, risk-informed, ethical and equitable stewardship of the environment.

MO is a non-profit research institution that studies Philippine weathers and earthquakes.

Read: https://tinyurl.com/dz3and7t

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. ###

The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), hosted the Training-Workshop on Climate Finance Mobilization and Access for the ASEAN, as supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat on March 20-23, 2023 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati.

Participated by representatives of the ASEAN Member States (AMS),  the training workshop aimed to build the capacity and skills of the country representatives by providing them with information and tools in accessing and mobilizing climate finance to support their priority climate adaptation and mitigation needs.

The training workshop is a component of the Needs-based Finance (NBF) Project, which was established in response to the request by Country Parties to the UNFCCC to explore ways and means to assist developing country Parties in assessing their needs and priorities in a country-driven manner, including their technological needs, to translate climate finance needs into action.

“The needs-based framework should be designed with a regional perspective to engage regional and country actors to climate action,” Atty. Jonas R. Leones, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs, noted during his welcome remarks.

The training workshop provided the platform to validate and refine the Climate Finance Access and Mobilization Strategy developed by the AMS that aims to provide the framework for AMS to improve access and benefit from climate finance mechanisms both internationally, regionally, and domestically. This strategy will provide the possible areas of collaboration among AMS.

During the 27th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in November 2022, DENR Secretary and Climate Change Commission Chairperson-Designate Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga  emphasized the urgent need for ample and accessible climate financing to source funding for needed mitigation and adaptation measures, especially for vulnerable countries like the Philippines.

The training workshop was participated by experts of the NBF Project, operating entities of the Financial Mechanisms of the UNFCCC, United Nations agencies and bilateral, regional, and other multilateral channels, direct access entities, and representatives from the 10 AMS namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,  Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and representatives from various agencies of the Philippine national government. The Secretariats of the UNFCCC and ASEAN facilitated the training-workshop. ###

In a historic first, the Philippines – through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – hosted the 18th Meeting of the Executive Committee (ExeCom) of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage last February 28 in Makati City.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3YHyRTH

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.

(Read More)

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).

(Read More)

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 Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Climate Change Service and Gender and Development Office, has set new deadlines for submission of entries for this year’s Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards and SINING-likhasan Nationwide Short Film Competition.

The new submission deadlines for the recognition awards  and short film competition  will be on Nov. 15  and 12, respectively. The original deadline for submission of entries for both KLIMA-likasan and SINING-likhasan was Nov. 5.

"Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Resiliency Recognition Awards and the SINING-likhasan Nationwide Short Film Competition are consistent with the DENR's ongoing advocacy to document and publicize good stories in order to create more ripples of hope throughout the country,” said Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change, and Chairperson of the DENR National Gender and Development Focal Point System.

In collaboration with Globe, Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards seek to recognize the stories of individuals, groups, and provincial local government units in addressing climate change and disasters in communities.

Winners of the recognition awards in each category will receive cash prizes. First place will get P50,000 for provincial governments, P40,000 for group category, and P30,000 for individual category, while the second place will get P40,000 for provincial governments, P30,000 for group category, and P20,000 for individual category.

 Cash prizes will also be given to winners of special awards for Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and Climate Change, and Climate Technology for Resilience: P30,000 for provincial governments, P20,000 for group category, and P10,000 for individual category.

The fields for good stories include community livelihood development, integrated water resources management, coastal/upland protection, critical resilient infrastructure, and climate/disaster information services.

Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards is a support activity to the Good Stories Movement. Selected stories from the submissions will be officially communicated and submitted to the movement.

Good Stories Movement is a global network of people who share the common belief that they can change the story of the world by changing the storyline.

The movement is in search for the stories of good people doing good things for the greater good of the Land, Air, and Waters (LAW) of Life all around the world. It aims to identify the people behind them, highlight the good stories, and recognize and award them for their contributions.

 On the other hand, the SINING-likhasan or Sining para sa Klima at Kalikasan Nationwide Short Film Competition, which is in partnership with the Earth Day Jam Foundation, aims to provide a platform to tell stories of hope, resilience, and adaptation in a changing climate through films.

 The filmmaking competition aims to educate and raise awareness of the public, particularly the youth, about the critical issues of climate change.

It has two categories: filmmaking using mobile phones and filmmaking using more professional devices.

The prizes for the mobile phone category are: P30,000 for the first place, P20,000 for second place and 10,000 for third place. Winners in the  more professional devices category will get P50,000 for first place, P30,000 for second place, and P20,000 for third place.

