Quezon city: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has called on State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to take a central role in implementing and localizing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), referring to them as the backbone of climate resilience. At the Knowledge Exchange Forum on Tuesday, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Borje emphasized the trust local government units (LGUs) and residents place in SUCs, advocating for a strengthened partnership between them.
According to Philippines News Agency, Borje highlighted the significant role SUCs play not only in localizing the NAP but also in enhancing community resilience. He detailed five key priorities for SUCs, which include strengthening climate data systems, deepening SUC-LGU partnerships, applying futures thinking, scaling proven climate solutions, and improving access to climate finance.
Borje further mentioned that SUCs could assist in scaling solutions such as nature-based interventions, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure, and ensure access to climate finance through technically sound proposals. Senator Loren Legarda, the principal author of the Climate Change Act, also urged for urgent, inclusive climate action involving SUCs, noting the Philippines as the world's most disaster-prone country, facing 23 typhoons this year.
Legarda warned that delaying adaptation measures could slash the gross domestic product by 13.6 percent by 2040 and challenged SUCs to take leadership roles by mainstreaming climate education, establishing Climate Innovation Hubs, and ensuring campus sustainability. She emphasized the need for SUCs to serve as regional climate data and analytics centers.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted the importance of translating climate knowledge into action, agreeing with Legarda that climate change education should extend beyond the classroom. She emphasized the crucial impact of climate change on daily life and the vital role of SUCs.
During the forum, the CCC, CHED, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines signed a commitment to advance climate education, research, and LGU collaboration. CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera emphasized SUCs' role as translators of climate science, urging them to move from knowledge to action and from planning to practice, thereby building resilience and protecting lives and livelihoods.
