Philippines: 'Climate change proofing has to commence right now'
Tacloban City - The province of Leyte represented by Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Interior and Local Government for it to pilot the climate change proofing of the most disaster prone local government units in the Philippines.
Aside from the province of Leyte, the municipalities of Abuyog, Tanauan, Dagami of Leyte, are also among the 7 provinces, 2 cities and 19 municipalities which will become pilot areas for the DILG's implementation of a project on disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
The complete list of pilot LGUs include the provinces of Bohol, Leyte, Laguna, Pampanga, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Zambales; the cities of Tandag and Calamba; and the municipalities of Loboc, Abuyog, Bay, Jagna, Dagami, Sta. Cruz, Inabanga, Tanauan, Lubao, Alegria, Botolan, Guagua, Tubod, Hinatuan, San Felipe, Candaba, Mainit, San Miguel and San Marcelino.
The MOU signing was led by DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo with the local chief executives of the pilot LGU in attendance.
Dubbed as "Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)/ Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) to Local Government Systems and Processes," the project aims to improve knowledge and awareness on the nature and extent of risks faced by the pilot LGUs, and to capacitate them on integrating disaster mitigation and prevention programs into local land use and development plans.
With the signing of the MOU, pilot LGUs are expected to incorporate DRRM principles in local development planning, to craft appropriate local legislations to reduce risks in local communities, and to capacitate DRRM units to address local disaster concerns.
The DILG Chief explained that, in the realm of disaster risk reduction management, the most important element is readiness, and that migration should take precedence over rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
"Climate change proofing" has to commence right now so as not to feel sorry for the loss of lives and property that usually follow tragic disasters," the DILG chief said, adding that building the capacity of the LGUs to confront climate change challenges is a legacy whose impact will be felt by future generations.
The World Bank is providing some $450,000 that will be used in the capacity building and "climate change proofing" of the pilot LGUs.
Under Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 and Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the DILG takes the lead in designing a capacity building program for LGUs on CCA and disaster risk reduction, and serves as Vice-Chair for preparedness.
The Philippines has been identified as among the global disaster hotspots, and even ranks eight among countries most exposed to multiple hazards. (PIA 8)