CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — In a bid to further enhance the advocacy of a whole-of-nation and -community approach in the implementation of immediate climate action, Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. affirmed the Climate Change Commission (CCC)’s partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to push for more programs geared at addressing the impacts of climate change and global warming.
Commissioner Dela Cruz met with AFP chief-of-staff Lieutenant General Andres Centino to discuss a closer collaboration with the country’s military to conduct climate action activities that include tree-planting, carbon sequestration, and even promoting food security through urban gardening and other efforts for agricultural productivity.
Stressing how the environment needs human tender loving care, the climate official spelled out that climate action can be done by engaging in environmental activities that will improve our quality of living and ensure that future generations will enjoy the beauty and fruits of Mother Nature.
“We need to act if we want to save the only home we have,” he pointed out even as he urged the Centino to partner with the CCC in its tree-planting at mga inisyatibo reforestation initiatives which, he said, strengthen bonds among communities and serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development.
“Trees have lots of benefits and planting trees is an essential way for everyone to avert the harsh impact of severe atmospheric occurrences triggered by climate change. We have seen how climate change and global warming have wrought upon us in the form of super typhoons, monsoon rains, landslides, and erratic weather conditions,” he added.
In response, the AFP chief cited the broad expanse of military camps and preserves across the country that can be utilized to promote tree-growing and urban gardening as well.
Centino noted that in actively joining the CCC in its program of climate action, military personnel can significantly contribute to the Marcos administration’s national climate change action plan (NCCAP) to help in the efforts for carbon sequestration and likewise in enhancing food productivity while ensuring the country’s resiliency through adaptation and mitigation.
(ai/mtvn)
