Who we are
Healthy Planet Action Philippines
Healthy Planet Action Philippines is a science-grounded, multidisciplinary national initiative committed to contributing to global climate stabilization by advancing urgent climate emergency action and planetary restoration in the Philippine context. We are affiliated with the Healthy Planet Action Coalition and align our work with the best available climate science showing the world is currently on a 2.6–2.9°C warming pathway by 2100.
The Why
Our Purpose
To catalyze urgent and comprehensive climate action that averts breaching the 2–3°C global heating trajectory, influence Philippine and global decision-makers to respond to global heating as a climate emergency, and promote integrated solutions across mitigation, adaptation, carbon removal, and climate cooling that support thriving societies and economies.
The Outlook
Our Vision
A climate-safe Philippines contributing significantly to global climate stabilization below 2°C.
The Intent
Our Mission
To unite and mobilize science, society, policy, and finance to accelerate emissions reductions, scale scientifically credible carbon removal, and advance cooling solutions that enable resilient economies and human well-being.
Why it matters
The Philippines at the front line of the climate emergency
2.6–2.9°C warming path
The world is on track to exceed safe temperature limits this century without rapid systemic change.
Top 5 climate vulnerability
The Philippines consistently ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally.
3× sea level rise
Sea levels around the Philippines are rising about three times faster than the global average.
Extreme heat
Days exceeding 35°C could rise from about 25 per year to more than 120 by 2050.
Economic risk
Climate impacts could cost up to 13% of Philippine GDP by 2100 without intervention.
Our framework
Six-point agenda for climate stabilization
- Declare global heating as a planetary emergency through science communication and policy advocacy.
- Accelerate emissions reduction, including achieving at least a 75% cut by 2030 under the Philippine NDC.
- Scale carbon removal through forest landscape restoration and other nature-based solutions.
- Promote global cooling innovations aligned with international science and safety frameworks.
- Mobilize youth leadership, recognizing over 30 million Filipino youth as a critical climate constituency.
- Build alliances and unlock climate investment, addressing resilience finance needs exceeding USD 12B annually.
Our history
Why we came together
Healthy Planet Action Philippines was founded in September 2025 amid escalating scientific warnings that the 1.5°C threshold may be breached before 2035. It emerged from a collective effort of former colleagues and long-time collaborators in agroforestry research and development who recognized the need for a Philippine-led platform for comprehensive, science-driven climate action.
Looking ahead
First-year strategic plan (2026–2027)
- Science communication and advocacy: Position climate as a national emergency through dialogues, seminars, and public education.
- Mitigation: Support deep decarbonization across energy, transport, and land use in collaboration with government agencies.
- Adaptation: Advance resilient communities, landscapes, and climate-resilient bio-economies.
- Planetary cooling: Engage with global scientific communities on safe cooling approaches.
- Partnerships: Build alliances with youth networks, UN agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and international partners.
- Resource mobilization: Develop project concepts and funding proposals to scale impact.
People
Leadership, Advisers, and Associates
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Delia C. Catacutan
Chair
Dr. Delia C. Catacutan, an accomplished environmental scientist with three decades of international experience in natural resource management, environmental governance, agroforestry, watershed management, climate resilience, and landscape restoration across Asia and Arica. She is Senior Consultant to various United Nations agencies and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), and a Senior Fellow with CIFOR-ICRAF and the Global EverGreening Alliance. A former Principal Scientist and Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator at CIFOR-ICRAF, she holds a PhD from the University of Queensland and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability Science at Harvard University. Delia is widely recognized for bridging science and policy in sustainable land management and for her leadership in advancing landscape and dryland restoration in Asia.
Dr. Ma. Noelyn Dano
Member
Dr. Ma. Noelyn Dano (‘Weng’), a sustainability practitioner with over 20 years of field experience across the Asia-Pacific, working on forest and marine conservation, agroforestry, energy transition, urbanization, climate change, and disaster resilience. A licensed Urban and Environmental Planner, she is affiliated with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines. Weng holds a Master’s and PhD in Environmental Studies from the Australian National University, and has received advanced training through the Marie Curie Winter School on Earth System Governance and the UN Environment Asia-Pacific Leadership Program on the SDGs. She also holds degrees in Philosophy, Law, and Social Development.
Dr. Caroline Duque-Piñon
Member
Dr. Caroline Duque-PIÑON (Yuyen), a field practitioner with over two decades of experience at the nexus of social and environmental issues, with expertise in watershed and land-use management, agroforestry, land tenure, gender, PES, community enterprise, and social inclusion. Her work applies integrated assessment and modelling to inform decision-support systems. She was an Associate Scientist at the World Agroforestry (Philippines), and currently teaches at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Yuyen holds a PhD in Environment and NRM from the Australian National University, a Master’s in Environmental Management from Flinders University.
Lyndon Arbes
Member
Lyndon Arbes, a rural development specialist with over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient livelihoods, DRRM/CCA, and institutional capacity building across Mindanao. He has worked with major development organizations—including GIZ, FAO, WFP, Chemonics, ICRAF, and Action Against Hunger—leading initiatives that strengthen livelihoods, community institutions, and inclusive, sustainable development. An alumnus of the ACIAR John Dilon Fellowship, Lyndon holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension, and is a PhD candidate in Rural Development.
Edilbert Campomanes
Member
Edilbert A. Campomanes (Bert), an agribusiness professional with over 20 years of experience in agricultural sales, market development, and sustainable farming. He held senior roles at Syngenta Philippines and Ramgo International, leading teams and distribution networks, and currently works with Enviro Scope Synergy, Inc. Bert holds a BS in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) from Central Mindanao University and is completing his Master’s in Agribusiness Management. As Board member of HPA, he brings commercial acumen, field experience, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Sean Feliciano Catacutan
Member
Atty. Sean Feliciano Catacutan, a young professional committed to environmental stewardship and youth engagement. He has worked in areas of land allocation and law, with a growing interest in forest carbon as a climate financing mechanism. Sean holds a degree in International Studies from Ateneo de Cagayan University and a Juris Doctor from Liceo de Cagayan University.
Adviser
Dr. Dennis P. Garrity
Chair of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition, former Director General of World Agroforestry, former Chair of the Global EverGreening Alliance, and former United Nations Drylands Ambassador.