By Kenneth Marcos 
In a packed room filled with hope and determination, representatives from government, private sector, and civil society gathered to shape the Philippines’ united front for the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) this December in Belém, Brazil.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) led the vital consultation, aiming to build a strong and inclusive national stance on climate issues. The meeting began with a detailed briefing on the outcomes of the 62nd session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), setting the agenda for focused talks on critical climate workstreams.
Key government agencies joined the discussion, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy, Department of Finance, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. These agencies presented updates and outlooks on six main areas: Adaptation; Mitigation and Article 6; Loss and Damage; Climate Finance; Just Transition and Technology; and Transparency.
The insights and recommendations gathered during the consultation will guide the Philippines’ official positions and negotiation tactics at COP30, where global leaders will work to advance climate action.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of partnership in fighting climate change. “We can only confront the climate crisis effectively through trust, transparency, and shared responsibility,” he said. Borje also stressed that citizen participation is key, especially to include the voices of the most vulnerable communities.
The event reflected on the Philippines’ climate action journey and the critical role civil society and community groups play in turning climate policies into real improvements in people’s lives.
Borje added, “We want more stakeholders, including businesses and academic institutions, to join this conversation. Our goal is a broader, more meaningful participation from civil society organizations and partners.”
Among those present were representatives from leading civil society groups like Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, Forest Foundation Philippines, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, WWF-Philippines, Save the Children Philippines, and many others. Private sector participants included major companies such as Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Ayala Corporation, First Philippine Holdings, and Energy Development Corporation.
The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to move beyond one-off consultations. It aims to build lasting partnerships for ongoing dialogue and coordinated climate action among all sectors.
This inclusive approach hopes to ensure that climate solutions benefit all Filipinos and that the country remains a strong voice in international climate negotiations.
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