Considering that Philippines is an agricultural country, among those who most bear the brunt
of climate change are the farmers. Felix Pascua Jr., a farmer, lamented how climate change
worsened their plight and pushed them further into poverty.
“Kaming magbubukid na lumilikha ng pagkain ng bansa, pero kaming mambubukid ang
nawawalan ng pagkain, pati na rin ang aming bukid”, he said.
Science to inform policy discussions on climate change
Among those who stood as resource persons are concerned scientists and experts on climate
change and weather trends. Professor Gerry Bagtasa, an atmospheric scientist and professor of
environmental science and meteorology at the University of the Philippines, presented the
climate change phenomenon and how it affects the environment and people.
“The temperature is overly increasing. If it becomes warm, there will be more rain. The sea
level is also a problem. The melting of the ice on land causes a problem. Philippines has the
highest number of sea level rise from the rest of the world”, he explained.
Ms. Rosalina de Guzman, Assistant Chief of the Weather Services of the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), presented
the climate trends and projections in the Philippines. She stressed that Philippines is highly
vulnerable to the effects of climate change and ranks 3rd in the world index.
“There is an increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall. The Philippines also has the
most number of tropical cyclones. During El Niño, the cyclones intensify”, she explained.
Through Skype webcast, Director Peter C. Frumhoff of the Union of Concerned Scientists
based in the United States, presented his findings on his recent study on carbon dioxide. He
also gave his opinion in dealing with the climate change issue from a scientist’s perspective
towards informing policy discussion.
“We should plan for a world free from carbon pollution and renounce climate disinformation.
Companies and businesses must pay their fair share of climate damage”, he opined to conclude
his presentation.
PHL at forefront of climate justice through the national inquiry
The CHR’s inquiry on climate change started in the first part of 2016. This is in accordance
with its mandate to investigate and monitor all matters concerning the rights of its citizens
especially those who belong to the marginalized and vulnerable sectors
Commissioner Roberto Eugenio T. Cadiz, chair of the said national inquiry, described the
method of inquiry as global, inclusive, and dialogical rather than adversarial.
Commonwealth Avenue, U.P. Complex, Diliman 1101 Quezon City Philippines
Tel. Nos. (02) 294 8704; (02) 925 3886