The Climate Change Commission said collaborative efforts are crucial to pushing climate actions in the country.
Secretary Robert E.A Borje, the CCC vice chair and executive director, pressed that promoting partnerships among stakeholders, particularly with the civil society organizations in the country, serves as huge contributors to building a resilient Philippines.
"For climate change, no task is too big or too small. Participation in programs and activities, like tree and mangrove planting and coastal cleanups – when done together, simultaneously – can make a huge difference," Borje underscored, during the commemoration of this year's Social Development Week on Thursday, 19 October.
Borje cited this year's climate forum with the theme: "Facing the Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Development,"—which was sponsored by the Caucus of Development NGO Networks also known as CODE-NGO, one of the country's largest groups of CSOs in the country.
The CODE-NGO is composed of 12 national and regional networks representing 1,600 non-government organizations, people's organizations, and cooperatives nationwide.
Borje said the CCC, under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been able to establish and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders, including CSOs, development partners, private sector, and local government units, to push the country's goal of combatting climate change and its impact.
The CCC also pushed its "Working to Empower Climate Action Network" or "WE CAN" program—tailored specifically for CSOs' collaboration with the government.
"The Commission counts on your active involvement in this resilience-building effort. But we can do more if we continue to work together. The CCC champions advocacies where all of you can take part. May we continue to be part of the solution to this global governance challenge of our generation," said Borje.
"In the end, all our actions and initiatives will count as means to save lives, protect our livelihoods, and secure our future. As partners, sama-sama tayong magkaisa tungo sa isang bagong bansang matatag," he pressed on.
In the same event, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga also emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships to push environmental advocacies in the country.
"We aim for inclusive processes recognizing that every voice needs to be heard, and for partners to secure co-benefits and build resilience for a truly whole-of-society effort in addressing climate change," said Loyzaga.