The Philippines is being frequently hit by typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, and fire incidents; thus, there is an increasing need for a proactive and educated community responsive to climate-related risks.

Climate Watch through Training and Service is an NCBA-initiated activity to enhance climate awareness, emergency preparedness, and sustainable lifestyle practices among students, faculty, staff, and partner communities. The program inculcates a culture of resiliency and collective obligation through disaster preparedness training, workshops on first aid and basic life support, campus safety orientation, and engagements in gardening and tree planting, among other sustainability projects.

This initiative ensures that NCBA not only equips its community with practical lifesaving skills but also empowers them to contribute to long-term environmental stewardship and disaster risk reduction, building a safer, more informed, and climate-responsive institution.

Climate Watch through Training and Service (CWTS) is a year-round advocacy campaign of the National College of Business and Arts (NCBA) committed to strengthening climate awareness, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. As climate change continues to intensify natural hazards—such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and fires—the program equips students, faculty, staff, and partner communities with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective and responsible emergency response. This directly supports SDG 13: Climate Action by fostering awareness and action against climate-related risks.

CWTS promotes a proactive safety culture through education, hands-on training, and community service. It encourages the NCBA community to become active contributors to disaster readiness, reflecting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By promoting vigilance in monitoring environmental changes, the program helps strengthen local preparedness and resilience.
A key component of CWTS is its focus on life-saving skills. Participants undergo first aid, basic life support (BLS), and emergency response training in partnership with accredited institutions such as the Philippine Red Cross and local disaster risk reduction units. These efforts advance SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by ensuring that individuals are capable of protecting lives during emergencies.

Initially established as a campus-based initiative, CWTS aims to broaden its reach to nearby barangays and schools. By empowering students and staff as trained responders, the program contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, promoting collaboration and shared responsibility in reducing disaster risks.
Climate Watch Through Training and Service reflects NCBA’s commitment to building a climate-literate, resilient, and service-oriented community. It reinforces the spirit of bayanihan by uniting stakeholders in safeguarding lives, minimizing risks, and strengthening preparedness in the face of a changing climate.

The Climate Watch through Training and Service logo captures the heart of NCBA Taytay’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community preparedness. At its center is the Earth, symbolizing the shared home we are called to protect. Rising from its core is a tree, whose roots securely embrace the NCBA emblem, representing the institution as the foundation of knowledge, discipline, and socially responsible action.

Surrounding the Earth are protective leaves, forming a natural shield that embodies collective care, stewardship, and the ongoing effort to safeguard communities against the impacts of climate change.

This emblem connects strongly to the spirit of NSTP-CWTS Batch Lakandiwa—students who lead, serve, and preserve. Just as Lakandiwa represents noble leadership with purpose, the Climate Watch logo reflects how that leadership extends into environmental action and disaster readiness. Both unite under the NCBA mission: to mold responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

Together, the symbols affirm a shared vision- rooted in education, strengthened by service, and grown through a commitment to protecting people and the planet.

To strengthen disaster preparedness and climate awareness among students, NCBA Taytay held the CWTS Forum 2025 under the Climate Watch Through Training and Service (CWTS) program last November 15, 2025. The event was organized by NSTP–CWTS Batch Lakandiwa and featured a half-day learning session combining hands-on training and expert discussions.

A key highlight of the forum was the First Aid and Basic Life Support Training conducted by the Philippine Red Cross, facilitated by Ms. Judith Angeline V. Naculangga. Students participated in practical exercises, including proper CPR application, bandaging techniques, and essential first aid procedures—equipping them with fundamental life-saving skills crucial during emergencies.

In response to the country’s increasing climate-related hazards, a panel forum was also held focusing on climate change, disaster risk reduction and management, and campus safety. Panelists included PEMS Sonnie Dones from the Philippine National Police, who discussed the PNP’s role during calamities; Ms. Kristel Mira, Campus Nurse, who tackled health and emergency protocols; Security Officer Alvin Dugang from Wolfstorm Black Security Inc., who shared insights on campus readiness; and volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross, who emphasized community involvement in disaster response.

Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panel, raising concerns on real-life emergency scenarios, community preparedness, and ways they can contribute to safety efforts both on campus and in their barangays.