 The best director and best actor/actress in both categories will be given trophies. Special citations on best cinematography, best music, best sound, best art direction, and best editor will also be given in both categories.

 Winners will be announced and awarded this month as part of the observance of the National Climate Change Consciousness Week (November 19 to 25, with theme- Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima). Details of mechanics are posted on the Facebook pages of DENR Climate Change Service Facebook, and the Earthday Jam Foundation, and their websites (www.climatechange.denr.gov.ph).#

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. ###

DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change, Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, together with DENR Climate Change Service Director, Elenida Basug led a team of communicators to bring a ray of hope and a dash of encouragement to the community of Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, one of the hard-hit areas during Typhoon Odette. The team, in collaboration with the USAID SIBOL, the DENR Region IV-B led by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio, and PENR Officer Cayatoc, conducted activities that cheered the women, men, youth, children and the elderly. Among these were:

*story-telling

*arts for healing and recovery

*wastong pamamahala ng basura

*book-and-booklet-giving

*medical checkup

*giving of gender-responsive relief items

*non-traditional way of workshop cum lecture facilitation on:

-community women and youth encounter to build back better
-community-based risk reduction towards a culture of preparedness and safety; and fun, laughters and good stories.

The activities were part of DENR's advocacies on environmental protection and natural resources conservation, youth leadership, community resilience and gender and development.

These were also facilitated to celebrate with the global community April 22 as Earth Day, and with the local community April as Earth Month.

By Leander C. Domingo | The Manila Times

February 5, 2022

GOVERNMENT agencies in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) composing the Regional Build Back Better Task Force (RBBBTF) have renewed their commitment and perform their responsibilities to "bring back a better Cagayan Valley" that is economically better, safe and more climate-resilient.

According to Corie Corpuz, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 information officer, the Cagayan River Restoration project was launched in 2021 in Barangay Bangag in Lal-lo, Cagayan through a ceremonial dredging of the Magapit Narrows.

She said the removal of sandbars at the pilot site was completed in July 2021 with a total of 374,000 cubic meters dredged with the Department of Public Works and Highways now removing the sandbars in Barangay Dummun, Gattaran town.

(READ MORE)

By Eireene Jairee Gomez

DENR Secretary and TFBBB Chairperson Roy Cimatu during his visit in Siargao Islands on January 15, 2022

In a bid to fast-track the government’s recovery and rehabilitation programs in typhoon-ravaged areas, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu recently ordered the creation of  the regional inter-agency task  forces throughout the country with all of his 16 DENR Regional Executive Directors (REDs)  designated as chairpersons of the Regional Build Back Batter Task Force (RTFBBB) within their respective jurisdictions.

Cimatu’s move was pursuant to his post as Chair of the National Build Back Better Task Force  (TFBBB) under Executive Order 120  issued  by President Rodrigo Duterte on November 18, 2020 to expedite and lead the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of a post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery program for typhoon-ravaged  areas. 

 “The creation of RTFBBB is  in response to the intention of EO 120  for  government entities to work with a clear unity of command and  in a sustained and cohesive form in relation to  current and future   post-typhoon recovery and rehabilitation efforts ” Cimatu explained at the DENR Expanded Executive Committee Meeting held  via on-site and online last  January 18.

The National TFBBB is co-chaired  by the Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways with 26 national government agencies as its members tasked to provide to the task force.

The DENR heads the Intensified Environment and Natural Resources Management, which is one of the six  Key Result Areas (KRAs) of TFBBB.  

Other TFBBB-KRAs  includes Better and Resilient Infrastructure headed by DPWH; Stronger Shelter and Resilient Settlement ( Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development); (3) Improved Systems and Essential Services (Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense) ; (4) Restored Sustainable Livelihood (Department of Trade and Industry); and (5) Strengthened Governance through Broad-Based Citizen(Department of Interior and Local Government)

Cimatu, through DENR Special Order (SO) No. 2022-32 signed last January 17, said the order spells out the mechanism by which the RTFBBBs will   “organize and convene”  their respective RTFBBs in coordination with the regional RTFBBB-member line government agencies “as may be applicable.”

The environment chief said the creation of the RTFBBB draws inspiration and lessons learned from the i success made in the first three focus areas of TFBBB in rehabilitating  the Marikina , Cagayan and Bicol River Basins after they were ravaged by  Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in 2020. 

