Local officers tackle climate change plan

The local government units, considered as frontline agencies, are tasked to formulate, plan and implement their respective Climate Action plans, consistent with the Local Government Code and the National Climate Change Action Plan.
As such, members of the provincial technical working group met face-to-face for three days, November 15-17, 2021, formulating the Climate Disaster Risk Assessment – Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Secretariat led by Danilo L. Atienza with Caesar A. Gamboa administered the workshop, in cooperation with the Provincial Planning and Development Office which provided the existing provincial plan that needed enhancement attuned to the effects of climate change.
An expert-consultant from the Department of Interior and Local Government-Region 8, Russell Pascual, facilitated the entire process. The participants were also oriented by GIS consultant, Dr. Al Tongco, on the significance and uses of the Geographic Information System to both the climate change assessment-adaptation plan, and the provincial development plan.
The planning approach was based on the priorities of food security, water sufficiency, environmental and ecological stability, human security, climate friendly industries and services, sustainable energy, and knowledge and capacity development.
The other TWG members who committed their time and efforts were: Binky V. Vasquez, Arthur Cadavos and Mark Arthur Marte of Provincial Planning and Development Office; Emeliana M. Labata, Phoebe Bandibas of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources and Management Office; Engr. Nelson G. Tan, Alma Gultiano of Provincial Engineering Office; Myrna Q. Bacala, Rey Zialcita of Provincial Agriculture Service Office; Mercy C. Pacha, Edwin A. Luperte of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office; Dr. Francisco G. Cabarrubias, Christian O. Samante of Provincial Veterinary Services Office; Eva Alagao and Manny P. Ramos of Provincial Environnment and Natural Resources; Nedgar Garvez and Em Sastre of Provincial Tourism Office; Jojo Cinco of Department of Public Works and Highways; Jonathan M. Empeño and Audrey Rose B. Suay; Dr. Gloria M. Reyes of Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Feliciano John Matibag, Jr., Dr. Julius Duarte of Provincial Health and Services Office; and Dr. Letecia O. Tan of the Department of Health.