CCC recognizes organizations, individuals for climate change sector work

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) concluded Climate Change Consciousness Week 2025 by recognizing various government agencies, academic institutions, private organizations, and individuals for their work in sectors sectors seen as crucial in responding to the worsening climate crisis: education, research, governance, clean energy, humanitarian work, and public communication.

Among those cited were GMA Network and GMA Integrated News, for disseminating vital and updated information on climate change.

GMA Integrated News has been producing the climate change special series “Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima” and special reports on renewable energy and other alternative, more environment-friendly power sources.

These reports have aired on 24 Oras and other GMA Integrated News newscasts.

The CCC also recognized other local and international institutions for their significant contributions to climate action. These included the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) / French Development Agency, Greenpeace Philippines, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, the United Nations Global Compact, and several distinguished individuals.

Among the individual awardees was Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap, honored for the work of his organization OMTSE, which aims to plant millions of trees in partnership with government, farmers, and Indigenous communities.

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje thanked and commended all the honorees, saying, “ Each of you represents a crucial pillar, education, research, cultural heritage, public communication, governance, clean energy, social protection, technical planning, and humanitarian action.”

Borje said the event is important because it reinforces collective action across different sectors, government, private companies, academe, civil society, and development partners. He stressed that the immense needs for climate finance, technology, and capacity cannot be met by a single institution, underscoring the necessity of stronger partnerships and a whole-of-society response.

He added that science is clear and the Philippines is already experiencing the impacts of stronger storms, longer dry spells, and rising sea levels, making further delays in climate action unacceptable. He reiterated that climate change cannot be solved by any one institution and requires broad, coordinated engagement.

During the event, the CCC and its partner organizations also held a signing ceremony for new cooperation agreements. According to Borje, these new agreements are proof of “modern, unified, and renewed” cooperation that leverages innovation and science based solutions to speed up the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution, and the Philippine Development Plan.

He emphasized that these partnerships are about cost-sharing, co-investment, and becoming “co-creators of solutions” to better assist the most vulnerable communities.

The CCC added that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility.

Borje said the signed agreements will serve as a starting point for deeper and more meaningful climate action in the country.

Participants in the event, including GMA Integrated News, also signed a commitment wall pledging to fight the threat of climate change and protect the environment. — BM, GMA Integrated News