Since the Philippines is one of the most countries vulnerable to the effects of climate change, I decided to see what the government has done to address environmental issues.  In 1987, a new Constitution was ratified which recognizes the importance of sustainable development through the following: "The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."

In 1988, the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines issued a document entitled "What is Happening to our Beautiful Land?" This was actually the world?s first pastoral letter on the environment by Catholic bishops.  It teaches that creation is a gift that must be cared for.  Later, the document was even quoted by Pope Francis in his landmark encyclical on the environment and climate change entitled "Laudato Si:  Care for Our Common Home". This is an affirmation that the country is moving in the right direction with regard to environmental protection.

In 1992, the Philippines was one of the countries in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro  that adopted a program of action called Agenda 21.  This aimed to bring the Earth into a sustainable future in the 21^st century.  The country adopted a national agenda on sustainable development called the Philippine Agenda 21.  This envisioned a better quality of life for all "within the limits of the carrying capacity of nature and the integrity of creation."  This lay down plans and implementation strategies on sustainable development on the local, regional and national levels.  At the same time, government agencies and non-government organizations converged to undertake activities that would respond to the issues of climate change.

The Philippines was committed to addressing the environmental issues together with the global community.  It supported the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1994) and the Kyoto Protocal (2003).  To support the global efforts, the Philippines strengthened institutions that focused on mitigation, adaptation and prevention. The Philippines also enacted laws like the Clean Air Act of 1999,  the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and the Climate Change Act of 2009. As part of the Climate Change Act of 2009, the Philippine Climate Change Commission (PCCC) was created as an independent and autonomous body attached to the Office of the President.   Continuing to exist to the present day with the President of the Philippines as its Chairman of the Board, the PCCC coordinates, monitors and evaluates climate change-related programs and plans.

Through the years, several Filipinos have been honoured for their contributions to environmental protection and climate change efforts. Among them are:  Senator Loren Legarda who was recognized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction as Global Champion for Resilience in 2015  Former Secretary Elisea Gozun who was recognized as Champion of the Earth Award by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2007 Dr. Rodel Lasco, who is a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the 2007 co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize together with Vice President Al Gore and Mr. Yeb Saňo, Philippine Climate Negotiator, who led the Climate Walk for Justice in the Philippines and overseas.  These Filipino leaders helped to bring awareness on environmental issues into focus in the Philippines and all over the world.