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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR czar pushes community-level impact as PH hosts ASEAN Climate Week 2026

DENR czar pushes community-level impact as PH hosts ASEAN Climate Week 2026

Published Apr 27, 2026 03:52 pm
(JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)
(JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)
Amid worsening floods, droughts, stronger typhoons, and rising sea levels, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna on Monday, April 27, said that climate action must translate into real, on-the-ground benefits for communities.
The statement was made as the Philippines prepares to host ASEAN Climate Week (ACW) 2026, a regional platform aimed at turning climate commitments into concrete actions that directly benefit people.
The event, set from April 27 to May 1, will be led by the DENR in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change, the Climate Change Commission, and the Department of Finance.
“This means protecting and restoring the natural systems that support livelihoods and resilience, from mangrove belts and coral reefs that buffer storm surge, watersheds that sustain agriculture and fresh water, to intact forests that regulate rainfall and stabilize soils,” Cuna said.
ASEAN Climate Week 2026 will convene government leaders, technical experts, local stakeholders, and development partners to accelerate climate action and strengthen regional cooperation.
It will focus on making key climate commitments—such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS)—more actionable at the community level.
According to the DENR, the event will highlight field-level initiatives, including coastal ecosystem restoration, reforestation and forest rehabilitation, pollution control, mine-site rehabilitation, and community-led natural resource governance.
“Climate action is ultimately about people. Through sustainable management and conservation of soil, water, mineral, coastal and marine resources as well as the improvement in water and air quality, it ensures that families are safe during storms, farmers can protect their crops, and communities can recover quickly after severe weather events,” said Cuna.
“ASEAN Climate Week is about ensuring that climate plans translate into real protection and improved quality of life for communities,” he added.
The DENR said it will also push for nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration, seagrass and coral rehabilitation, and watershed restoration, alongside stronger enforcement against illegal logging and pollution.
“Climate action must protect the natural systems that sustain our communities. By restoring mangroves and watersheds, enforcing environmental safeguards, and investing in nature-positive livelihoods, we not only reduce disaster risk and biodiversity loss, but we also create resilient economies and secure the futures of our coastal and upland communities. DENR stands ready to turn ASEAN commitments into on-the-ground protection and opportunity for our people,” Cuna said.

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floods droughts stronger typhoons rising sea levels Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna climate action benefits for communities.
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