Panayam kay Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Sec. Robert Borje
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00:00 UN Special Rapporteur Ian Fry will visit the country.
00:04 We will talk with Secretary Robert Borges,
00:08 Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission.
00:12 Secretary Borges, good afternoon and welcome to the new Philippines.
00:18 Good afternoon, partner Nina and Usec Edu.
00:22 We are here this afternoon to talk about the visit
00:26 of Special Rapporteur Dr. Fry in the Philippines.
00:30 UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights Ian Fry is in the Philippines.
00:36 What is the purpose of the invitation?
00:39 The Philippines invited him.
00:42 Because sometimes, in the past, when the UN Special Rapporteur is here,
00:46 we get nervous.
00:48 What is the difference?
00:50 That's a good point.
00:51 I think the visit of Dr. Fry, the Special Rapporteur,
00:54 shows the positive engagement of our government to the United Nations
00:59 on the issue of human rights and climate change.
01:02 His visit is a product of consultation and coordination with the United Nations
01:07 and also the mandate given to him by the Human Rights Council.
01:11 He is here to see the link of human rights in the context of climate change
01:18 and the purpose of this is to show the Philippines the best practices
01:23 and lessons learned when it comes to upholding human rights,
01:26 when it comes to our program and policy on climate change.
01:30 Again, our government thought that it is important to engage the UN
01:37 in the ongoing issue of climate change and human rights
01:40 because this is also a priority of our government.
01:43 Engagement with the United Nations is both an object and instrument of our policy
01:50 so that we are able to advance the issues on climate change and human rights
01:54 with a developmental perspective.
01:57 Sec. Robert, Dr. Fry is the first UN Special Rapporteur
02:03 on the protection of human rights and climate.
02:07 What is the significance of his portfolio?
02:10 His portfolio is important because usually when we talk about climate change
02:15 and human rights, the basis is different.
02:19 Different conventions, different treaties.
02:22 So what we are saying is, although the obligations are different,
02:26 but it has a nexus and a basis for discussion.
02:31 What we want to show in the Philippines is that climate change actions and policies
02:38 and projects are based on human rights.
02:41 So human rights-based approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
02:45 It is important for our Special Rapporteur to see that a country like the Philippines
02:51 that contributes only 0.5% of greenhouse gas emissions,
02:57 we are reeling from the brunt of climate change.
03:00 So he can see it here because this is one of his issues that focuses on loss and damage.
03:06 He can see that even though we are a small contributor,
03:09 we bear the biggest brunt of climate change.
03:12 And it to us becomes an issue of climate justice and equity.
03:16 Because other governments in the world should do what they should do.
03:21 It is good because President Marcos at the outset said that the Philippines
03:26 will be a responsible member of the international community.
03:29 We will do our obligation.
03:31 But other governments and states should also do their obligation.
03:38 Sec, let's clarify. We invited Dr. Fry here.
03:43 What is the purpose of his visit here?
03:47 In his visit here, he focused on five issues.
03:51 First is loss and damage.
03:52 He wants to know what is the effect of climate change in the Philippines.
03:57 This means the impact on our development aspirations.
04:01 And we can see that we are number one when it comes to countries that are at risk.
04:07 We are number one.
04:08 It's something that because we are the least responsible but we suffer the most,
04:13 it means something is wrong.
04:15 And in his visit yesterday,
04:18 when he arrived at the entry conference,
04:21 he said that it is important for other stakeholders to know what is happening in the Philippines
04:28 and other countries like Pakistan because it becomes very real for us.
04:32 And we need to exact more commitment from other countries.
04:38 Second is displacement in the context of climate change.
04:43 Third is intergenerational justice and litigation and legislation.
04:51 Fourth is our program when it comes to gender.
04:59 And then, environmental defenders.
05:03 So on those five points,
05:05 the government's goal is to show that there is a strong framework and a strong policy
05:12 and strong implementation when it comes to these areas.
05:16 Now, we are not saying that we are perfect.
05:19 What we are saying is because it's part of the development and nation building,
05:24 we are doing our best.
05:26 And certainly, the message to the Special Rapporteur is that we're ready
05:30 because he is an expert on climate change and human rights.
05:34 We would like to learn from him and we also would want him to learn from us
05:38 because it's a two-way process.
05:40 And that's what's good about the mission of our Special Rapporteur now
05:44 compared to the other missions of the Special Rapporteurs before.
05:48 So, Asek, you mentioned five points.
05:50 What are the policies that the government is pushing for
05:55 to improve the climate change legislation of the Philippines?
06:00 Legislation is, of course, a different branch of our government.
06:04 But because of the mandate of the Climate Change Commission,
06:07 we are helping our legislature for key legislation.
06:12 For example, our PENCAS or Philippine Environment Accountability for our Resources.
06:21 Its aim is to have accounting of our natural resources and to be valued.
06:26 Senator Loren Legarda said,
06:29 "How can we know the value of our resources if we don't have this accounting system?"
06:36 And this is related to the issue of loss and damage.
06:39 And this is also related to other legislation,
06:43 including the strengthening of the capacity of our LGUs
06:48 for their adaptive capacity when it comes to climate change.
