• The National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Roadmap was formally turned over by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the Philippine Mangrove Conference 2026 held last March 26, 2026.
• According to the DENR, the immediate next step is to convene the Leadership Steering Committee and Technical Working Group in April, followed by formalization through a DENR Administrative Order or Executive Order.
• By 2030, the Roadmap aims to expand livelihoods, strengthen protection, and secure financing for the blue carbon ecosystems that 42 million coastal Filipinos depend on — a goal that calls for action across all sectors.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is leading the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Roadmap—a strategic framework jointly developed by government, academe, civil society, and the private sector, with Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines serving as Secretariat, supported by the World Economic Forum, and funded by the UK COAST Programme under the Blue Planet Fund—to enhance the protection and sustainable management of the country’s blue carbon ecosystems, benefiting 42 million coastal residents and strengthening climate resilience.

Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Undersecretary of DENR, welcomed the formal turnover of the NBCAP Roadmap from ZSL to DENR as a milestone for science, governance, finance, and community action. “Mangroves may be overlooked, but they are powerful pillars of resilience. This Roadmap reflects the Philippines’ strong commitment to advancing blue carbon accounting and delivering tangible impact for coastal communities,” she said.

“The NBCAP Roadmap will provide us with an evidence-based path forward for conserving the Philippines’ rich coastal ecosystems,” added Mariglo Laririt, Assistant Director, Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR. “By working with our partners across various sectors, we can enhance coastal resilience, support communities, and contribute to national and global climate commitments.”

According to Laririt, the path forward begins with convening the Leadership Steering Committee (LSC) and Technical Working Group (TWG) in April. The  NBCAP Structure and Roadmap will then be formalized through a policy instrument, either a DENR Administrative Order or an Executive Order, while a workplan will be developed in parallel and early actions already underway to sustain momentum.

“Blue carbon ecosystems are critical natural infrastructure underpinning the Philippines’ blue economy. By aligning governance, science, livelihoods, and investment, the NBCAP Roadmap sends a strong signal to global investors and partners that nature-based solutions are key to a climate-resilient economy,” shared Alfredo Giron, Head of Ocean, World Economic Forum.

The Philippines is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most ecologically significant blue carbon ecosystems with about 327,000 hectares of mangroves, alongside seagrass beds and tidal marshes. These protect coastlines, sustain livelihoods, and store vast amounts of carbon, but once degraded, they release stored greenhouse gases and threaten the biodiversity that depends on them.

“The handover of the NBCAP Roadmap to the DENR represents a turning point in advancing blue carbon action and strengthening the Philippines’ leadership in coastal conservation in the region,”  shared Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines.

The NBCAP Roadmap is anchored on four pillars—science, technology, and innovation, policy governance, communications and community engagement, and finance and sustainable livelihoods—which guide conservation practices, strengthen laws, and empower local communities for long-term resilience.

The Roadmap places coastal communities at the heart of blue carbon action. Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, Founder and Chairman of Kapunungan sa mga Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC), emphasized, “When we protect mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, we also protect our fishing grounds—making sure our families and the next generations have an abundant, safe, and healthy future,” highlighting the link between ecosystem health and community well-being.

Science and community collaboration are critical to effectively protecting and conserving mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, according to Dr. Severino Salmo III, Professor and University Scientist at UP Diliman. “The NBCAP Roadmap provides a clear framework to translate knowledge into action for resilient coastal ecosystems and communities,” he added. Central to this scientific foundation is the Blue Carbon Quantification Protocol (BCQP) — developed by Philippine blue carbon scientists and practitioners — which the Roadmap seeks to establish as the national standard for carbon assessment, reducing costs and building nationwide capacity.

The Roadmap seeks to establish a policy and legislative agenda that aligns blue carbon with the emerging national carbon policy, advances local initiatives such as coastal greenbelts, and contributes to broader efforts under the proposed Blue Economy Bill to strengthen legal protections, guide restoration, and support carbon financing and community participation.

