BAGUIO CITY – July 30, 2026 – The Climate Change Task Force convened key government agencies, uniformed services, and sectoral representatives at 5:00 PM in Baguio City for the signing of the Inaugural Multi-Sectoral Partnership Memorandum of Agreement. Anchored on the battle cry “Climate Action, NOW!” and guided by the vision “Partnership for a Sustainable, Resilient and Climate-Smart Nation,” the event formalizes unified, coordinated action to address pressing environmental challenges across the country.
The memorandum of agreement was signed by the heads of the lead environment-focused commands:
– National Commander Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez, Senior Deputy Commandant, Science and Technology for Environmental Progress (STEP)
– MGen. Jerry A. Adigue, Senior Deputy Commandant, Industrial Environmental Safety and Pollution Control Command (IESPCC)
– MGen. Clifford Gonadan, Senior Deputy Commandant, Environmental Protection Enforcement Command (EPEC)
– MGen. Modesto C. Buendia, Senior Deputy Commandant, Reforestation and Biodiversity Command (RBC)
– Atty. Luz O. Laureta-Balisong, Senior National Commission of Senior Citizens
Distinguished officials present during the ceremony:
– Assistant Director Virgilio R. Castillo II, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
– Regional Director Atty. Lorelie S. Vargas, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
– BGen. Orly Dela Cuesta, Regional Consultant, IESPCC
The partnership establishes a coordinated framework for joint initiatives including strict enforcement of environmental laws, pollution control and mitigation, large-scale reforestation and biodiversity conservation, integration of science and technology in climate adaptation and mitigation, promotion of green industries and sustainable livelihoods, and protection of vulnerable sectors – including senior citizens – from the impacts of climate change. Agencies also committed to align environmental protection efforts with anti-illegal operations, eliminating activities that destroy ecosystems alongside other unlawful practices.
Aligned with the call for “Climate Action, NOW!”, priority programs will be piloted in key areas before being rolled out nationwide — supported by regular multi-sectoral consultations, joint monitoring, capacity-building activities, and public information campaigns.