PH, Partners Strengthen Local Role in Climate Adaptation Drive

News | Environment Posted on 2025-09-18 20:37:58

MANILA – The Philippines, through the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the British Embassy in Manila, is advancing efforts to empower local actors in shaping the country’s climate adaptation priorities and strategies.

The commitment was highlighted during the first technical-level meeting of the Philippines Adaptation Development Partners’ Coordination Group (DPCG) in Makati City on Sept. 8, where CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera presented the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) localization approach anchored on climate analytics and evidence-based planning.

“Through the Adaptation Investment Learning Course, we aim to scale this approach to at least 10 high-risk provinces and strengthen the role of our state universities and colleges. This way, adaptation becomes not just a national agenda but a community-led effort,” Herrera said.

British Embassy representative Lloyd Cameron echoed the call, stressing that resilience must be built “from the ground up” through inclusive, locally tailored strategies involving civil society, indigenous peoples, and local governments.

The DPCG provides a structured platform to align resources, knowledge, and actions among partners, helping avoid duplication, optimize resources, and strengthen collective capacity to respond to climate risks.

Discussions covered priority workstreams for the group’s first year, including NAP mainstreaming, localization, and financing. Participants also reviewed the group’s Terms of Reference and identified areas for joint action.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that adaptation must be viewed as nation-building through ecosystem-based design, while DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors.

Key initiatives moving forward include rolling out the Adaptation Investment Learning Course (AILC), operationalizing the Adaptation Investment Platform, finalizing the DPCG workplan, and updating the development partners mapping.

“These outcomes mark an important step toward institutionalizing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to climate adaptation, ensuring the Philippines is better prepared to face growing climate risks,” the CCC said.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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