Nazrin Camille D. Castro, Branch Manager, The Climate Reality Project Philippines
March 31, 2025
Today marks a significant turning point for both myself and Climate Reality Philippines.
After five (5) transformative years as the Philippine Branch Manager, I am transitioning into an advisory role, a move fueled by reflection and, more importantly, profound optimism. This optimism stems from the extraordinary team I’ve had the privilege to lead.
I stepped into this role in 2020, immediately tasked with supporting the first-ever virtual Climate Reality Leadership Corps Global Training. Witnessing our Filipino Climate Reality Leaders double from 600 to 1,200 was transformative. Now, concluding my term by welcoming yet another passionate cohort of leaders in Bacolod—that brings our total to around 2,000—creates a powerful sense of closure and a profound feeling of a personal journey completed.
Over the past five (5) years, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones.
Our flagship incubator platforms, Klima Eskwela and Klima Pandayan, have cultivated inclusive leadership across various groups, including Climate Reality Leaders, students, local governments, businesses, and youth organizations. By focusing on community-driven solutions, these platforms promote collaboration across sectors, empowering individuals and organizations to take meaningful climate action.
Through ReEnergize PH, we raised awareness of the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which enables large electricity consumers to source power directly from renewable energy suppliers. We’ve trained a network of regional campaigners that led to a pivotal renewable energy resolution in Central Visayas, inspiring similar support across the country. We’ve also worked closely with the Department of Energy to facilitate business-renewable energy dialogues, contributing to the review of GEOP regulations.
Our Plastic-Free Reality initiative developed an interactive map showcasing community- and business-led plastic reduction efforts, serving as a proof of concept for national plastic regulation.
The Mobility Awards and Bilang Siklista initiative have promoted bicycle commuting and provided city planners with critical data to improve bike lanes, enhance infrastructure, and create policies that better support sustainable and inclusive mobility, ultimately contributing to greener, more livable cities.
Lastly, through RewriteCOP, we’ve amplified youth voices and the arts to advocate for the Global South in international climate negotiations. Beyond climate talks, we’ve advocated for fairer climate finance and funding in World Bank and IMF meetings, including grant-based funding, debt relief, and a shift away from systems and processes that further burden nations already struggling with climate impacts.
Our commitment to expanding our impact has driven strategic fundraising efforts, leading to significant milestones. Early this year, we launched the Climate Diplomacy Program, aimed at supporting the government in setting ambitious emissions reduction targets. Additionally, through the Climate Finance Accountability Initiative, we are set to equip Climate Reality Leaders in tracking and validating climate finance at the local level.
Perhaps the most significant development during my tenure is the recent designation of the Philippine Branch as Climate Reality’s Southeast Asian hub for our programs on sustainable urban mobility and renewable energy. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the broader network of Filipino Climate Reality Leaders. It signals that our efforts have resonated beyond our borders and that we are now positioned to play a leading role in a regional movement toward sustainable change.
The team is not only ready to continue this work, but they are eager to elevate it to new heights. I am stepping aside, not because the work is done, but because this team is fully equipped to take on the challenges of the future. They embody the diversity and multidimensional approach that are critical to addressing the climate crisis on both a local and global scale.
I am incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together. Climate Reality Philippines is already much stronger than it was yesterday because of all of our Climate Reality Leaders and our partners. As I transition into my advisory role, I am excited to continue supporting this important work and look forward to witnessing the continued growth of our collective efforts.
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