The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is seeking the involvement of the indigenous cultural communities in the government’s climate action.
This, as CCC Commissioner Albert dela Cruz Sr. cited that indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable and severely-affected sector by the impact of climate change.
In a statement, dela Cruz has cited the need to empower the IP communities as “a nexus in food and human security.”
“Our indigenous peoples are the ones being battered by the extreme weather conditions brought about by the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels and near drought due to extreme temperatures has brought them to the brink of hunger so we need to give to them the care and protection every Filipino citizen deserves,” dela Cruz said.
“It’s the moment of truth and we need to realize that immediate action should be done to address climate change because we are now experiencing the worst effects of the phenomenon,” he added.
Dela Cruz recently met with local officials and IP leaders and representatives in Mindanao to convince them that climate action is “now sorely needed” to help the country survive and adapt to the adverse effects of global warming driven by climate change.
He also emphasized the CCC gives paramount consideration to the IPs’ role in carrying out the mitigation and adaptation initiatives of the Marcos administration, in line with the ideals and principles under the Paris Climate Agreement.
Under the agreement, participating countries agreed to commit themselves in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to lessen the impact of climate change.
The Philippines, along with 174 nations, signed the climate pact to address climate change through its intended nationally determined contribution.
Dela Cruz expressed optimism that local government units would take into consideration the welfare of IPs amid efforts to combat climate change.
The Philippines’ indigenous population is estimated to make up 10 percent to 20 percent of the over 100 million total population, according to data from the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs. – PNA
April 25, 2024
