A Long Way Ahead: Laying the Foundations for Inclusive Mass Transportation

Cleah D. Nava
19 December 2024

In the Philippines, the clamor to build more efficient and sustainable transportation has become louder and stronger amid the growing population and continuous increase in fuel prices. The speakers also echoed this perspective—efficient mass transportation is needed to reduce traffic congestion and the amount of air pollution. Public transportation makes it possible to travel with less cost, pollution, and traffic. We can only encourage private car users to shift to public transportation when they are assured of convenience, easy access, comfort, reliable service, safety and security, customer-friendly service, affordability, and an interconnected transport network. While the availability and adequacy of funding for sustainable transport pose a considerable challenge, the more critical factor that prevents the Philippines from pursuing a reliable Continue reading…

Addressing the Climate Crisis in the Philippines: Local Resilience and National Action

Atty. Rosselynn Jaye DC. Bekema
08 March 2024

My key takeaway from the Thursday Talks webinar is that climate action should be a product of the synergetic efforts of the national and local governments. The national government must take proactive steps by enacting robust legislation, prioritizing climate financing, and promoting renewable energy. Simultaneously, local governments must lead resilience-building efforts through strategic land use planning, disaster preparedness, and community engagement. By adopting a multi-tiered approach, the Philippines can navigate the complexities of the climate crisis, safeguard its citizens, and create a more sustainable future. Hence, the key learning for me is that the national-level action to meet our global climate commitments can only be sustainable with interventions at the local level. Continue reading…