Looking toward 2030, the Roadmap seeks to broaden sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthen the protection of blue carbon ecosystems, mobilize financing, and empower communities through coordinated conservation efforts.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) calls on all stakeholders—including national agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), along with local governments, academe, civil society, and the private sector—to work together in safeguarding these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

 

 

 

 

 

The Petron BPI Mastercard helps motorists enjoy fuel rebates and convenient cashless payments every time they gas up at Petron stations nationwide.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) helps motorists save on fuel costs with the Petron BPI Mastercard, which offers fuel rebates every time cardholders gas up at participating Petron stations—delivering instant value and smarter everyday spending.

With the Petron BPI Mastercard, cardholders can enjoy 3% fuel rebates at Petron stations nationwide, allowing drivers to get more value from their regular fuel purchases. Cardholders can earn up to ₱15,000 in fuel rebates annually, helping reduce the impact of rising fuel expenses over time.

New cardholders can also receive a ₱200 Petron fuel voucher upon approval, giving them an immediate boost toward their next fuel stop. On top of rebates, the Petron BPI Mastercard also offers flexible payment features that allow customers to better manage their finances. Cardholders can convert purchases into installments, access cash when needed, and enjoy the reliability and security of using a BPI credit card for their everyday transactions.

“Fuel remains an essential expense for many Filipinos, especially for those who rely on their vehicles for work, business, and family needs,” said Alma Aldip, Head of Unsecured Lending and Cards Sales at BPI. “Through the Petron BPI Mastercard, we want to help our clients get more value from their everyday fuel purchases while giving them the flexibility and convenience they need to better manage their finances.”

As mobility continues to play an important role in everyday life, practical financial tools such as the Petron BPI Mastercard can help motorists stay on the road while keeping fuel costs more manageable. On the road to its 175th year of serving Filipinos, BPI continues to provide financial solutions that help customers better manage everyday expenses.

Customers interested in applying for the Petron BPI Mastercard may visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/cards/credit-cards/petron-bpi-mastercard or inquire at any BPI branch nationwide.

 

Through its corporate social responsibility division, SM Cares, SM Supermalls organized coastal cleanup events in six locations with seven participating malls nationwide in honor of World Water Day, reaffirming its long-standing dedication to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship in its most beloved malls.

This year’s coastal cleanup focused on improving trash segregation education to help communities and volunteers better understand how to properly sort, recycle, and dispose of collected debris. It also emphasized how important it is to conserve marine habitats through commonplace activities like recycling and proper waste disposal.

The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away from the ocean.

During the cleanups, collected waste was carefully sorted and categorized, allowing participants to see firsthand the types of materials commonly found in coastal areas—from plastic packaging and beverage containers to other discarded items that threaten marine life and coastal habitats.

By focusing on waste analysis and segregation, raised awareness on the impact of improperly managed waste and encouraged Filipinos to adopt more responsible environmental practices in their daily lives.

These coastal cleanup activities form part of SM Supermalls’ broader environmental sustainability programs, aligned with the SM Green Movement and the company’s Waste-Free Future campaign.

“Protecting our coastal and marine environments requires a more proactive, end-to-end approach with the cleanups starting with education, deepening awareness, and sustaining collective action,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director for Environment and Sustainability of SM Supermalls. “By helping communities understand the importance of proper waste segregation and responsible waste management, we hope to inspire long-term behavioral change that benefits both people and the planet.”

The initiative also highlights the spirit of bayanihan, bringing together mall communities, environmental partners, and local stakeholders in a shared effort to care for the environment.

As SM Cares continues to strengthen its sustainability programs throughout the year, the public is encouraged to participate in upcoming environmental initiatives, including World Oceans Day Cleanup Drives in June, International Coastal Cleanup activities in September, and National Environmental Awareness Month initiatives in November.

