Coastal LGUs get support on climate adaptation

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units from various coastal communities across the country have received support from the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on capacity building to prepare for and respond to impacts of climate change.

Development planners from the provinces of Albay, Quezon, Zambales, Northern and Eastern Samar, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Sorsogon and Catanduanes took part in the CCC’s Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (E-LCCAP) training recently held in Legazpi City, Albay.

The initiative provided participants with information on aspects of climate science and risk-based action planning at the local level, including climate and disaster risk assessment, ecosystem-based adaptation framework, community-level greenhouse gas inventory and climate change expenditure tagging. 

They were also trained to develop and enhance adaptation project proposals for the People’s Survival Fund.

“We need to work even smarter, and in unison with each other, to survive and thrive, and to transform our society and economy in this extremely challenging era of climate change,” said Climate Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman.

“We shall continue to bring everyone together – key stakeholders in national and local governments, the private business and finance sector, academe and civil society – to ensure a dynamic synergy, as we pursue greener and more resilient pathways toward a sustainable future. In this synergy, everybody’s action matters. Now is the time to unite for climate action… unite for climate resilience,” he added.

Secretary to the Cabinet Karlo Nograles expressed support for the initiative, noting that the Philippines is at the forefront of the impact of climate change and the challenges facing the country. 

“It is therefore our shared responsibility to generate common understanding, to explore possible synergies to draw out climate change responses, and to develop programs and projects that address the dire need of the country to adapt to this life-threatening phenomenon,” he said.

The E-LCCAP Training for LGUs is a component of the re-strategized Communities for Resilience program, the CCC’s flagship capacity building initiatives for local leaders and planners on mainstreaming climate change in local investment planning and processes.

The climate body said the program is currently geared toward the most climate – vulnerable communities in the country, including coastal villages that may experience impacts of sea level rise and salt water intrusion.