The government is spearheading a massive campaign to educate the public about climate change and how each person can help bring it under control.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said he has directed the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to produce infomercials and other materials aimed at informing the public on the depth of the challenges related to climate change.

Remonde said state-run television and radio stations would be utilized for the latest green advocacy and expressed hopes the private media would hop on the bandwagon. “We will go into IEC or information, education and communication materials,” he said.

Vice President Manuel ‘Noli’ de Castro also said that climate change and global warming is here and the Philippines should learn to adapt or face the consequences.

De Castro pointed out the need for our country to better equip itself in addressing calamities brought about by climate change.

He also echoed the statement earlier made by United Nations Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes that, contrary to Filipino experts’ diagnosis, climate change should be blamed for the two recent tropical cyclones that devastated the country

“Climate change is a current threat. We should all learn to adapt to better prepare the country for future calamities as destructive as typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng,” De Castro said.

Remonde said that the government is hopeful the nationwide information campaign would enlighten Filipinos how to cool the planet and reduce carbon footprints, such as recycling and walking. Carbon dioxide is one the main culprits of climate change.

The need for intensified public information campaign on climate change in the country was tackled during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council in the Palace last Thursday.

The Office of the Press Secretary was assigned to lead the campaign.

Remonde admitted that his office needs the help of private media since it has no budget for its additional task on public education campaign against global warming.