06:52 And we saw in the visit of President Marcos that this is a priority of our government
06:59 that at the grassroots, at the LGUs and at the barangays,
07:03 they can strengthen their capacity to face the challenges brought by climate change and its impacts.
07:09 Okay.
07:10 Sec. Robert, we at DSWD, we're part of the disaster response cluster.
07:14 So we're very much exposed to the impact of climate change.
07:17 So to you at the Climate Change Commission,
07:19 how would you assess the country in terms of disaster preparedness and response?
07:27 That's one of the things that was discussed at the entry conference.
07:31 And DSWD presented the programs.
07:34 What's good and what Special Rapporteur noticed is that we now have the direction
07:39 to have permanent facilities for those affected by calamities or disasters.
07:46 And it is an investment on our part.
07:49 He said that it's important that we have investments, we have public investments.
07:54 But the overall theme is that there should be help for us.
07:58 Public investments are important, but it's also important,
08:01 and this is the point of the Philippine government under President Marcos,
08:06 it's an issue of climate justice.
08:10 And under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, there are means of implementation.
08:14 It means that there should be climate finance, there should be technology development and transfer,
08:18 and there should be capacity building from the developed countries and carbon majors to the Philippines.
08:24 What we're saying is that you should look at it more because we are the ones who are suffering here.
08:29 And I think the Special Rapporteur will come back with a strong message
08:35 that the Philippine government is committed to this.
08:38 We invest through public investments in programs and projects,
08:42 but it will be better if the different governments will help us.
08:47 To us, we are saying that it is not a treaty obligation only,
08:51 it is a moral imperative because it is the life, life and future of our fellowmen here.
08:57 Going back to the climate legislation issue,
09:01 what are the ways that you see to include human rights considerations in our climate legislation?
09:07 It's good because everything that we do, and this is the point of the Philippine government,
09:12 everything that we do is human rights based, and that's based on our constitution.
09:16 So our legislation really upholds human rights.
09:20 Human rights based approach to climate change projects, programs and policies is essential so that we continue to do that.
09:27 You can see that in the Climate Change Act, you can see that in the People's Survival Fund,
09:33 you can see that in the NDRMP, and it shows that it is important to protect the lives and well-being of our fellowmen.
09:44 What we say is that when we talk about climate change, the human rights that we are protecting are very fundamental,
09:52 and that's the fundamental right to live and to live away from fear.
09:58 And that is clearly what Special Rapporteur Frye is bringing.
10:02 You mentioned earlier intergenerational justice.
10:07 What is the definition of this in the context of human rights and climate change?
10:14 That's important because climate change is a global, historic and systemic issue and problem.
10:23 So we all need to work for this, and not just now.
10:28 We all have a responsibility, not just right now in our global ecosystem or global structure, but the next generation.
10:35 So it becomes a question of intergenerational justice and responsibility.
10:41 In fact, the Philippine government is one of the first countries to uphold the intergenerational justice principle.
10:48 What I want to see, and what I want to see, is how this is translated into our programs and policies.
10:56 And we can see that we are in fact protecting the next generation, and we are providing for avenues and also projects and programs
11:06 for the next generation to be involved in policymaking so that they too can come up with solutions to the issues of climate change and other issues.
11:16 If I may mention, we had the whole-of-government approach.
11:20 All relevant agencies are present at the entry conference, and all of them have assistance,
11:26 including various commissions, especially on senior citizens, the youth, for women.
11:33 These are the issues that we are showing, the vulnerable sector.
11:40 And this also shows the strength of our democracy.
11:43 While we are a young democracy, we are becoming stronger by the day.
11:48 Sec. Roberts, you mentioned earlier that President Bongbong Marcos' priority is climate change and our disaster response.
11:58 You are in the Climate Change Commission. What specific programs do you have for this purpose?
12:03 Thank you. It is important that we work on what we have and continue to build on it.
12:08 Right now, we have the National Climate Change Action Plan, and we also have the Local Climate Change Action Plan for our LGUs.
12:16 We also have the NFSCC, which is the National Framework Strategy for Climate Change.
12:20 But now, under President Marcos, we are very pleased to inform everybody that we will have a National Adaptation Plan.
12:29 For the first time, this will happen.
12:32 We are also hard at work for the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan.
12:37 This means that this is a plan to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire Philippines by 75 percent.
12:44 Under President Marcos, we have completed the greenhouse gas inventory for the years 2015 and 2020.
12:52 This has been pending for a long time, but under President Marcos, this will be completed.
12:57 This includes finalizing the guidelines on the certification process for green jobs,
13:04 so that our private sector will have incentives to transition towards a low-carbon economy.
13:11 So, in terms of policy framework, our government leadership is strong.
13:17 Our President's vision is clear, and the various branches of the government are working to implement this.
13:24 Aside from the government, what is the update on our assistance to the private sector and other stakeholders in addressing the effects of climate change?
13:37 That's a good question. When we talk about investments in climate change,
13:41 it should not only be public investments, but private investments as well, or investments from the private sector.
13:47 Because the government alone cannot afford it.
13:49 And the good thing, under President Marcos, is that there is a positive engagement with the private sector.