In his closing message, the Ms. Fiona Lei Ladroma, Acting President of NSTP–CWTS Batch Lakandiwa expressed gratitude and pride for the event, saying:

“This forum is more than just a requirement- it is our commitment to protect our community. By learning these skills, we empower ourselves to act, to help, and to become part of the solution. Today, we proved that preparedness begins with awareness and grows through service.”

The CWTS Forum 2025 reaffirmed NCBA Taytay’s dedication to building a climate-ready, safety-conscious, and service-driven student community.

The NCBA campus conducted a campus-wide Earthquake Drill on October 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM, as part of the Climate Watch through Training and Service (CWTS) program. The activity involved students from the Basic Education and College Departments, faculty, and staff, and was led by the Emergency Response Team along with student volunteers under NSTP–CWTS.

The drill was organized in response to the recent earthquakes across the country, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for a major seismic event. A short skit demonstrating emergency response and earthquake scenarios was conducted, allowing participants to practice evacuation, first aid, and safety protocols in a controlled environment.

Students shared their reflections on the drill and its relevance to their daily school life. A senior high school student commented, “After the recent earthquakes, it’s scary to think what could happen while we’re in school. This drill showed us the right steps to take and made me feel more confident about staying safe.” Another college student added, “It’s one thing to hear about earthquakes, but practicing it with everyone on campus makes me realize how important readiness really is.”

Ms. Ester P. David, Officer-in-Charge of NCBA Taytay, highlighted the significance of the drill:
“Conducting exercises like this ensures that everyone in our campus knows how to respond quickly and safely during emergencies. Preparedness saves lives, and building this culture of readiness is part of our responsibility to the community.”

The command post reported that all students, faculty, and staff were safe, confirming the effectiveness of the exercise.

Through the CWTS program, NCBA Taytay continues to integrate climate awareness, disaster preparedness, and community service, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in times of crisis, while fostering a resilient and responsible campus community.

As part of the Climate Watch through Training and Service (CWTS) program, NCBA Taytay conducted a Go Bag discussion for students, teachers, professors, and staff during the campus-wide Earthquake Drill on October 21, 2025. The session highlighted essential items to include in Go Bags and emphasized their importance in ensuring safety during emergencies.

The Go Bags, donated by the Municipality of Taytay, aim to equip the NCBA community with basic supplies such as water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, flashlights, and important documents to help sustain them during the first critical hours of a disaster like earthquakes, fires, or typhoons.

The discussion was led by Mr. Harem Blanquisco, Incident Commander of the NCBA Taytay Emergency Response Team (ERT), alongside Ms. Jhamaica Sabas, student leader and ERT member. They stressed that having a Go Bag is not just precautionary, but a practical tool that can save lives and provide peace of mind during unexpected situations.

Participants recognized the value of preparedness and appreciated the support from the NCBA management and Municipality of Taytay, reinforcing the importance of practical safety measures.

Through initiatives like this, NCBA Taytay continues to strengthen the CWTS program, integrating disaster preparedness, climate awareness, and community service into meaningful, hands-on learning for both students and faculty.

The NSTP-CWTS Batch Lakandiwa of NCBA Taytay completed a two-week school-based Tree Planting and Gardening Activity from November 4 to 15, 2025 as part of the campus program Climate Watch through Training and Service.

The initiative focused on practical climate action and environmental awareness, highlighting how small, local efforts contribute to long-term sustainability. The two-week preparation involved coordination and planning between NCBA Taytay and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)–Taytay, which donated the seedlings used for the activity.

Students planted MENRO-provided seedlings in assigned areas and carried out a Campus Beautification Drive, bringing plants such as snake plants, cacti, and other low-maintenance species to help improve air quality and promote a greener learning environment. These activities aimed to address the impacts of climate change by increasing green spaces and encouraging students to participate in environmental stewardship.

A freshmen Hospitality Management student leader, Diane Abegail Cueto expressed how the experience connected their actions to the future:

“Planting these trees feels like planting a piece of our future. Long after we leave NCBA, these will keep growing and remind others that we chose to act. It’s a simple effort, but it creates something meaningful.”

Moving forward, NCBA Taytay and MENRO plan to expand the initiative through future community-based tree planting activities, aiming for a more sustainable and long-term program that brings students and local partners together in addressing climate challenges.