SM Cares continues to encourage communities to participate in environmental protection—all for Filipinos and all for the planet—through persistent initiatives like these.

Go to https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares to find out more about SM Cares’ environmental activities and how you can participate in future projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, has partnered with UNICEF Philippines to help safeguard children and communities in the Philippines from the increasing health risks brought about by climate change.

Through the REACH programme, the initiative seeks to enhance health and social protection systems, enabling them to better address climate-related threats such as extreme heat and air pollution, which have a greater impact on children.

REACH, which stands for Resilience, Environment, and Child Health – Strengthening Health and Social Protection Systems in the Philippines, will support efforts to develop climate-adaptive primary health care systems, strengthen preparedness and response to heat stress and air pollution, and enhance shock-responsive social protection mechanisms for vulnerable families.

The programme will be implemented by UNICEF Philippines in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Climate Change Commission, and local government units in Metro Manila and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

With support from Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, and Pru Life UK, the programme highlights the importance of strengthening resilience for children and communities faced with increasing frequency and intensity of climate risks.

“As the community investment arm of Prudential plc, Prudence Foundation focuses on building climate and health resilience through long‑term, collaborative solutions. Our partnership with UNICEF Philippines under the REACH programme reflects this commitment, supporting stronger health and social protection systems to better protect children from climate‑related health risks,” said Nicole Ngeow, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation.

Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pru Life UK, said:

“Climate change is increasingly affecting the health and wellbeing of children and communities across the Philippines. Through the REACH programme, we are supporting efforts to strengthen systems that protect children from climate-related health risks such as extreme heat and air pollution. By working with UNICEF and government partners, we hope to help build stronger and more resilient health and social protection systems that can better safeguard children today, and in the future,” added Chakrabarty.

Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, highlighted the partnership’s significance in addressing the stakes for children:

 “For children whose bodies are still growing, climate change can quickly become a health emergency. Protecting them requires climate‑adaptive, shock‑responsive systems, and strong partnerships. Through REACH, our work with the Prudence Foundation shows how government, civil society, young people, and the private sector can deliver solutions where they matter most. UNICEF mobilises private sector partners as advocates for child rights and responsible business, helping build a more resilient future for every child in the Philippines.”

Children are especially at risk from environmental and climate-related health threats because of their specific needs and dependence on reliable healthcare, clean air, and safe surroundings. Enhancing these systems will help communities become more resilient to climate-related shocks and better safeguard children’s health and overall wellbeing.

 

 

 

• The  Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines and DENR-BMB convened PMC 2026 from March 24–26 in Quezon City, uniting government, science, communities, and the private sector to assess a decade of mangrove commitments and forge accountable pathways for coastal resilience.
• The Conference delivered key milestones — the NBCAP Roadmap 2026–2030 under full government stewardship, the Blue Carbon Quantification Protocol as the country’s first science-based carbon accounting framework, and the National State of the Coasts 2025 Report — anchoring mangrove conservation in national policy and science.
• Six sectors closed with concrete, time-bound pledges for 2028, reinforcing a shared commitment to community-centered stewardship, coastal governance, and sustainable financing for mangrove ecosystems.

The Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), recently launched the Philippine Mangrove Conference (PMC) 2026, themed “Ensuring Accountable Pathways for Resilient Communities,” held at Microtel Technohub in Quezon City by Wyndham UP Technohub from March 24 to 26. The event gathered representatives from government, academe, civil society, the private sector, youth, and community leaders to align science, policy, and financing in support of mangrove conservation and restoration.

“Protecting mangroves has become a development priority for a country as vulnerable to climate impacts as the Philippines,” said Dr. Annadel Cabanban, Country Manager, Wetlands International Philippines and Lead Convenor of the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines. “Aligning interventions across government, communities, scientific institutions, and the private sector with the country’s climate commitments is essential to restore these ecosystems at scale.”

