Thirteen cities were given recognition for sharing their best practices in climate mitigation and developing adaptation plans anchored in their crucial role in building a sustainable and climate-safe future.

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) led the virtual awarding of the 2020 One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) on Wednesday, Dec. 9, to Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Dipolog City, La Carlota City, Malolos City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, Quezon City, San Carlos City, and Tagum City.

Also recognized were finalists Muntinlupa City and Santa Rosa City, as well as Batangas City, who bagged both the OPCC National Winner title and the World’s Most Lovable City award in the We Love Cities (WLC)—the organization’s public engagement campaign aiming to raise awareness and inspire citizens to engage in the sustainability efforts of their respective cities.

WWF-Philippines noted that it is the first time in its history that a Philippine city was awarded as the global winner of the We Love Cities campaign.

"We would like to thank the 13 cities for striving to make things better. We hope that all (Philippine) cities will do their part to ensure that we attain our (below) 1.5°C target (of global temperature rise) because it connects to our survival. Maraming salamat (thank you very much), and we hope we all put our minds and efforts together to attain a more sustainable and climate-friendly future not just for the Philippines, but the whole world," said WWF-Philippines executive director Jose Angelito Palma.

League of Cities of the Philippines executive director Shereen Gail Yu-Pamituan acknowledged the efforts of the participating cities to create a more sustainable future for their communities, even in these challenging times.

WWF-Philippines climate and energy programme head Angela Ibay urged the cities to continue doing climate actions that will lead them to a 1.5°C trajectory and encourage other cities to ensure a climate-secure future for their constituents.

She also pointed out the role of cities in achieving a future where both nature and people thrive.

"Despite all the challenges that our Philippine cities face, we have seen how they have continued to positively act and contribute to climate and environmental action. Across our OPCC participant cities, we are heartened by their generosity in sharing ideas on how cities can become cleaner, greener and more sustainable, recognizing that they can act as transformation catalysts. This is critical not just now but more so for the future of our planet and the next generation," Ibay said.

With cities accounting for 70 percent of carbon emissions globally and generating 80 percent of the total gross domestic product, WWF-Philippines believes that their political leadership and economic power are considered instrumental in the transition to a more stable climate.