Among RTFBBB tasks is to  identify rehabilitation and recovery measures in typhoon affected areas and  formulation of the KRA implementation plans, budgetary requirement and funding proposal for the areas in their respective regions. 

Identified as priority  for the implementation of the order are areas that bore the brunt of Typhoon Odette in December 2021.

“Beginning with those harder-hit by Typhoon Odette, the DENR REDs for  CARAGA, Regions 6,7,8, 10 and MIMAROPA  as Chairpersons of the Regional TFBBB in their respective regions shall, in coordination with the  concerned Regional Line Agencies and Local Government Units, conduct damage assessment and  identify appropriate interventions for recovery and rehabilitation,” Cimatu said in the Order. 

DENR Undersecretary and TFBBB secretariat head Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said Cimatu’s order underscores the urgency for a clear mechanism on how to have a “total response”  at the regional level based on the mandate of EO 120, including the need strengthen the  link between the national and local levels to efficiently respond to the demands and realities in typhoon’s post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation phase as shown in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

With the mechanisms in place, RTFBBB can link directly with  concerned TFBBB member national agencies  “in case their regional members are not responsive” through the concerned DENR Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries who have been designated as focal persons  responsible for coordination with the concerned agencies as head of each of the six TFBBB’s KRAs concerned lead  as per DENR SO 2020-470. ###

San Miguel Corp’s. (SMC) massive environment sustainability and flood mitigation initiative to clean up the 27-kilometer Tullahan River system, is shifting to higher gear in December. The company is set to acquire additional new equipment to double its solid waste extraction capacity to 5,000 metric tons per day, it said in a news release.

SMC President Ramon S. Ang said that the company’s commitment to clean up the Tullahan River system is stronger than ever, as the company has made the cleanup of major rivers, one of its foremost sustainability priorities.

(Read More)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is seeking a P25.29-billion budget for 2022 to bankroll programs that will steer the national government's agenda toward green growth.

Secretary Roy A. Cimatu presented the DENR’s 2022 proposed budget during the budget hearing of the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday, Sept. 13.

Cimatu said the proposed budget will help the department fulfill its water resilience and water security programs to adapt to climate change and recover from the setback caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

"We shall be focusing on the strategic thrust of water resilience and water security to heighten integrated watershed management, promote sustainable livelihood for the upland communities, address pollution, protect wildlife and biodiversity," he pointed out.

Cimatu underscored the need for the government to pursue transformative actions by embracing green growth in addressing the unprecedented tasks toward recovery.

"The DENR’s thrust in 2022 will strengthen the foundation for strategic investments in nature that is seen to promote not just economic growth, but green growth for a more equitable and sustainable future for the country," he said.

(Read More)

The Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR), chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has committed to strengthening the country's response to climate change, following the release of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

The United Nations-led IPCC report provides the most compelling and comprehensive information on the state of the world’s climate today.

Citing the pronouncement of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, CCAM-DRR Cluster chairperson and DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the report findings are considered a "code red for humanity" and that "the need to act collectively and decisively has never been more urgent."

"With the urgent call set forth by the latest IPCC report, we will continue to prioritize actions and investments that will reduce the long-term impacts, and increase our resilience and adaptive capacity to both the coronavirus pandemic and climate change," Cimatu said.

The IPCC report highlighted the irrefutable evidence that human influence caused the unprecedented warming of the planet and has exposed more regions to the increasing and intensifying impacts of climate change.

Cimatu assured that the national government is carrying out wide-ranging reforms in fostering improved environmental governance, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and knowledge management on climate and disaster solutions.

"The CCAM-DRR Cabinet Cluster adopted the Risk Resiliency Program (RRP) as its convergence program to truly help protect our communities, especially in climate-vulnerable provinces and major urban centers, from climate-induced disasters and spare future generations from the worst impacts that climate change could bring about," he said.

Serving as the convergence program of the Cluster, the RRP aims to increase the adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities; ensure the adequate supply of clean air, water, and other natural resources; increase the resilience of critical infrastructures; and enhance knowledge, access to information and institutional capacities of communities.

"Given limited fiscal space for the CCAM-DRR sector, we will put focus on water security and water resilience as our policy thrust and direction in order to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt to climate change, and enable economic growth by enabling the conditions for a healthy and prosperous population through a healthy environment," he added.

