Caloocan City: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has highlighted the indispensable role of barangay health workers (BHWs) in mitigating the escalating health risks associated with climate change.

According to Philippines News Agency, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje emphasized during a recent pilot training session of the Accelerated Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities (ACT LOCAL) program in Caloocan City that climate change has evolved beyond an environmental issue and now poses significant public health challenges. Borje pointed out that rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are contributing to the spread of various diseases, underscoring the critical position of BHWs as first responders in climate-affected communities.

Borje acknowledged BHWs as the frontline defense against the health impacts of climate change, stating, “You are the frontline of communities and partners in saving lives from any impact of climate change on human health.” He indicated that extreme weather events, elevated temperatures, and shifting disease patterns are increasing risks for vulnerable populations.

The CCC’s ACT LOCAL program aims to arm local communities with the necessary knowledge and tools to both adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Currently, approximately 253,000 trained BHWs across the Philippines provide essential services such as first aid, child healthcare, and immunization.

Borje also expressed gratitude to the BHWs for their unwavering dedication to public service and emphasized the importance of strengthening prevention and resilience to protect health systems and save lives amid a changing climate. The ACT LOCAL initiative is part of a broader government approach under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, which seeks to enhance health and climate resilience through community empowerment and science-based strategies.

The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local government units (LGUs) and grassroots sectors, ensuring that climate action initiatives remain inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of Filipino communities.