The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have affirmed partnership for the implementation of programs aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change and global warming.

The collaboration was the result of CCC Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr.’s meeting with AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the commission said on Wednesday.

The CCC said Dela Cruz and Centino discussed a plan for closer cooperation to further enhance the advocacy of a “whole-of-nation and -community approach” in the implementation of immediate climate action.

It said the two officials agreed to conduct activities such as tree-planting, carbon sequestration, urban gardening and other initiatives for agricultural productivity.

Centino cited the broad expanse of military camps and preserves across the country that can be utilized to promote tree-growing and urban gardening, the CCC said.

“Centino noted that in actively joining the CCC in its program of climate action, military personnel can significantly contribute to the Marcos administration’s national climate change action plan to help in the efforts for carbon sequestration and likewise in enhancing food productivity while ensuring the country’s resiliency through adaptation and mitigation,” it added.

Dela Cruz said tree-planting and reforestation initiatives would strengthen bonds among communities and serve as a “catalyst for socio-economic development.”

“We need to act if we want to save the only home we have,” he said.

“Trees have lots of benefits and planting trees is an essential way for everyone to avert the harsh impact of severe atmospheric occurrences triggered by climate change. We have seen how climate change and global warming has wrought upon us in the form of super typhoons, monsoon rains, landslides and erratic weather conditions,” Dela Cruz added.

Academe’s participation

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz also urged the academe to take part in the government’s efforts to address climate change.

He made the call when he attended the Climate Change Summit at the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) in Balanga town, the CCC said.

Dela Cruz said it is incumbent to promote sustainable and ecological development based on research, empirical data and collective action.

He also underscored the urgent need for paradigm shift on environmental protection and climate action because the challenges in food and water security and population control are “all anthropogenic or caused by human activities.”

“We have a climate problem but we also have the solution amidst the problem,” Dela Cruz said. “What we do now will determine the future of our children. So I call on the academe and the education sector to join hands with us and unite in climate action for the common good and for the whole world.” (PNA)