Building on a decade of national dialogue

Since 2012, the Philippines has held four National Mangrove Conferences and a National State of the Mangrove Summit in 2019, each surfacing the same urgent priorities: science-based rehabilitation, coastal zoning, community stewardship, and climate adaptation. Nine policy recommendations carried across all four conferences, yet many remain unimplemented. This year’s conference was convened to take stock, build on what worked, and forge stronger pathways forward.

The Philippines once had approximately 500,000 hectares of mangrove cover — a figure sharply reduced by logging, aquaculture expansion, and coastal development. National data show a partial recovery, with satellite analyses recording roughly 240,824 hectares in 2010 and an increase to approximately 311,400 hectares by 2020, reflecting the gains of sustained rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

Grounding mangrove conservation to local realities

Community stewardship remains central to progress. In Negros Occidental — where 25 of 32 local government units are coastal — mangrove restoration is embedded in local policy, linking conservation directly to community gains: improved fish catch, livelihoods, and ecotourism. “Restoring mangroves is about helping communities live sustainably alongside them,” said Atty. Julie Bedrio, Provincial Environment Management Officer. “With knowledge, resources, and support, mangrove protection becomes stronger and more sustainable.”

The Conference engaged private sector, community, and youth-led organizations — including the Shalom Women’s Biodiversity Conservation Association and Mangrove Matters PH — on their roles in on-the-ground conservation. Imelda Mazo, President of the Shalom Women’s Biodiversity Conservation Association in Coron, Palawan, shared how their work has evolved beyond planting into monitoring and learning alongside scientists. “Conservation is a long-term commitment, like raising a child. It is never simple. Nature-based solutions are, at their core, about science, and we in the community have come to believe that deeply,” she said.

The Conference also featured the launch of the National State of the Coasts (NSOC) 2025 Report, estimating the ocean economy at USD 15 billion or 3.8% of GDP in 2024 — while noting that only 1.42% of Philippine sea area remains under Marine Protected Areas.

The final day of PMC 2026 delivered two landmark moments for blue carbon science and governance. The National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Roadmap 2026–2030 was formally turned over from ZSL Philippines to DENR institutionalizing the country’s blue carbon agenda under government stewardship. Alongside it, the Blue Carbon Quantification Protocol (BCQP), which was co-developed by Filipino scientists with DENR and conservation partners, was launched as the country’s first credible, field-applicable carbon accounting framework. Together, both milestones translate the Conference’s science-to-policy ambitions into concrete national action.

Delivering on accountability: Sectoral commitments through 2028

True to its theme, the Conference closed with six sectors pledging concrete, time-bound targets for 2028:

• People’s Organizations — Restore and protect local mangrove areas through sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism, nursery production, beekeeping, and fish processing.
• Academia — Establish provincial mangrove data hubs and a national blue carbon research agenda.
• Government Agencies — Develop a unified ocean governance framework integrating mangrove ecosystems and science-based coastal management.
• Private Sector — Publish integrated mangrove aquaculture protocols and restore 100 hectares of mangroves through community cohorts.
• Local Governments — Expand coastal greenbelt ordinances and embed blue carbon governance into local resource management plans.
• Civil Society — Establish new Local Conservation Areas, advance the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill, and secure financing for a GMA Philippines Secretariat.

All commitments will be monitored through future national platforms, ensuring that accountability remains an ongoing practice. The Conference also aligned national mangrove conservation initiatives with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—strengthening a collective commitment to safeguarding mangrove ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and the resilience of future generations.

Inspired by the spirit of “Padayon”—a Filipino term for pressing forward with purpose despite challenges—the Conference has launched a new phase of science-based, community-focused mangrove stewardship.

“This roadmap and these commitments are not the end. They are the beginning,” said Edwina Garchitorena, Lead for ZSL Philippines. “The tools we have built together must now reach the communities and local governments who manage these resources. We call on all partners to sustain this momentum and invest in solutions that work for both people and nature.”