ADAPTATION PLAN. Representatives from the national government agencies, local government units, academic and scientific institutions, civil society organizations, private sector and development sector convene for the multi-stakeholder consultation for the National Adaptation Plan on Aug. 26, 2023. The NAP aims to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by building the adaptive capacity and resilience of communities. (Photo courtesy of CCC)
MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to formulate a comprehensive and effective National Adaptation Plan (NAP) through the invaluable contributions of diverse stakeholders.
The CCC, the policy-making body tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate government programs and ensure mainstreaming of climate change in national, local and sectoral development plans towards a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines, renewed this commitment during the second NAP Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on Aug. 26.
One of the key deliverables of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the completion of the NAP requires a whole-of-society and whole-of-world approach, consistent with the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his second State of the Nation Address in building a climate-smart and climate-resilient country.
The consultation engaged various stakeholders from the national and local government, academic and scientific institutions, civil society, private sector and development sector to share relevant experience and expertise to the NAP development process.
In his keynote speech, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored the importance of crafting a science-based, evidence-based and needs-based NAP, to strengthen the adaptive capacities of all Filipinos, particularly those in the most vulnerable sectors of society.
“It's not only important that we have our experience and expertise at the table, it is also vital to make this plan genuine, needs-based, and a product of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Consultation is important because we need to make sure that the process reflects the different components of our society,” Borje said.
The consultation’s agenda included presentations on the NAP development, climate risk assessment and adaptation priorities. Breakout sessions delved into adaptation priorities and key enablers, covering critical sectors such as food security, agriculture, water resources, governance, stakeholder engagement, technology, financing and capacity building.
Noting the important role of convergence, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos Primo David said, “The NAP includes priority programs for funding, but more importantly, in identifying convergence projects among government agencies that solve sectoral cross cutting issues intensified by climate change.”
Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the British Embassy Manila, also emphasized the importance of the consultations, saying “stakeholder consultation is a way of advancing our adaptation and mitigation agenda by ensuring that the perspectives and needs of all sectors are taken into account.”
“We hope that the inputs we receive from you today will not only significantly help us to develop a fit-for-purpose climate risk management for the country, but will also highlight the importance of collective action and a shared commitment to building the Filipinos’ resilience and adapting mechanism to climate change,” CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera said.
The series of multi-stakeholder consultations are organized with the support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the British Embassy Manila.
The first consultation took place virtually on Aug. 8, bringing together representatives from various organizations to engage in discussions and contribute valuable insights on the NAP.
The NAP, which will serve as a long-term support mechanism for capacity and technologies, aims to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by building the adaptive capacity and resilience of communities, and to facilitate the coherent integration of climate change adaptation into relevant new and existing policies, programs and activities.
The NAP endeavors to mainstream adaptation across as many sectors as possible and at different levels (national, subnational, regional and local), incorporating both medium- and long-term strategies, and strengthening policies and frameworks. (PNA)
