In an effort to rally partners in meeting the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and House of Representatives (HoR) Committee on SDGs jointly held a three-day photo exhibit with the theme “The Clock is Ticking: SDG Action Now” to emphasize the objectives as central to the country’s national development agenda.

“The SDGs are not meant to be aspirational goals; they were meant to be commitments to timelines, budgets, and consequences,” Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, chair of the House’s SDGs panel, said during the opening of the exhibit on 9 December at the North Wing Lobby of the HoR.

Alba said the SDGs must be treated as concrete commitments rather than abstract aspirations and there is a need to translate targets into clear timelines, adequate budgets and accountable measures as the country enters the final stretch toward 2030.

In his message, CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that SDGs, particularly SDG 13 or Climate Action, highlight how the country’s resilience depends on decisively addressing development gaps that continue to place communities at risk.

”Together, we must renew and reaffirm the commitment and resolve to advance climate action that is science-based, equitable, and grounded in the realities of daily life across our provinces and cities,” Borje said.

The CCC chief added that climate action is not limited to SDG 13. It also serves as a powerful enabler of progress across the 2030 agenda, supporting efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, ensure water security, protect ecosystems, and strengthen resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities — key themes of the exhibit.

The photo exhibit features images that shows “Filipino qualities of discipline, cooperation and resolve” in responding to climate and development challenges.

Borje also highlighted the pivotal role of the legislature in the final push toward 2030, stressing that the remaining four years require decisive, coordinated, and forward-looking action.