FOUR SEASONS? 🌱

Climate Change Commission (CCC) Senior Commissioner Albert dela Cruz recently stated in an interview with DZBB Super Radyo that the Philippines currently has 4 seasons apart from the typical “wet” and “dry” classifications. He announced the necessity for the addition of “super dry” and “super wet” seasons which they will consult with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

The Climate Change for Community-based Initiatives (CCNCI) decries the possible addition of two new seasons as the rising heat and more frequent typhoons is not a natural occurring phenomenon but a byproduct of the climate crisis that the government has yet to address in our nation. We recognize that legitimizing the effects of state negligence has been part of the government’s attempts to shift the narrative and frame the constant calamities as the “new normal.”

The Philippines released a total of 266MT of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) in 2024 which occupies over 0.50% of the global emissions. In 2026, the Philippines’ dropped to 19th in the most recent Climate Change Performance Index citing high levels of GHG emissions but low in Climate Policy and Renewable Energy. In fact, the Philippines overtook China and Indonesia in terms of our dependency on coal-generated power which surged to over 62% in 2024.

With the recent discovery of a major natural gas field in Malampaya East 1 and its subsequent acquiescence to the private interest of Enrique Razon, our dependence on non-renewable energy only grows by the year. In contrast, the Philippines has committed to the reduction and avoidance of 75% of GHG emissions within the period of 2020 to 2030 according to their submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

With this in mind, CCNCI questions the efficacy of the initiatives and programs of the CCC in achieving substantial climate adaptation and mitigation in our nation. According to the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), the adaptation of climate policies at the local level began 2 years ago with no concrete effects to our communities in sight. In fact, all seven thematic priorities that were presented by the NCCAP have only worsened due to the superficial policies and programs of the CCC.

In truth, the CCC is but a mere mouthpiece to the fraudulent climate advocate that is President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The surge in the number of super typhoons that hit the Philippines, accompanied by the rising death toll brought by the devastation it caused, is not a new normal but a glaring reminder to us all that state incompetence kills its people.

What now CCC? Decades since its inception and no substantial reform has been made. Our poorest farmers, despite being an important component in achieving climate resilience, remain crippled by the lack of support while our environment corrodes due to the greed of private interest.

We demand climate action!

Climate Justice Now!