The Climate Change Commission is encouraging government and non-government stakeholders especially the local government units (LGUs) to seek their assistance for the necessary technical support towards achieving the desired level of climate resilience. Local climate change action plans are important to address unique problems in disaster-vulnerable areas, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said.
In a news release on August 30, Borje said unified action is needed to address the widespread impacts of climate change especially among the 22 areas identified by the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) as most vulnerable to the phenomenon.
Southern Leyte is among the 22 most vulnerable areas in the Philippines. The other areas are Metro Manila, Bulacan, Isabela, Davao del Sur, Leyte, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Eastern Samar, Zambales, Aurora, Northern Samar, Cagayan, Surigao del Sur, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Sulu, Pampanga, and Samar.
“These provinces face high poverty rates, critical watersheds, and susceptibility to climate hazards such as flooding, landslides, and droughts,” Borje said.
“How can our LGUs, the real frontline warriors, amplify these climate actions? Our policies serve as roadmaps for LGUs, steering them towards resilience. To this end, the CCC and the Department of [the] Interior and Local Government actively champion the Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP).” The LCCAP provides actions and measures tailored to address the vulnerabilities of each locality.
The CCC supports LGUs in creating high-quality LCCAPs, which serve as crucial investment references for domestic financing mechanisms such as the People’s Survival Fund.
Borje said LGUs should have the tools, knowledge and financial resources to enhance climate adaptation and mitigate the risks.
He outlined three key strategies for LGUs to amplify climate actions that include capacity-building, access to climate finance and multi-sectoral collaboration.
(PNA)
Disaster-prone areas may seek CCC for assistance
