CCC VCED Robert EA Borje

Our oceans are rich with life and value. They contribute around PHP 787 billion to the economy each year and support over 2.24 million Filipinos across fisheries, transport, and tourism.

But this wealth is under threat. If ocean degradation continues, these gains could quickly turn into losses — affecting not just our economy, but culture and heritage.

Read more from Climate Chronicles:
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/24/where-the-tide-turns-confronting-a-growing-ocean-crisis
Daily Tribune

Application Period Extended!

The application period for the Master of Science in Data Science is extended until June 4, 2026.

If you have not yet submitted your application, this is your chance to be a part of a program dedicated to advancing sustainable development leadership and practice.

For the application process, requirements, and complete details, visit https://tinyurl.com/2hfhfxfm

Loren Legarda
Asian Institute of Management

In Islam, Khalifah refers to humanity’s role as stewards of the Earth, while Mizan signifies the divine balance in creation that humans are responsible for maintaining.

These are words the Climate Change Commission lives by.

This Eid'l Adha, we extend our warmest greetings to all our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world. May this season of sacrifice remind us of our shared duty — to restore balance, protect creation, and preserve the only planet we all call home.

Eid'l Adha Mubarak!

That beach trip you’ve been dreaming of? The ocean you want to dive into? It does more than offer rest and beauty, it keeps our planet livable.

Covering over 70% of the Earth, the ocean is the world’s largest carbon sink. Through a process called carbon sequestration, it absorbs vast amounts of carbon emissions—the main driver of global warming and climate change—while also taking in excess heat from the atmosphere.

This Month of the Ocean under Presidential Proclamation No. 57, let us be reminded: protecting our oceans means protecting our lives, livelihoods, and future.

Let’s look back at the key insights from CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje at the Philippine Society for Educational Research and Evaluation Annual Conference on the importance of translating climate science into concrete action.

The discussion highlighted the need to bridge knowledge and implementation as climate risks intensify, stressing urgent and science-based action for preparedness and resilience.

Did you know the sea isn’t actually level?

Gravity, currents, and water temperature give the ocean surface its own "hills" and "valleys." But right now, we are facing a much bigger shift.

Because the ocean absorbs most of the excess heat from climate change, the water is literally expanding. Add melting ice sheets into the mix, and billions of gallons of new water are pouring into our oceans.

For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, every millimeter counts. Rising seas mean greater risks of severe storm surges, disrupted marine ecosystems, and endangered livelihoods for millions of Filipinos living along the coast.

Understanding the science behind sea-level rise is key to strengthening our climate resilience and shifting from reactive recovery to proactive, anticipatory action.

Let's protect our shores today for a safer tomorrow.

Halfway through Ocean Month, we are reminded of a growing crisis we can no longer ignore: plastic waste. Its production has become so widespread that we often lose sight of where it ends up after disposal.

More than 9 billion tons have been produced since the 1950s, and that number has doubled over the past 50 years. Much of this persists where our natural resources are found—on land, in rivers, and in our oceans.

At current rates, the amount of plastic entering the ocean is projected to significantly increase in the coming years. By 2050, plastic in the ocean could rival or even exceed the total weight of fish.

This is not just a single waste issue; it is a reminder that we need to act and take a stand against plastic. Reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and shifting to sustainable alternatives must become part of our everyday choices and collective responsibility.



United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
UN Environment Programme

Today’s challenges no longer arrive one at a time.

In the recent ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit, together with my colleagues, senior government officials, development partners, businesses, and policy actors, we exchanged views on resilience, sustainability, and regional cooperation amid growing global uncertainty.

The real challenge now lies in implementation, institutional adaptability, and building resilience that can withstand continuous uncertainty.

Read more from the Climate Chronicles: https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2026/05/10/beyond-frameworks-asean-europe-and-the-governance-challenge-ahead

Daily Tribune
ASEAN 2026 PH
ASEAN
Loren Legarda