Stronger Asean climate crisis collaboration sought

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos, along with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), is pushing for stronger collaborations and a whole-of-system approach with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address the climate crisis.

“ASEAN stands at the frontlines of the global climate crisis, as stronger storms, rising seas, prolonged droughts and devastating floods have become realities for millions across the Southeast Asian region,” Marcos said at the inaugural session of the ASEAN Climate Week held virtually. The event concludes tomorrow.

“Confronting these challenges is our shared responsibility and ASEAN has shown that through cooperation, we can overcome common problems with our collective purpose and resolve,” he added.

Robert Borje, CCC executive director, stressed that addressing climate risks requires a shift from “fragmented responses toward more integrated and coordinated systems across the region.”

Eight areas in the country, meanwhile, reached “danger” level heat index, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

Task Force El Niño

The Department of Agriculture revealed yesterday the reactivation of Task Force El Niño to help align actions of agencies involved in water management and agricultural support.

In coordination with the National Irrigation Administration, the DA is assessing major irrigation systems, including Magat, the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System and other national systems, to identify areas that may require water allocation adjustments, scheduling measures or supplemental water management interventions.

The DA is also strengthening its climate-risk mapping to help assess the matter.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute, together with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, is updating maps of rain-fed and seasonal farming areas to support planning for planting calendars, crop choices and water management under varying rainfall conditions.