The Climate Change Commission (CCC) highlighted the crucial role local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of national climate change mitigation and adaptation plans during the recently held Eastern Visayas Summit on Climate-Resilient Development.

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC vice chairperson and executive director, cited the different national climate change frameworks serving as the nation’s guides in building climate resiliency and smartness.

These include the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, National Climate Change Action Plan, National Climate Risks Management Framework, Philippine Development Plan, National Adaptation Plan, and Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan.

During his opening speech, Borje stressed the urgent need for swift action to address the increasing loss and damage caused by climate-induced disasters in the country.

“Gone are the times when government agencies simply came up with policies and frameworks for the stakeholders to understand. The responsibility of agencies, such as the Climate Change Commission, is not just to formulate and coordinate policies but also to ensure that policies are fully understood and ultimately implemented,” Borje told the participants of the summit in Tacloban City on May 14 and 15.

The CCC is tasked to provide technical assistance and support to LGUs in developing their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LLCAP), ensuring high-quality plans that are aligned with international and national climate change frameworks.

As of March, LCCAP submission rates hit 87.23 percent, accounting for 1,496 LGUs around the country.

Borje also discussed government efforts to assist LGUs in accessing and making full use of international and national climate financing mechanisms such as the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), Green Climate Fund, Loss and Damage Fund, and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk.

During the recent PSF Board meeting, six new projects from various LGUs were approved, bringing 100 percent utilization rate of the PHP1 billion fund and consequently initiating its supposed annual replenishment.

Borje urged the LGUs to challenge the commission and the PSF board to maintain 100 percent utilization annually by submitting cohesive, feasible, and tangible pro-climate initiatives and programs.

Recognizing the capacity of LGUs to effectively tailor and execute climate actions, ensuring that national climate objectives are met through practical, on-the-ground efforts, the CCC continues to work closely with LGUs across the country.

By supporting LGUs in local climate policy development, project implementation, community engagement, and collaborations, the Commission aims to bridge the gap between national climate frameworks and local implementation.

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities organized the summit attended by stakeholders from across the region to develop community-focused strategies and actionable plans for fostering inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions. (PNA)