Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday announced plans to enhance the implementation of climate change policies and improve coordination among government agencies. This move comes amidst concerns that some offices have not fully adhered to recommendations from the Climate Change Commission (CCC).

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed government agencies to prioritize climate change issues, emphasizing that it is no longer a distant environmental concern but an immediate reality. "Hindi na po mangyayari iyan dahil pagtutuunan po ng pansin ang isyu patungkol sa climate change (That will no longer happen because the issue of climate change will be given attention)," Castro declared during a Palace briefing.

President Marcos is determined to enhance public awareness about the risks posed by climate change, including increasingly intense rainfall, unexpected downpours, and flooding. His directive follows the recent widespread flooding in Central Luzon and Metro Manila, caused by days of heavy rainfall due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat."

The CCC, which is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the country's climate change programs and policies, has expressed concerns that some government agencies have not been sufficiently responsive to its recommendations. In response, Castro stated she would work closely with the commission to identify any policy gaps and determine what additional measures need to be brought to the President's attention.

"Hindi na po ito parang subject sa ating Science na pinag-uusapan lamang dahil nandito na po. Realidad na po ito (This is no longer just like a topic in our Science class that we merely discuss. It is already here. It is now a reality)," Castro emphasized, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change issues in the Philippines.