BAGUIO CITY – As mandated per RA 9729 (Climate Change Act) and RA 10121 (DRRM Act) the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office II (DILG R2) and the Local Government Academy (LGA) take an active role in Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) through the provision of capacity development programs leaning towards enhancing the capacity of Local Government Units (LGUs) to be at the forefront of the government’s initiative to adapt, mitigate and prepare for climate change and disasters.
With this end goal, it is only necessary that a pool of competent trainers must be established to capacitate the LGUs in drafting their respective Local Climate Change Action Plans, consistent with the development requirements and prospects of the locality. This was realized with the conduct of the National Training of Trainers on the Formulation of the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (ELCCAP) from October 21-25, 2024 in Baguio City.
The learning event is to capacitate local government trainers with the knowledge and skills needed to guide LGUs in their regions in formulating and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively.
The training gathered from across the country, a combination of DILG regional and provincial technical personnel with backgrounds on climate change and disaster risk management in local government units, and representatives from the Learning Research Institutes, for well-rounded training program that include lectures, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions.
The training began with an opening address from the DILG Cordillera Regional Director, Araceli A. San Jose, where emphasized the critical need for local governments to proactively engage in climate adaptation.
"Our communities are on the frontline of climate impacts. By equipping our trainers with the right knowledge and tools, we are ensuring that they are well-prepared to protect and strengthen their communities against climate-related risks," she said.
Meanwhile, DILG R2 Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, CESO IV, reiterated the role of the LGUs in the fight against climate change.
"The eLCCAP is a tool for resilience, empowering local governments to take decisive action. Through this training, we are building a future-ready network of trainers who will lead the climate action efforts across the country" director De Leon said.
The five-day event covered various modules on Climate Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHGI), mainstreaming the CCA-DRRM in local development plans, and planning and budgeting. The participants also engaged in workshops that guided them through different processes to identify, assess, and implement adaptation and mitigation options.
Concluding the activity, DILG R2-LGCDD Chief, Ms. Elsbeth T. Maralli, acknowledged the participants' commitment and dedication, underscoring the importance of knowledge-sharing and cooperation.
"This training is only the beginning. Together, let’s continue our journey towards climate resilience by empowering our LGUs to prioritize climate action and adopt sustainable practices. Our work today lays the foundation for a resilient tomorrow,” she added.
As the first in a series of national training sessions, this event is part of a broader initiative by DILG and LGA to foster a skilled pool of trainers ready to assist local government units in the country in crafting and executing climate-responsive policies and programs. With support from national agencies and local stakeholders, the DILG and LGA are determined to strengthen climate action capabilities at the grassroots level, reflecting the Philippines' commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.
LGOO II KEITH CLARENCE R. BUNAGAN
