CCC highlights mandate, mainstreaming, and whole-of-society approach to climate action

MANILA, 21 October 2025 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) detailed its mandate and initiatives to mainstream climate action across all sectors, emphasizing a whole-of-society approach grounded on science and data, during a press conference at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on October 16, 2025.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje outlined the country’s vulnerabilities and the robust policy framework now in place to address them. He stressed that addressing the climate crisis is a shared responsibility.

“Our mandate is clear: to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate government programs to ensure we are building a nation resilient to climate impacts. But this is not the work of the CCC alone. It requires the concerted effort of every sector of society,” said Borje. “There is hope, but our hope should be firmly grounded on science-based and data-driven policy recommendations,” he added.

A central focus of the discussion was the mainstreaming of climate action into national and local development planning. Borje presented the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the country’s foundational roadmap for building adaptive capacity. He also highlighted the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), which charts the course for a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. A key next step for both plans is localization, ensuring strategies are tailored to the specific needs of local government units (LGUs) and sectors.

The press conference revealed significant progress at the local level, with a 90.96% submission rate for Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) from LGUs nationwide. “What we want is not just the submission of the LCCAP. What we need is for these LCCAPs to be implemented. The true measure of our success is the translation of these plans into more climate-resilient communities,” Borje clarified.

Borje underscored that partnerships are crucial for effective climate action, highlighting several key initiatives.

He reported that the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) has committed over PHP1.4 billion to support adaptation projects in 24 LGUs. For the first time in the fund’s history, the initial PHP 1 billion allocation was fully committed and subsequently replenished in 2025. “The PSF Board is exploring ways to democratize access to the fund,” Borje shared, noting the prioritization of the most climate-vulnerable areas.

Additionally, collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management on Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) ensures climate actions are prioritized in national budgets.

Borje also highlighted the Philippines’ active role in global climate finance, including its historic selection to host the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. “This will further strengthen the country’s role in global climate finance,” Borje said.

The press conference also served as a platform to invite the public and stakeholders to participate in the upcoming Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week on November 19-25, 2025 to reinforce climate awareness and collective action for climate resilience.

Borje also called for unity and disciplined action. “Every generation always has its challenges, and climate change is the governance challenge of our generation. We have to work together because we are the answer that our country needs.”

The event aimed to strengthen engagement with media and the public, ensure clear communication of the nation’s climate initiatives, and foster broader participation in building a climate-resilient future. The press conference was streamed live by PIA and attended by representatives from various government and private media outlets. For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.