Muntinlupa, Batangas, and Santa Rosa cities were named global finalists in the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) which encourages participating cities around the world to develop environmentally sustainable practices.
The three cities were picked by WWF to represent the Philippines from among the shortlisted 13 local cities to join the other global finalists from among 250 cities from the 53 countries participating in the 2020 edition of the annual environmental action awards.
The friendly competition that gives countries the platform to present their practices and plans in climate change mitigation and adaptation started in 2011.
WWF-Philippines Executive Director Jose Angelito Palma stated that although citizens play a strong role in contributing to environmental sustainability, “With cities accounting for 70% of carbon emissions globally and generating 80% of the total GDP, their political and economic power are considered instrumental in the transition to a more stable climate.”
And what actions have the country’s three finalist cities done?
MUNTINLUPA
Muntinlupa City in Metro Manila is the country’s capital in spearheading green public transportation by providing the most number of Electric Jeepneys for public use.
Muntinlupa has also decided to put importance on their greenery by installing an environmental exhibit in the Museum ng Muntinlupa.
BATANGAS
With their City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Batangas City in the province bearing the same name is focusing its efforts on the conservation of natural flora and fauna, as well as maintaining sustainable forestry and mining practices.
SANTA ROSA
Santa Rosa in Laguna province of Luzon Island was awarded in the WWF City Challenge in 2016.
Despite their growing population, Santa Rosa has progressive waste and emissions management programs and has dedicated itself to a 30% reduction in community emissions on the 2010 baseline.
And these are only samples of their efforts. These three Philippine cities and all other global finalists will be evaluated by the expert OPCC jury, and one national winner per country will be recognized, as well as one global winner.
Another example of climate change adaptation is a multinational collaboration that addresses the effects of climate change on Filipino coastal communities.
WWF also awarded six Filipino women from Dumaguete for their part on spotlighting environmental conservation through a daring three-hour swim meet.
SEND WELL WISHES in the comments below to the cities of Muntinlupa, Batangas, and Sta. Rosa as they represent the Philippines in the WWF One Planet City Challenge Global Finals!
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