Recognizing cities and their role in achieving a climate-resilient and sustainable future, WWF-Philippines’ One Planet Cities (OPC) program and its flagship activity, One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), has once again highlighted the critical role of local governments, particularly cities, in addressing climate change's impacts through an in-person comeback culminating event amidst the pandemic.

Launched in 2011, the OPCC is the largest and longest-running biennial global challenge initiated by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), with over 400 cities from 53 countries on 5 continents participating since its inception. OPCC recognizes participating cities for their contribution and efforts to mitigate the climate crisis.  This biennial initiative seeks to help cities across the globe align their inclusive climate actions with the 1.5 C global target and develop climate-smart recovery plans through community engagement, public awareness, and capacity building.

With the theme “Cities and the NDC: Discussion on Gaps and Opportunities”, a one-day event was held last December 6 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas that serves as the culmination of this year’s run in the Philippines. A roundtable discussion formed part of the program wherein invited speakers from the Climate Change Commission, the Philippine League of Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers, Inc. (PLLENRO), business and NGO sectors exchanged insights on how cities can align their climate actions in the country’s submitted Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). In the afternoon session, a total of sixteen (16) participating cities were recognized for their efforts in taking on the global challenge of WWF to present their commitments and action plans towards low-carbon development.

Cities included in the country’s OPCC 2021-2022 implementation are Baguio, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Legazpi, Makati, Ormoc, Pasig, San Carlos,  San Fernando (La Union), Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga, and Vigan. Quezon City and Davao City distinguished themselves as national finalists in this year’s global challenge.

Although Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte was unable to attend the face-to-face OPCC culminating activity, he still gladly expressed his gratitude for the recognition received.

"It is through the collective effort and influence of both government and private sector that helped the city enhance its environmental reforms and attain significant progress toward sustainability.  Above all, let us further our shared commitment to environmental protection and preservation," Duterte shared.