Experts, environmental advocates, and academic leaders gathered at Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus Gymnasium for the second day of the Climate Action Sustainability Workshop organized by the Climate Change Commission, focusing on biodiversity, waste management, urban planning, and disaster risk assessment.
The forum opened with a message from Board Member of District 2, Hon. Stanley Caminero, who emphasized the shared responsibility of protecting the planet.
He reminded participants of the urgency of climate action, stating, “Let us not be remembered as a generation that understood the planet but failed to act. Let us be remembered as a generation that stood at the edge of crisis and chose to lead.”
The morning session featured discussions from Dr. Fabio G. Enriquez, Engr. Grecilda P. Sanchez, Mr. Jerwin Zanoria, Dr. Brisneve Edullantes, Dr. Ellen Grace Funesto, and Mr. Paolo Paclibar. Their presentations focused on the dynamic state of Philippine biodiversity, solid waste management strategies, and key approaches to ecosystem restoration.
The workshop resumed in the afternoon with lectures from Ms. Marivic Aguilar, Engr. Eusebio S. Villanuando, Engr. Jayson Jueco, Dr. Jonnifer R. Sinogaya, and Mr. Ritche B. Awit, who discussed strategies and initiatives in urban planning, as well as climate risk assessment and mitigation.
The sessions also addressed recent calamities in the Philippines and examined hazard levels in vulnerable areas such as Metro Cebu, which is prone to earthquakes, storm surges, and flooding. Hazard maps were presented, along with measures aimed at mitigating the impact of these disasters and improving local preparedness.
Through initiatives such as this workshop, CTU continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting environmentally aware and climate-resilient communities.
As Engr. Jayson Jueco, Research Chair of the College of Engineering, emphasized, “We need to build sustainable cities that learn from the destruction of their experiences. And the future should be (and is) antifragile.”/Faith Hyacinth L. Pacquiao, CTU Main-BAL Intern
