CCC HIGHLIGHTS COLLABORATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY IN CLIMATE ACTION

Manila, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has emphasized the importance of working hand in hand with civil society organizations (CSOs) in the quest for climate action, with a specific focus on building resilience. “Our gathering today signifies a beginning step in our collaborative journey to enhance climate action,” expressed CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje during a public forum celebrating Social Development Week 2023 on Wednesday.

According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, Borje highlighted the potential of collective action, stating that activities such as tree and mangrove planting and coastal cleanups, when coordinated and executed simultaneously, can yield significant positive outcomes.

The public forum, centered on the theme “Facing the Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Development,” was organized by the Caucus of Development NGO (non-government organization) Networks (CODE-NGO). CODE-NGO stands as one of the Philippines’ most extensive CSO groups, comprising 12 national and regional networks, representing a total of 1,600 non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the CCC has fostered and reinforced relationships with various stakeholders. This encompasses CSOs, development allies, the business sector, and local governing bodies. Among the coordination mechanisms is the ‘Working to Empower Climate Action Network’ or ‘WE CAN’, specifically crafted for CSOs. Borje remarked, “The Commission relies on your proactive participation in these resilience-building endeavors. Our collaborative efforts can achieve even more. The CCC promotes causes where everyone can actively participate. We aspire to collectively address this pressing global governance issue faced by our generation.”

Borje also expressed optimism about the collective initiative’s outcome, emphasizing that their collective actions would serve as tools to save lives, shield livelihoods, and ensure a secure future. He shared a unifying sentiment, urging everyone to work in harmony towards building a resilient nation.

Adding to this, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, also underscored the value of inclusive partnerships. She noted, “Our goal is to ensure that every voice is acknowledged, and to collaborate with partners to reap mutual benefits and bolster resilience, manifesting a comprehensive societal approach to combatting climate change.”