Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna called for stronger coordination and accountable implementation of climate initiatives, stressing that efforts toward a low-carbon future must move beyond dialogue and translate into concrete action across the economy.
Speaking before government officials, business and finance leaders, civil society representatives and development partners on Tuesday, Sept. 15, Cuna said the Philippines must bridge the gap between climate ambition and actual implementation to deliver on its emissions-reduction commitments.
“The Philippines has committed to a net emissions reduction and avoidance target of 75 percent for the period 2025 to 2035 against projected cumulative business-as-usual emissions,” Cuna said.
He said the country’s development trajectory is anchored on low-carbon and climate-resilient growth under the Philippines’ Enhanced 2026 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Under the 2026 NDC, the 75 percent target consists of a 7 percent unconditional contribution, to be achieved through domestic resources and national capacities, and a 68% conditional contribution dependent on international support in the form of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.
The DENR secretary delivered his remarks as guest speaker during the opening day of the Philippine Net Zero Carbon Conference on Sept. 14, 2026, at the Philippine Trade Training Center.
Cuna said the distinction reflects the country’s fiscal realities while maintaining what he described as a high level of climate ambition. He also described the 2026 NDC as a national economic platform that links climate action with energy security, economic stability, fiscal resilience and social protection.
To achieve the emissions target, Cuna said the government must establish a unified operational framework covering the country’s Long-Term Strategy (LTS), NDC Implementation Plan (NDCIP), Just Transition Framework (JTF), Carbon Market Policy Framework, and Financial and Investment Plan. Cuna emphasized that the shift toward a low-carbon economy must also protect workers and communities that could be adversely affected by decarbonization.
“A low-carbon transition cannot succeed if it is technically sound but socially disruptive,” he said.
Further, Cuna said the Philippine Just Transition Framework is intended to ensure that decarbonization efforts protect vulnerable sectors, informal workers and local communities.
Cuna added that operationalizing the Just Transition Implementation Plan (JTIP) would require concrete mechanisms to translate the framework into programs and actions on the ground.
The environment secretary’s remarks underscored the need for government, businesses, financial institutions, civil society and development partners to work together in mobilizing resources and implementing the country’s climate commitments.
The Philippines’ climate strategy, he said, must ultimately connect national emissions targets with real-economy investments, social protection and resilient economic development.*PNA
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