Eastern Visayas multi-sectoral groups have committed to working together in advancing climate-resilient development in Eastern Visayas.
Last week, on May 14-15, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), the Eastern Visayas Summit on Climate-Resilient Development gathered stakeholders from across the region to develop community-responsive strategies and implementation plans for inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions. This consisted of officials and representatives from both national and local government agencies, policymakers, civil society, the academe, and the private sector.
“Eastern Visayas has long been at the frontline of climate impacts, from devastating tropical cyclones to rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns. The region is living proof of the urgent need for action," said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission.
"But your resilience, innovation, and community spirit have driven remarkable progress in the face of these challenges.”
Taking The Lead
According to ICSC, Eastern Visayas is already taking the lead in climate action, with its local governments, communities, and citizens recognizing the importance of integrating adaptation and mitigation into their local development strategies.
The Regional Development Plan for 2023-2028, formulated by the Region 8 National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) office, already integrates specific chapters and target outcomes for climate change and energy.
In addition, Ormoc City Mayor and Regional Development Council (RDC) 8 Chairperson Lucy Torres-Gomez pointed out that the RDC has “yielded resolutions and action steps that elevate the region’s climate resiliency, such as flood control, renewable energy, and the formulation of a sustainable energy transition roadmap.”
At High Risk
Five out of six provinces in Eastern Visayas are included in the list of most at-risk provinces in the Philippines, namely Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte, according to the 2023 Gross Domestic Climate Risk Ranking.
“Eastern Visayas is a region of opportunities, with its proud people still needing help in many areas of development, and ICSC is in a position to help," said ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz.
"People needing help and heeding their calls from a position of capability and privilege is a moral commitment that ICSC will try to take on as long as we can,” Dela Cruz continued.
True enough, while steps may have already been taken, it is also a fact that the region still has a long way to go and the public still needs to be educated on the environmental situation of the region.
"Kunta what was said and learned in the summit will not stay in the summit. Dako na bulig if the officials actually execute the plans and the public cooperates. Financial gains han mga Ada ha posisyon is temporary. Environmental impact lasts, " a journalist present in the summit stated.
Photo courtesy of ICSC
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