Laguna launches community-led climate action initiative

By Lily Gut Negotiations are underway between Climate Change Commission and partner countries to gain access to technical capabilities that ...

By Lily Gut

Negotiations are underway between Climate Change Commission and partner countries to gain access to technical capabilities that can be utilized for a scientific approach to combat climate change. (MBL/PIA-4A)

PAETE, Laguna - A program for climate change mitigation and adaptation is crucial to addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

With this, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) was established with a program dubbed the Net Zero Challenge (NZC), which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2027.



The NZC focuses on implementing sustainable practices, promoting renewable energy sources, and developing innovative technologies to reduce carbon footprints across various sectors. Additionally, the CCC collaborates with government agencies, businesses, and communities to raise awareness and create policies that support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

"We all have a carbon footprint, whether as individuals or organizations. It is important that we find ways to reduce this carbon footprint and lower our greenhouse gas emissions. Planting and growing trees is the easiest, most effective, and impactful method to achieve this," said CCC Vice Chairperson, Executive Director Secretary Robert Borje.



In order to battle climate change, Borje underlined the need for regenerative forestry. This is because trees are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide and strengthening communities, especially during times of extreme weather like typhoons.

After the final batch of seedlings is planted in 2030, monitoring and assessment will last for three more years. By then, the nation will evaluate whether it has met the 75% reduction and avoidance target for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the Philippines' commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

According to CCC, collaboration with regional civil society organizations and international partnerships are additional strategies for combating climate change. Both the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Philippines, Ahmed Bin Saad N.A. Al-Homidi, and the First Secretary of the UAE Embassy in Manila, Obaid Al Shehhi, attended the ceremony and pledged the support of their respective nations for the environmental cause.

As stated in Sec. Borje, talks with cooperating nations have started, and they will give the Philippines access to technical resources for a scientific approach to tackling climate change.

“We are working very closely with them on options and cooperation. What we’re working on right now is we have draft memorandum of understanding with the UAE on technical cooperation in climate change pero it’s still under negotiation. What we want is work closely with partners.”

“They do have the resources and the technical know-how. Magaling sila sa measurement, magaling sila sa monitoring nitong greenhouse gas emissions. May teknolohiya sila doon at yun ang gusto nating i-leverage because we want to work very closely with our partners at importante talaga ang partnership with the international community,” he added.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Paete, Ronald Cosico, expressed gratitude for having been selected as the location for this significant forestry effort. He emphasized the significance of both individual and group efforts in establishing a sustainable future as he urged his supporters to support the Net Zero Challenge and advocated for immediate action against climate change.

The Mayor of Paete, Cosico, also emphasized the potential economic gains that the reforestation project might bring to the island community, such as job creation and expanded tourism opportunities.

"We can no longer ignore climate change; it is already here. Paete is fortunate to have been selected as the launch site for the Net Zero Challenge of the Climate Change Commission. Let us all take care of and help nurture our resources and mountains to make them grow,” Cosico added.

The CCC emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and issues of each community when developing policies and programs because climate change affects everyone differently. (with reports from PIA Laguna)