COMMUNITIES are expected to be prepared all the time this rainy season. Local government units (LGUs), in particular, must have contingency plans already as mandated by the Climate Change Act.
All LGUs should have their own local climate action plans. We can no longer delay climate action. For a vulnerable nation like the Philippines, delayed action means loss of lives, livelihood, ecosystems and biodiversity. We need to take urgent action to adapt to the effects of climate change, reduce the risks in the communities, mitigate global warming, and move towards sustainability.
Republic Act 9729 dictates that “LGUs shall be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, and the National Climate Change Action Plan.”
Local action is crucial because every community has its own vulnerabilities, risks and hazards. LGUs must determine how their community is affected by climate change. Is it a coastal community that may be affected by sea level rise or declining fish catch because of coral bleaching? Is it a farming community greatly affected by El Niño or too much rainfall? Is it an urban area prone to flooding? The location of the community, the direct impact of climate change, and the risks posed by extreme weather events are crucial in crafting a climate change adaptation plan.
Most natural hazards turn into disasters because of the lack of preparedness. It is a must that citizens understand how they can contribute to making our communities disaster-resilient. Disaster prevention starts long before a typhoon makes landfall, before an earthquake happens or before a volcano erupts.
Early warning and early action should be at the very heart of our efforts. Everyone should understand the risks we face and equip ourselves with preventive measures to lessen the impact of natural hazards. It is lamentable that we are among the least emitters of greenhouse gases yet we are directly hit by the effects of climate change. But we have no more time to wail and complain. We need to address the risks.
Local government officials are in the best position to lead and engage those in their respective cities, municipalities, and provinces to establish and strengthen disaster preparedness measures.
