PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recently concluded a series of capacity-building activities in Palawan aimed at strengthening the province’s Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) and facilitating access to the People's Survival Fund (PSF).

The training workshop on Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP) provided a comprehensive understanding of the key components of the LCCAP, and knowledge about developing science-based and risk-informed plans.

The training featured lecture-discussions and hands-on workshops covering a wide range of topics. These include understanding climate projections and Climate Extremes Risk Analysis Matrix (CERAM), an introduction to the eLCCAP formulation process, climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA) procedures, an overview of community-level greenhouse gas inventory and data requirements, methodologies for estimating GHG emissions across sectors, and a walk-through of the GHG Inventory Toolkit.

Additionally, it encompassed climate change expenditure tagging (CCET) and the PSF process.

A total of 78 representatives from 23 local government units (LGUs) participated in the training workshop, representing various offices such as the Planning and Development Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Agriculture Office, Environment and Natural Resource Office, as well as members of the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) Palawan Chapter.

“We recognize the vital role of LGUs in adaptation and climate resilience. Through these capacity-building activities, we aim to enhance the capacity of our LGUs to access and utilize the PSF in initiatives that will help their communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.

The CCC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support and resources to strengthen the capabilities of LGUs throughout the country.

This commitment includes the continuous provision of capacity-building programs focused on CDRA, GHGI, and PSF proposal development, as well as establishing a contact group mechanism between CCC, LGUs, the Provincial Government of Palawan, and PIEP Palawan Chapter to monitor the progress of LGUs' eLCCAP development.

“We will continue working closely with the Province of Palawan, along with other LGUs in the country, to ensure the successful implementation of the eLCCAP and further enhance resilience against climate change impacts,” VCED Borje added.

The LCCAP serves as a roadmap for local-level climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, outlining specific actions and measures tailored to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of each locality.

The submission of the LCCAP is a key deliverable mandated by Republic Act 9729, or the Climate Change Act, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2021-068.

As of 23 August 2023, 85.95%, or 1,474 out of 1,715 LGUs across the country, have successfully submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC. Notably, the Province of Palawan has achieved a 100% compliance rate, with all 25 LGUs having submitted their LCCAPs.

The CCC is actively collaborating with the Department of Interior and Local Government - Local Government Agency and other relevant partners to equip LGUs and other stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required to develop effective climate action plans and implement climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

These capacity-building initiatives have benefited 1,342 LGUs, representing 78% of the total 1,715 LGUs in the country. Additionally, 167 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs) have also gained from these activities.

For more information on the Climate Change Commission’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL. (CCC)