13:56 And they have been approaching us.
13:58 In fact, our Climate Change Commission has formed a consultative and contact group for different stakeholders.
14:06 There are CSOs, development partners, government agencies, and the private sector.
14:13 And right now, we're working with the private sector on finding out how they can help us.
14:17 Some of our partners have already adopted LGUs to address their needs in capacity building for adaptation and mitigation.
14:26 And others are helping us in terms of communication strategy.
14:31 Others will also help in the nexus of, for example, nutrition and helping climate change action.
14:37 So, these investments and these actions are important so that we can walk together towards our objective.
14:46 Again, it's important that it's not just a whole-of-government approach, but a whole-of-society approach.
14:51 And this is a very important message that we're telling the world.
14:54 For a country that is most at risk for climate change hazards, we are doing what we should be doing.
15:01 And we will not be left to the challenges unless we are able to strengthen our program and policy on climate change.
15:11 I have one more question for you.
15:13 Because recently, Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City spoke about our TINGI culture.
15:20 Private companies are supplying us with small packs that causes floods.
15:29 Sometimes, our fellow citizens don't have a choice because this is what they can afford.
15:34 That's why refilling stations are already there.
15:37 Good thing, in Quezon City, they already have those.
15:39 So, how can we encourage, I guess, to help between LGUs and also the companies.
15:46 I hope they should make more efforts.
15:48 That's right. And it's a function also of the options that are available for our public.
15:55 It's important to give our fellow citizens options on how to win.
16:00 But it is a function of the economic status.
16:03 So, what are we doing?
16:05 Actually, there is an extended producer's responsibility for single plastics use.
16:10 So, it's important to do this. There is an IRR for this. So, our private sector can have a responsibility to do this.
16:18 Because plastics, from the ingredients to the process and to the output, it really has an impact on our environment and our climate change.
16:27 So, we need to look at this more.
16:30 We have been talking to some of our stakeholders and they're being held to account.
16:36 And they're being told that there should be other options.
16:39 And maybe it's better to continue to look at the involvement of our CSOs.
16:45 Because our people, it's important that when the people we're talking to say that we don't want that anymore, we need to change.
16:52 But it's also important for our government to have a continuous program enhancing the economic well-being of our people
17:00 so that they have more choices in life to become more economically and environmentally responsible.
17:08 Sec. Robert, climate change has a huge impact on the loss of houses, land, and property of our fellowmen.
17:16 What are the efforts of our government to address or avoid this?
17:21 Yes, our NDRMP is important. And of course, our Climate Change Act and the People's Survival Fund Act.
17:29 Because we're giving the ability of our LGUs at the front lines of climate change.
17:37 Under President Marcos, the utilization rate of the People's Survival Fund is pending at 31%.
17:46 But under his leadership, it's a Php 1 billion fund, the approval of applications has reached Php 900+ million.
17:56 So that's about 91% to 95%.
17:59 But be that as it may, the continuous strengthening of the capacity of LGUs is still important.
18:06 So the LC-CAP or the Local Climate Change Action Plan is needed to continue to be done and will be a guide for our LGUs
18:14 so that there's a concrete plan to minimize losses and damages to the lives and the livelihoods of our people.
18:21 But that's just one aspect.
18:25 Our local climate change expenditure tagging also, under President Marcos, has already increased to around Php 540 billion of our budget,
18:36 which is about 9% of our NEP.
18:39 This is a big jump from the previous year.
18:42 And this again shows the commitment of Marcos' administration to support our government agencies in their task
18:51 to also address climate change challenges that are specific to their mandates.
18:56 Okay, as a last message and reminder to our fellow countrymen from your commission,
19:04 how can we bring this closer, especially because sometimes when you talk about climate change,
19:08 it's a bit high for ordinary citizens.
19:11 How can we bring this closer to them so that they can understand this concept and also help their countrymen?
19:20 Thank you.
19:22 We in the Climate Change Commission have done just three so that it's easier to understand.
19:26 When you talk about climate change, this is the life, livelihood and future of our citizens.
19:32 So it's important to know the impacts of this on our society.
19:39 But there are four pieces that are also important.
19:42 First is understanding, second is planning, third is preparation and fourth is following.
19:57 It's important for our countrymen to know that our government is doing its work.
20:05 Our policy is science-based and evidence-based.
20:09 So we need to listen and have trust in our government.
20:15 And I think this is a very good message from our president.
20:18 And what our president is saying is that we are one country and we need to work together
20:24 to achieve our objectives for our government.
20:28 So we have life, livelihood and future, our four pieces.
20:34 And it's important to do this because it's a way for our country to become a new and strong country.
20:43 And incidentally, that is the theme for Climate Change Consciousness Week which will be happening also later this month.
20:49 And we encourage everybody to help, especially in government and particularly the media.
20:55 Because it's a reality that's hitting us in the face, but we need to understand it fully.
21:01 And we need to work together to have a government and a country that is strong, resilient, climate smart and low carbon economy.
21:18 And thank you for this opportunity.
21:20 Thank you very much for your time, Secretary Robert Borges.
21:24 You both have four pieces, the Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission.