Albert Dela Cruz
OfficeCommissioner of the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines
Term startOctober 2022[1]
Office 2Undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development
Term start 2August 2021[2]
Term end 2October 2022
Office 3Vice Mayor of Mexico, Pampanga
Term start 31998
Term end 32001
Office 4Member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico, Pampanga
Term start 41995
Term end 41998
Birth dateOctober 6, 1972 (age 53)
Birth placeMexico, Pampanga, Philippines
Alma materAngeles University Foundation (BS)
Harvardian Colleges (LLB)
OccupationPublic official, environmental planner

Albert Dela Cruz (born October 6, 1972) is a Filipino public official who serves as a Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines (CCC).[3] In this role, he coordinates national climate governance, environmental policy, and engagement with local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and civil society.[4]

Early life and education

Dela Cruz was born on October 6, 1972, in Mexico, Pampanga, Philippines.[3] He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Angeles University Foundation and a Bachelor of Law from Harvardian Colleges.[3]

He pursued graduate-level studies including coursework toward a Master in Business Administration at Ateneo de Clark University and a Master in Environmental Planning at Philippine Christian University.[3] He is a registered environmental planner and a registered occupational safety and health practitioner in the Philippines.[5]

Career

Local government

Dela Cruz began his public service career in the Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga, serving as a member of the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal councilor) from 1995 to 1998 and as Municipal Vice Mayor from 1998 to 2001.[3]

National government service

Dela Cruz served as Undersecretary for Operations at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), where he focused on housing policy and disaster-resilient urban development.[6][7] He has also held board-level roles in the Philippine National Oil Company and its renewable energy subsidiary.[3]

Climate Change Commission

As a Commissioner of the CCC, Dela Cruz oversees the evaluation of national climate change programs.[8] His work includes policy discussions on the People's Survival Fund and climate financing mechanisms.[9]

He has advocated for "edible landscaping" as a community-based adaptation strategy and has engaged municipal leaders through climate summits and courtesy visits to strengthen localized governance.[10][11][12] In 2023, he was named a "Clean Air Champion" for his environmental advocacy.[4]

References

  1. ^ Galvez, Daphne (October 14, 2022). "Palace names new Climate Change Commission, soul agency appointees". Philippine Daily Inquirer
  2. ^ "Dela Cruz joins DHSUD as new undersecretary". The Manila Times. August 21, 2021.
  3. ^ "Climate Change Commission initiatives". Philippine News Agency.
  4. ^ "Albert Dela Cruz named as Clean Air Champion". Politiko. December 1, 2023.
  5. ^ "Office of Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz unveils climate mitigation and adaptation policies". Philippine Information Agency.
  6. ^ "Sec Del Rosario, malugod ang pagsalubong kay Usec Dela Cruz". Journal News
  7. ^ "DHSUD introduces disaster-resilient housing units". Punto! Central Luzon
  8. ^ "CCC engages LGUs on climate action". Philippine News Agency.
  9. ^ "Agarang pagrepaso sa PSF ng Climate Change Commission, ipinanawagan". DZAR 1026.
  10. ^ "LGUs urged to adopt edible landscaping". One News PH
  11. ^ "Climate Change Commission pays courtesy visit to Mayor's Office". City Government of Cauayan.
  12. ^ "Climate Change Summit ginanap sa Lingayen". Municipality of Lingayen.