Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is calling for a stronger nature-based and community-led climate action, as it kicks off the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.

According to Philippines News Agency, in partnership with the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the Paete local government, the CCC spearheaded a tree-growing activity at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed on Wednesday to strengthen nature-based solutions.

The event was part of the CCC’s Net Zero Challenge (NZC), a reforestation initiative that aims to restore 25 hectares of watershed forest and plant over 15,000 seedlings by 2030 to boost carbon sequestration and support the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Volunteers planted 400 seedlings of banaba, langka, and acacia during the launch.

The NZC is the CCC’s carbon neutrality program that aims to contribute to global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, as the reforestation of the 25 hectares at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed is expected to sequester an estimated 75.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

In his message read by Deputy Executive Director Romell Cuenca, CCC Vice Chairperson Robert Borje underscored the significance of healthy forests. He emphasized the crucial role of forests in protecting against floods and landslides, serving as effective carbon sinks, and helping lower atmospheric temperatures.

Borje stated that effective climate action must be community-rooted, involving government, private sector, and local stakeholders, aligning with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for strengthened collaboration across all sectors. NPC President Jericho Jonas Nograles, represented by Vincent Concio, added that the event highlights shared responsibility in tackling climate change.

Participants from national agencies, the private sector, academe, civil society, and media joined the event. Concio noted that the tree-growing activity under the Net Zero Challenge is more than a single event; it is a call to action for a whole-of-society approach towards strengthening collaboration against the impacts of climate change.

The CCC emphasized that the community-driven reforestation effort is the best way to open Climate Consciousness Week, reaffirming its push for nature-based strategies that strengthen ecosystems and build climate-resilient communities.