February, 13 2025

On February 3, 2025, WWF-Philippines successfully launched the 2025-2026 cycle of the One Planet Cities (OPC) program through an event titled “Cities in Action for Climate and Nature: Pioneering Urban Solutions on a Pathway to Low-Carbon Growth.” A total of 61 city staff from 28 cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated in the event, highlighting the growing commitment of Philippine local governments to sustainability. WWF-Philippines continues to recognize the critical role of cities and the influence of local governments in driving climate solutions.

Originally launched in 2015 as the Earth Hour City Challenge, the OPC program has, for a decade, supported cities in implementing integrated and inclusive climate strategies aligned with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. Through its flagship activity, the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), cities engage in a global, friendly competition aimed at accelerating local climate action and strengthening urban resilience.

Representatives from the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) delivered key presentations during the event. Mr. Jerome Ilagan from CCC emphasized the importance of alignment of local climate actions with the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and its implementation plan (NDCIP). He also shared that they plan to submit an enhanced NDC with plans to involve the local government units this time around, as the first submission in 2021 mainly engaged NGAs. 

DOE Director Patrick Aquino, through a video presentation, shared insights on how city governments can align with national energy policies, including the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285). LGUs were encouraged to participate in the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) and develop Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECPs) to strengthen urban sustainability initiatives.

Other plenary presentations during the event discussed various key environmental topics, such as plastic waste management, particularly the EPR Law, food security in cities, mainstreaming nature-based solutions in cities and climate financing opportunities. These discussions provided valuable insights for the city representatives.

Aside from the plenary presentations, a workshop was conducted to gather feedback from participating cities on the challenges, opportunities, and potential of the OPC and OPCC programs. 

Representatives from both new and returning OPC cities shared their experiences. Makati City, a long-time participant and the most recent national winner, highlighted how the program has supported the city in enacting climate policies, including its Climate Emergency Declaration and GHG Resolution Targets, as it moves toward carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, newly-engaged cities have shared that the event underscored the importance of establishing a GHG inventory as a foundation for their local climate action plans, and are hoping the project could assist them with this.

A panel discussion in the afternoon session focused on the cities’ local climate action efforts in different thematic areas: Baguio City discussed their public engagement efforts, Batangas City presented their plastic waste management initiatives, Butuan City shared their local energy planning strategies, Iloilo City talked about implementing nature-based solutions, and Santa Rosa highlighted their climate adaptation actions.

WWF-Philippines invites all interested cities to join the 2025-2026 cycle of the OPC program. Cities that wish to participate must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form along with a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed by the city mayor on or before March 10, 2025.

For cities that were unable to attend the event, participation is still open. To express interest and obtain a copy of the EOI Form, please email opcc@wwf.org.ph. Join the movement towards a sustainable, low-carbon future—be part of the One Planet Cities program today!