PAETE, Laguna―The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with National Power Corp. (Napocor) and the municipal government of Paete, Laguna, kicked off last week the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week with a tree growing activity at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed to strengthen nature-based solutions
The initiative, known as Net Zero Challenge (NZC), forms part of the CCC’s continuing efforts to strengthen carbon offsetting and climate resilience, reflecting the urgency to continuously address the impacts of climate change, such as the recent and stronger typhoons.
NZC underscores the critical role of forests in safeguarding communities and supporting the country’s pathway toward climate resilience.
CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje cited the importance of stronger forest protection and restoration. His message was delivered by CCC deputy executive director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca.
Started in August 2023, the Net Zero Challenge aims to plant more than 15,000 seedlings across 25 hectares at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed in Paete, Laguna by 2030 to align with the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
A total of 400 seedlings of banaba, langka and acacia were planted during the event.
Borje anchored the message on the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for strengthened collaboration across all sectors.
Napocor president Jericho Jonas Nograle reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the initiative through a message delivered by Napocor divison manager Vincent Concio.
“Today’s tree growing activity under the Net Zero Challenge in celebration of the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week is more than a day’s gathering, it’s a call to action of a whole-of-society approach towards strengthening collaboration against the impacts of climate change,” he said.
The NZC is the CCC’s carbon neutrality program that aims to contribute to global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, as the reforestation of the 25 hectares at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed is expected to sequester an estimated 75.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Attending the activity were representatives from the private sector, including Holcim Philippines Inc. and Ahunan Power Inc., Philippine Red Cross Region 4A (PRC R4A), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR PENRO) and Department of the Interior and Local Government–Laguna (DILG Laguna).
The local government unit of Paete, Laguna, as well as development partners, state universities and colleges, civil society organizations, and media partners, also participated in the tree growing initiative.
The CCC continues to work closely with the private sector, local governments, and communities to accelerate climate resilience, strengthen carbon sequestration efforts, and advance the country’s transition toward a climate-smart and sustainable future.
