Vice President Sara Duterte is calling for stronger coordination between communities and local governments to enhance resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change, emphasizing that the Philippines bears a disproportionate burden despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
In a video message released Wednesday to mark Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Month, Duterte underscored the urgency of public awareness, stating that climate change “is personal,” as it affects farmlands, fishing grounds, homes, and the future of Filipino families.
She noted that the country has already endured 15 typhoons this year—events that ravaged coastlines, displaced thousands, and deepened poverty in vulnerable communities.
“Climate change-related calamities test our resilience and readiness as families, as communities, and as a nation,” Duterte said.
She urged Filipinos to be mindful of their daily choices—from consumption habits to waste management—stressing that each decision either exacerbates the crisis or helps communities adapt and prepare for more severe climate impacts.
Duterte also reported that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has planted one million trees nationwide over the past three years, part of its initiative to strengthen natural defenses against climate-related hazards.
She called on local government units to integrate climate preparedness and adaptation into their development plans, highlighting the need to protect forests, mangroves, rivers, and marine ecosystems.
Duterte further emphasized the importance of investing in early warning systems to build safer, more resilient communities.
She encouraged families to instill environmental stewardship in children by reducing waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and embracing sustainable practices.
“Let this month ignite a lasting commitment to a livable future—preserved and passed on for generations to come,” she said.