The Cluster’s priority programs are on the management of watersheds, protected areas and wetlands, coastal and marine ecosystems, groundwater resources, water quality, and water conservation.

The DENR has an approved budget ceiling in the amount of Php 25.295 billion for 2022.

Cimatu said the Philippines has committed, in its Nationally Determined Contribution to a projected greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the reduction, and avoidance of 75 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Of this figure, 2.71 percent is unconditional, and 72.29 percent is conditional, representing the country’s ambition for GHG mitigation between 2020 and 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy.

The country’s climate change mitigation actions also include strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacity of the country, including through enhanced access to climate finance, technology development and transfer, and capacity building, especially on the implementation of the policies and measures on, and the uptake of circular economy and sustainable consumption and production practices.

Cimatu also said that the Task Force Build Back Better--an inter-agency body which he co-chairs with Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar--is steadfast in its efforts to improve adaptive capacities of ecosystems and communities in Cagayan, Marikina, and Bicol River Basins, which bore the brunt of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in November 2020.

Cimatu stressed the opportunity to use green recovery from the COVID-19 to push for investments and reforms addressing underlying vulnerabilities and strengthening resilience.

"The COVID-19 pandemic provides us the opportunity to take a step back, and re-evaluate our programs and projects for the environment and economy. We need to identify recovery interventions that will also drive us towards a low-carbon, resilient, and green development," Cimatu said. #

By Catherine Teves | Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging households nationwide to segregate waste to help the country meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement on climate change. 

Practicing segregation will enable households to recover waste for composting, DENR Climate Change Information and Technical Support Division chief Albert Magalang said Friday.

"Without waste segregation, composting won't be successful," Magalang said during the Ang Tinig Klima program that tackled the Philippines' Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to help meet the Paris Agreement’s global goal of avoiding the onslaught of climate change.

(Read More)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office and Climate Change Service (CCS), recently launched Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards.

In participation with the Global Good Stories Movement, the resiliency recognition awards seek to recognize the stories of individuals, both women and men, and groups on the impacts of climate change and disasters in their communities, and on how they are addressing them through pursuing relevant programs on environmental protection and conservation, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. The Global Good Stories Movement is a movement of people who share the common belief that we can change the story of the world by changing the storyline.

“We know there are pockets of good stories and narratives at different levels. As we seek them out, document and publicize them, we hope such can create even more ripples of hope for expanded good stories,” said Atty Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, the DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change, and the Chairperson of DENR National Gender and Development Focal Point System.

The list of fields for the search of the good stories may include women leadership, community livelihood development, integrated water resources management, coastal/upland protection, critical resilient infrastructure, climate and disaster information services, solid waste management, marine conservation, coastal governance, road sharing and non-motorized mobility, edible landscaping and food gardens, eco-governance, environmental legislation, environmental education, arts for the earth, environmental jurisprudence, youth leadership, environmental diplomacy, marine enforcement, renewable energy, cultural heritage, beach restoration, environmental litigation, water use and recycling, among others.

Winners will be awarded Php 50,000 for the First Prize, Php 20,000 for the Second Prize, and Php 30,000 for the Third Prize. Consolation prizes, amounting to Php 15,000 each, will also be awarded to 7 selected entries.

Entries will be judged according to the Climate and Disaster Resiliency content (60%), the visual appeal of the photographs and video (30%), and the geographical reach of the initiative (10%).

Contestants must submit their entries individually to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before  May 4,  2021, with the filled-up  entry form.

If the individual contestant is having difficulty sending the entry to the organizer, such may be submitted through the DENR CENRO/ PENRO, or Regional Office, whichever comes as most convenient to the contestant. The respective DENR Office shall quickly email the said entry submission to the DENR Climate Change Service.

The contest is open to all Filipinos coming from any region of the country. However, relatives of the personnel of DENR Climate Change Service and the DENR Gender and Development Office, up to the second level of consanguinity are not eligible to join this contest. Winners will be announced and awarded on the last week of June 2021 as part of the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month. To learn more about the resiliency awards, you may follow the DENR Climate Change Service Facebook Page for the full mechanics.###

By Raffy Ayeng | Daily Tribune

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and multinational company Nestlé Philippines on Friday announced sealing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of a Materials Recovery Facility (MCF) that will process recyclable municipal solid waste produced by various communities.

Apart from the establishment of MRF, the DENR and Nestlé will also educate communities on solid waste management with Caloocan City as the experimental city for the said endeavor.

(READ MORE)