On December 12, 2024, as the bicameral conference concluded deliberations on the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Makakalikasan – Nature Party Philippines underscores the state of funding for environmental and climate action programs. Coinciding with today’s International Mountain Day, it is vital to examine the allocated budget for the conservation of our mountains, biodiversity, and natural habitats.
Mr. Roy Jerusalem Cabonegro, President of the Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines and DPP-Makakalikasan Alliance 2025 Elections Senatorial Candidate, raised a critical concern: “How can we claim to protect our nation when only 30% of our LGUs have the means to fight the climate crisis, and our lifeline—the mountains safeguarding our people—faces budget cuts? This 2025 GAA threatens not just our environment but the very future of our people.” This statement encapsulates the urgent need for adequate funding and policy attention to our environmental protection efforts, particularly at the local government level and for the conservation of our mountains.
Funding the 15-Point Green Agenda
While we commend the inclusion of a green-tagged budget, our analysis reveals inadequacies in the overall allocation for key environmental programs:
- Renewable Energy and Green Public Works – The allocated PHP 50 billion for renewable energy falls short of the PHP 100 billion projected to implement comprehensive solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects nationwide.
- Climate Resilience of LGUs – Out of 1,634 LGUs in the Philippines, only 30% have Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs). The estimated PHP 200 billion in the climate-tagged budget is insufficient compared to the PHP 500 billion required to fund all LCCAPs.
- Biodiversity and Habitat Conservation – The PHP 8 billion allocation for mountain protection is lower than the PHP 12 billion provided in 2024. Iconic mountain ranges such as the Sierra Madre, Cordillera, and Mount Apo serve as vital defenses against disasters and biodiversity sanctuaries. This reduction is concerning, especially as we mark International Mountain Day today.
Shortfalls and Recommendations
- Increased Budget for LCCAPs: An additional PHP 300 billion is necessary for the climate-tagged budget to support all LGUs in creating and implementing their LCCAPs.
- Additional Funding for Mountains: Restore the budget to PHP 12 billion to cover reforestation, anti-illegal logging operations, and the protection of indigenous communities.
- Adjust Allocation for Renewable Energy: Increase the budget to at least PHP 100 billion to meet the country’s renewable energy targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
Action for the Future
We call on the government to take the climate crisis seriously and adequately fund each agency and LGU to advance a greener and safer Philippines. Our mountains, symbolizing our wealth and nature, must remain protected for future generations.
