The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as a key strategy for building climate resilience in the Philippines during the 5th Philippine Environment Summit held here this week.

The summit focused on actions to reduce carbon footprints, with the CCC highlighting NAP as a framework for minimizing climate risks and ensuring the sustainability of the country's economy and social systems.

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC, said the Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate change. “The Philippines faces intensifying climate threats — rising temperatures, increasing sea levels, shifting rainfall patterns, and stronger tropical cyclones,” Borje said.

He added that the NAP outlines specific actions to reduce risks, enhance adaptive capacities, and integrate climate adaptation into national and local development planning.

Iloilo City, identified as one of the 18 provinces highly exposed to climate impacts, is particularly at risk from strong winds, rising sea levels, and extreme weather.

Borje also stressed the importance of climate change mitigation, referring to the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), which focuses on reducing emissions, transitioning to cleaner energy, and promoting renewable sources.

“The success of the NAP and NDCIP depends on the active participation of all stakeholders,” Borje said. He urged individuals to take simple actions such as tree planting, reducing plastic use, conserving energy, and supporting renewable energy sources.

Undersecretary Asis G. Perez of the Department of Agriculture also called for action, noting that climate change severely impacts the agricultural sector. “The Philippines is not only a contributor but also a victim of climate change, with impacts such as strong typhoons disrupting harvests,” Perez said.

The three-day summit, organized with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Green Convergence, gathered government officials, businesses, civil society, and students. The event, held under the theme "Ako ang Bukas: Quantum Leap to Climate Neutrality," showcased initiatives aimed at ecological restoration and sustainability.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas were among the key leaders in attendance.

The CCC also visited the Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark, a 9.1-hectare mangrove forest rehabilitated after Typhoon Frank in 2009. The ecopark serves as a vital carbon sink, contributing to the country's climate change mitigation efforts.