THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Nestlé Philippines, Inc. have forged a deal to launch “Klimathon,” an innovation lab which allows the youth to come up with solutions in tackling the climate crisis.
CCC Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director Emmanuel M. de Guzman, and Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice-President and Head of Public Affairs Arlene Tan-Bantoto signed the memorandum of agreement in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.
Klimathon aims to look for the next generation of young minds who are passionate about solving the climate crisis.
The initiative encourages teams of Filipino students and young professionals to submit project proposals tackling plastic waste management, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and food security.
Ten finalists will undergo a mentorship program with industry experts, with the top three winning teams receiving cash prices totaling P100,000.
The first placer will receive P50,000, while the second and third placers will get P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.
Participants must be 16 to 24 years of age.
Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, who is the chairperson-designate of CCC, told participants that their proposals will help their experts craft and implement “achievable, coherent, concerted and compelling climate action programs on the ground.”
For Nestlé Philippines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kais Marzouki, the food and beverage manufacturer is committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“With climate change as a priority [concern], we have in place a whole of business approach to source responsibly, transform our operations and shape a waste-free future. As a company with 110 years of presence in the country, we want to leave our children and the next generation a legacy of effectively caring for the planet,” he said.
The Philippines has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% over 10 years, according to its nationally determined contribution (NDC) which it submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change earlier this year.
NDCs, which are at the heart of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, detail the efforts of countries in reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. — Angelica Y. Yang
