Makati City, Philippines on 27 June 2023 held its inaugural Gawad Kalikasan (Environmental Awards) which recognized the environmental contributions and efforts of its citizens, barangays (villages), departments, and offices, as well as its partners in the private sector, national government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and people’s organizations.
On top of awarding individuals and organizations, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay also delivered a State of the Environment Address to share how the city is faring and what the city is doing to combat climate change and its effects.
The Makati Mayor shared that over the past five years, the city’s environmental management efforts have accounted for 5.57% of total expenditures across the key sectors of waste management, enforcement of environmental policies, waterways management, green spaces, greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency and conservation, and renewables transition, among others.
As of 2022, the city has undertaken 186 adaptation and 114 mitigation initiatives. These efforts have contributed to Makati being named as the Philippines’ and Southeast Asia’s very first Resilience Hub by the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Makati City is also an active member of various global initiatives and organizations, including Cities Race to Resilience, NetZero Campaign, Malmo Commitment on Sustainability, 100% Renewable Cities and Regions Network, Global Covenant of Mayors, and ICLEI, among others.
During the ceremony, Makati awarded a Certificate of Recognition to ICLEI Southeast Asia, recognizing the Secretariat as a key partner in protecting and conserving the city’s environment.
“There is no time to lose. Cities like Makati need to step up and be in the frontline of the global movement toward resilience and sustainability,” said Mayor Binay. “We have come this far, and we will certainly gain more ground as we harness our strong unity and cooperation for bolder and far-reaching climate action.”
The Gawad Kalikasan follows Makati City’s declaration of a climate emergency in August 2022. It coincided with the Philippine Environment Month.
