In a historic step toward accelerating on-the-ground climate action, the higher education sector, local government units (LGUs), and key government agencies formalized a collective pledge to support the localization of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023 to 2050.
A “Commitment to Action” was signed by officials and representatives from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of the Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC).
The pledge aims to strengthen collaboration among LGUs, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and national government agencies to more effectively implement the NAP at the local level. This is the country’s primary strategy for building resilience and reducing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
Under the pledge, academic institutions committed to fully harness the potential of SUCs as centers of local knowledge, technology, and innovation, to provide LGUs with science-based data and tools for context-specific adaptation solutions.
The agencies and SUCs further pledged to work together to train and support local governments in conducting climate risk assessments, managing greenhouse gas inventories, and mainstreaming the NAP into their local development and land use plans.
“Through knowledge sharing and collaboration, we can help nurture future world-class climate leaders, actors, and even future IPCC authors — individuals equipped to drive solutions at every level,” said Senator Loren Legarda.
As support from national agencies, the CCC, DILG-LGA and CHEd committed to assisting both SUCs and LGUs in formulating and implementing effective Local Climate Change Action Plans, and to ensure that projects and programs are evidence-based and risk-informed.
The Commitment to Action was signed during the Knowledge Exchange Forum (KEF), which was attended by presidents of SUCs and representatives from national agencies.
The Forum, with the theme “From Knowledge to Action: Championing the Role of the State Universities and Colleges for Accelerated Climate Action,” highlighted the critical role of state universities and colleges as “local knowledge hubs” that will link science, policy, and on-the-ground action. Through their research, training, and extension services, they will serve as partners of local governments in shaping climate solutions based on indigenous knowledge and community needs.
Coinciding with the signing, a formal coordination platform was also launched to enable more systematic linkages among LGUs, leagues of local officials, SUCs, and regional development councils for faster local NAP implementation.
“This signing is a clear and firm signal of our collective dedication to lay down the necessary foundations so that every community in the Philippines becomes prepared and resilient to a changing climate,” stated CCC vice chair and executive director Robert E.A. Borje. “By linking the knowledge of our universities with the actions of our local governments, we will undoubtedly accelerate the achievement of a climate-resilient future for all Filipinos.”
The KEF was part of the celebration of the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1667, s. 2008.