BACOLOD City — Bacolod City Councilor Em Ang has been invited to serve as a panelist at the prestigious United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress 2026 in Tangier, Morocco, where she will present the city’s initiatives on climate resilience and community-driven environmental programs.
Ang said she was invited by the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) to participate in the Local4Action Track session titled “Decentralized Cooperation to Accelerate Local Climate Solutions,” scheduled today, June 23, during the four-day global gathering.
The session will be co-organized by UCLG ASPAC in partnership with UCLG Middle East and West Asia (MEWA) and UCLG Africa, bringing together local government leaders and climate advocates from around the world.
In an official invitation, Helmi Abidin, Regional Project Manager for Urban ACT at UCLG ASPAC, said Ang was selected to represent Bacolod as one of the Urban ACT Pilot Cities, where she will showcase the city’s efforts in promoting climate resilience through local legislation, community-based initiatives, and partnerships with international development organizations.
Ang will join mayors, governors, councilors, and other local government leaders from more than 140 countries to discuss strategies for accelerating climate action at the local level.
Recognized as the world’s largest gathering of local and regional governments, the UCLG World Congress features the Local4Action Track, which highlights how city-to-city cooperation and decentralized partnerships can fast-track climate solutions and strengthen community resilience against environmental challenges.
“This invitation recognizes Bacolod’s efforts to make climate action practical and people-centered,” Ang said.
“Our experience in policy-making, disaster preparedness, and community engagement demonstrates that meaningful climate solutions begin at the local level. I am honored to bring the voice of Bacolodnons to this global platform,” she added.
The UCLG World Congress 2026, themed “Reinventing Local Democracy for the Planet and People,” will be held from June 22 to 25 and is expected to gather more than 3,000 local and regional leaders from across the globe to develop a shared roadmap toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
Ang’s participation places Bacolod on the international stage and highlights the city’s growing reputation for climate-responsive governance and grassroots-driven environmental programs.
Currently chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committees on Health and on Culture and Arts, Ang has consistently advocated for climate resilience, public health and safety, and inclusive governance.
Her invitation to the world congress reflects both her advocacy and Bacolod City’s continuing commitment to sustainable development and community-centered climate action, further affirming that the city’s local initiatives are gaining international recognition as models for addressing the challenges of climate change./PN
