RIZAL PARK, Manila — In commemorating the tenth anniversary of super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. with environment advocates and stakeholders led a wreath laying ceremony at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Rizal Park followed by the lighting of candles to symbolically remember the victims of the disaster that claimed more than 6,000 lives.
Commissioner Dela Cruz initiated the commemoration to present to the world the Climate Change Commission (CCC)’s agenda on climate action and disaster resilience which embodies the country’s advocacy to promote mitigation and adaptation as a means of response to the global phenomenon ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) scheduled on November 30 to December 12, 2023 at Expo City Dubai.
The activity was joined by CCC’s partners, among them the Rotary Club of Makati Business District led by its president Maricella ‘Mache’ Torres-Ackerman and the Brotherhood of Brave Maharlikan (BBM) Tigers led by its newly installed national president Apo Musang Abel Macarimpas.
Recognizing the importance of COP28 as an international climate summit where world leaders gather to work together on solutions to tackle climate change, the climate official cited the need for a worldwide platform for idea-sharing and collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by the changing climate and global warming.
Included in the agenda on climate action and disaster resilience being promoted by CCC, the following actions are proposed:
Advocate for community-centered platforms for young people’s education and participation in climate action and disaster resilience;
Develop effective, inclusive, and accessible storytelling for the climate and environment;
Establish a mental health support network among children and youth working on climate action and disaster resilience;
Build resilient communities that can effectively prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters and climate change impacts;
Establish inclusive, accessible and safe spaces for all vulnerable sectors;
Implement ridge-to-reef nature-based solutions involving children and youth;
Empower children and youth to take action towards an inclusive, accessible, just, and regenerative agricultural and fisheries system;
Empower children and youth to advance accessible, just, and sustainable renewable energy and aquatic resources;
Increase children and youth participation in strong implementation of effective waste management policies and programs;
Create a safe and enabling environment for indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and environmental defenders through protection, meaningful engagements, and cultural strengthening; and
Support micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that promote eco-conscious businesses built towards a circular economy. (TRACY CABRERA)
