President Bongbong Marcos congratulates Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. of the Commission on Climate Change (left) following the presentation of his latest book, “Climate Innovation” (second edition), to the Chief Executive in Malacañang Palace. Also in the photo is Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. (middle) of the Department of Interior and Local Government. (Photo courtesy of Yummie Dingding/Malacañang)
MANILA — As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) prepares to kick off in Expo City, Dubai, Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. is rallying Filipinos to actively engage in addressing the far-reaching impacts of climate change.
Emphasizing the need for a collective effort, Dela Cruz encourages citizens to take part in implementing mitigation and adaptation measures, steering the Philippines towards self-sufficiency and resilience against the adverse effects of this global phenomenon.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Romualdez Marcos Jr. has echoed this call to action, urging citizens to support the government’s initiatives aimed at combating climate change.
Central to these efforts is the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 75 percent by 2030.
In a video message during the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, President Marcos emphasized the pivotal roles of both citizens and the government in environmental preservation, stressing the importance of fostering the ‘bayanihan’ spirit to unite the nation in addressing climate change and global warming.
“We all have a role to play in this mission. So we must work together, take a stance in support of our planet. Let us be involved in creating solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change,” President Marcos Jr. pointed out.
Commissioner Dela Cruz, before his departure to Dubai, visited President Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace.
During the meeting, he presented the second edition of his book “Climate Innovation” as a testament to his commitment to supporting the Marcos administration’s climate action plan, aiming to bolster the Philippines’ resiliency and self-sufficiency.
Dela Cruz highlighted the escalating impact of global warming and climate change, evident in the frequency of extreme weather conditions and other devastating events.
“Rising sea levels causing flooding, increasing temperatures, extreme weather events, and the decline in biodiversity remind us of the urgency to respond swiftly to this immediate environmental concern. I reiterate our beloved President’s call to unite our people so that we may become a more resilient and adaptable nation,” he underscored.
(ai/mnm)
