Joseph Azil Buena

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) Philippines called for greater climate awareness among Filipinos to strengthen disaster resilience and sustainability during a multi-agency Independence Day fair at Luneta Park on June 10 to 11.


In a Facebook post, the CCC shared that the event showcased government policies and programs aimed at building a climate-resilient Philippines.

“Our policies, programs, and initiatives are designed to help the country, especially vulnerable communities, to build resilience against the impacts of climate change,” stated CCC Executive Director Robert Borje in the said post.

The CCC booth featured the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), which provides grants for climate adaptation projects, and the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET), which monitors government climate initiatives.

They also presented the Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA), an award-giving program that recognizes efforts to strengthen climate resilience.

Bridging services to people

Borje said the event gathered government agencies to help “bridge the gap” between government services and the Filipino public.

“These booths help our fellow citizens understand what the government is doing. For instance, our agency may be small, but we carry out critical work. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues today, and yet not everyone is aware of the urgency to act,” Borje explained.

“This event provides valuable exposure not only for our agency, but also for other small offices that play crucial roles in driving sustainable development,” he added.

The CCC also promoted its new ‘Bawal Plastik Dito’ sticker pack to raise awareness on ocean protection and proper waste management in line with the Philippine Environment Month celebration this June.

More booth activities included short climate quizzes where booth visitors won eco-friendly prizes such as plantable pencils, coasters, and other sustainable items.

The event, organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, ran as part of the lead-up to the 127th Independence Day celebration.

Other partner agencies present included the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Energy (DOE), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The youth and climate

In a separate Facebook post on June 10, Borje emphasized the vital role of young Filipinos in addressing the climate crisis.

Citing 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, he said 30 million young Filipinos “represent a powerful force for climate action.”

“Sa gitna ng krisis sa klima ngayon, lalo itong nagiging makabuluhan. Sa tumitinding epekto ng climate change, ang kabataan ang may kakayahan at lakas na maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at solusyon,” Borje wrote.

He stressed that amid worsening extreme heat, floods, heavy rains, and stronger typhoons caused by climate change, stronger adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable practices are essential.

“Kailangan natin ng mas pinatibay na mga hakbang sa adaptasyon, mitigasyon, at mga sustainable practices. Katuwang nito ang malawakang pagkilos mula sa lahat, o ang tinatawag na whole-of-society approach,” he said.

Borje urged the public to see Independence Week as both a celebration of national freedom and a call to fight for freedom from environmental destruction.

“Sa dami ng kabataan, malaki ang magagawa kung lahat ay kikilos at makikibahagi. Sama-sama tayong tumindig para sa mas sustainable na mundo,” he added.