Atty. Carlos M. Borja Jr., chief of the Legal Division of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), is set to make history as the first Filipino scholar awarded the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) prestigious Climate Change Policy Program scholarship.
Starting in April 2025, Borja will pursue a Master of Laws in Comparative Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia at Kyushu University in Japan, according to a media release from JICA.
Borja’s focus on climate governance aims to make a lasting impact on the Philippines’ climate policies. His studies will sharpen his expertise in climate policy development and international best practices, empowering him to contribute to the updating of the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NDC, a crucial component of the Paris Agreement, outlines the country’s climate action targets and commitments.
“I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of translating international climate frameworks into effective national policies. This opportunity to study in Japan will enhance my analytical capabilities, broaden my global perspective, and equip me with practical strategies to address climate change effectively,” Borja shared.
The two-year program will allow Borja to immerse himself in Japan’s environmental governance and community-based environmental stewardship practices, offering valuable insights to implement in the Philippines. His goal is to craft policies that are not only aligned with global climate goals but also practical and effective for the local context.
JICA’s Climate Change Policy Program is designed to help developing countries like the Philippines build human resources capable of shaping climate policies that adhere to the Paris Agreement. Through its scholarship and training programs, JICA supports climate-related initiatives, including disaster risk reduction and sustainable transport. The agency’s development work also extends to forest monitoring, climate advisory, and strengthening transparency frameworks in climate action.
As Borja embarks on his academic journey, he envisions a future where the Philippines leads in climate action, with policies that foster collaboration across sectors and continuously strengthen the nation’s global position in climate governance.
JICA, the world’s largest bilateral aid agency, is actively contributing to global and national climate action through its comprehensive development work, including technical cooperation, ODA loans, and disaster relief programs.
