For FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe, proactive climate action and stronger collaboration among government, civil society, and the youth are key to Philippine climate resilience.

This was the main take away from his message Wednesday, July 23 as he addressed participants at the National Climate Resilience Forum 2026.

Representing the House of Representatives and serving as a member of the House Committee on Climate Change, Poe joined Climate Change Commission officials, National Youth Commission Chairperson Undersecretary Jeff Ortega, fellow members of the House, local government officials, youth leaders, and development partners in advancing the country's climate resilience agenda.

Poe began by expressing his gratitude to the Climate Change Commission (CCC) for organizing the forum and bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen the country's climate resilience efforts.

Congratulating the Commission for convening the gathering, Poe emphasized that the forum's theme reflects a crucial shift in the country's approach to climate action.

"Resilience is not just about responding to disasters. It is about actually preparing our nation before disasters strike," Poe said.

He noted that building resilience requires long-term planning, science-based policymaking, and investments that enable communities to withstand the growing impacts of climate change before emergencies occur.

Drawing from his recent participation at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, where he delivered the Philippine National Statement, Poe highlighted the importance of translating global climate commitments into concrete local action.

"While climate change is a global challenge, resilience is ultimately built at home—in our communities, in our cities and municipalities, and through the decisions we make as a nation," he said.

Poe explained that Filipinos experience the impacts of climate change firsthand through stronger storms, threats to food security, and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, making climate resilience an urgent national priority.

The Pangasinan-based solon also stressed that conferences such as the National Climate Resilience Forum are essential because they bring together government agencies, legislators, the private sector, non-government organizations, and the youth to develop policies that are proactive rather than reactive.

As a legislator, Poe said Congress must create the conditions for local government units (LGUs) to access climate financing, harness innovation, and make science-based decisions.

He likewise highlighted several climate initiatives currently being advanced in the House of Representatives, including measures on carbon credits, the blue economy, and the green circular economy.

Poe also called for continued support for the country's 30x30 conservation goal, for which he is the principal author of a House resolution supporting the protection of 30 percent of the Philippines' land and marine ecosystems for future generations.

Sharing encouraging developments from the international stage, Poe noted that during the Our Ocean Conference, the Philippines stood out by reporting that it had already exceeded one of its commitments under the Great Blue Wall Initiative.

Instead of merely announcing future targets, the country reported that it has already established 64 marine protected area networks, surpassing its commitment of 60 by 2028.

"This demonstrates that the Philippines is emerging as a global leader in sustainability and marine conservation," Poe said.

Poe assured stakeholders that Congress remains committed to advancing climate-responsive legislation and emphasized that lasting resilience can only be achieved through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.