DAVAO City has once again earned a place on the global sustainability stage as it returns as one of the selected participants in the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) for the 2025–2026 cycle.
The international initiative, spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), has included Davao among 28 cities worldwide recognized for their leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable urban development.
According to WWF’s One Planet Cities (OPC) platform, the OPCC is a biennial program designed to support cities in aligning their urban climate strategies with the global 1.5°C climate target. The challenge encourages the implementation of inclusive and transformative plans that foster both climate resilience and sustainable growth.
Davao City’s reentry into the challenge is seen as a testament to its growing commitment to environmental protection, resilience planning, and forward-thinking climate strategies.
“I am proud and excited that Davao City has once again been recognized as part of the One Planet Cities Program (OPC),” said Engr. Ivan C. Cortez, City Planning and Development Coordinator, during a media interview with Madayaw Davao. “This achievement highlights the city's continued commitment to sustainability and climate action.”
Cortez emphasized that while Davao was not among the finalists in the 2023–2024 cycle, its inclusion this year reaffirms the city’s commitment to climate leadership. The city had previously been recognized as a finalist during the 2021–2022 cycle.
“Being tagged as a 'returning city' is not just recognition of past efforts but also a strong encouragement for Davao to push even further toward ambitious climate goals,” Cortez said. “I believe this reflects the city's serious commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and creating a greener, more sustainable future for its people.”
Cortez also pointed to the city government’s strong policy direction and collaborative climate governance as key factors behind this achievement. He credited the local government's political will, the dedicated work of the Davao City Climate Change Committee, and the active engagement of civil society and grassroots organizations.
“The city’s proactive policies, programs, and consistent participation in global initiatives like the One Planet City Challenge reflect its dedication to building a climate-resilient and sustainable future,” he added.
The recognition opens new possibilities for Davao, including partnerships, funding access, and technical assistance to strengthen its climate programs further.
“This opportunity opens doors for new partnerships, funding, and technical support to further enhance the city’s environmental programs,” Cortez said.
The One Planet Cities (OPC) initiative, under WWF, supports cities worldwide in developing climate strategies in line with science-based targets. The OPCC, its flagship challenge, invites urban centers to showcase innovations in low-carbon development and adaptive urban planning.
Davao City has been a consistent participant in the challenge since 2019 and was notably a finalist in the 2021–2022 cycle, a milestone that underscored the city’s growing leadership in climate action in the Philippines. DEF
