Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to sustainability and climate leadership, Rizal Technological University (RTU) successfully hosted the 2026 Climate Change Task Force (CCTF) Command Conference on June 26–27, 2026, bringing together climate advocates, government leaders, and environmental champions from across the Philippines under the theme: “Strengthening CCTF Nationwide: Expanding Leadership, Membership, and Climate Action Capacity.”

Organized in partnership with the Climate Change Task Force (CCTF) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the two-day conference served as a national platform to advance climate governance, strengthen institutional collaboration, and empower stakeholders to lead transformative climate action in their communities.

The conference was graced by distinguished government officials and climate leaders, including Dr. Albert P. Dela Cruz, CCC Commissioner; Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez, Senior Deputy Commandant of CCTF; and Ret. BGen. Gerardo M. Zamudio Jr., CCTF Commandant.

The event also received the full support of Gen. Nicolas Torre III, General Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), whose commitment underscores the importance of collaborative leadership in addressing climate risks and building resilient communities.

More than a gathering of institutions, the conference convened climate change advocates, environmental practitioners, local government representatives, academic institutions, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and sustainability champions from across the country. Through keynote addresses, strategic discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative planning workshops, participants explored innovative approaches to expanding climate leadership, strengthening grassroots engagement, and enhancing the nation’s capacity to respond to climate-related challenges.

As host institution, RTU reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for sustainability by providing an academic platform that bridges research, innovation, education, and community engagement with national climate priorities. The conference reflects the University’s continuing efforts to foster meaningful partnerships that generate real-world impact beyond the classroom and contribute to sustainable national development.

Through initiatives such as the CCTF national conference, RTU continues to position itself as a university with purpose; one that empowers leaders, cultivates innovation, and builds strong partnerships to create lasting environmental and societal impact. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and climate advocates from across the Philippines, the University demonstrates that higher education institutions are indispensable partners in shaping a resilient, sustainable, and climate-ready nation.