File photo of Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. at a meeting with the Rotary Club of Makati.

MANILA — Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz on Wednesday (20 Sept. 2023) reminded authorities that apart from initiating steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change, focus should be made on the implementation of adaptation measures that would pave the way for a resilient future for Filipinos and the whole country.

The climate official’s call came after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reportedly approved a USD303 million (₱17.2 billion) loan to address the persistent flooding problem in the country amidst worsening climate change.

Earlier, the ADB disclosed that the approved loan will be allocated for efforts to reduce flood and climate risks, as well as protect people and livelihoods in three major river basins in the country even as the Philippines remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries over the past two decades.

ADB senior water resources specialist Junko Sagara cited that the multi-billion peso loan will be earmarked to finance the first phase of the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project which aims to reduce flood risks in three major river basins, namely Abra, Agus (Ranao), and Tagum-Libuganon River Basins, and enhance flood and climate change resilience.

In reaction, Commissioner Dela Cruz lauded the initiative because this would pave the way for the upgrading and construction of flood protection infrastructures in the three major river basins in Luzon and particularly Mindanao, which is currently experiencing severe flooding in several areas.

“These will reflect to adaptation measures that we need to put in place immediately. This infrastructure takes into account future climate change impacts and incorporates nature-based solutions such as restoring and reconnecting old river channels for natural drainage and reinforcing riverbanks with mangroves and vegetation planting,” he pointed out.

Based on studies, the river basin communities in the identified areas are highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards, especially as climate change is expected to raise risks from extreme weather events.

“We need to lessen these risks and improve income and livelihood opportunities, especially for the poor and vulnerable, and only through proper implementation and sound management can we truly achieve resiliency through a whole-of-nation and -community approach in addressing and responding to the adverse effects of climate change and global warming,” Dela Cruz stressed.

“The same river infrastructure (to be constructed for adaptation and mitigation) should be coupled with a total water ecosystem approach that aside from putting concrete walls and dike reinforcement structures should include mangrove restoration and propagation as well as bamboo and tree-planting as part of the nature-based system prescribed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),” he added.

In ending, the climate official underscored the importance of strengthening the country’s capacity to perform flood risk management planning through extensive training for government officials and all stakeholders, installing equipment for weather and river flow monitoring and early flood warning, as well as introducing an asset management information system.

(ai/mnm)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Canadian Inquirer)

MANILA — Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to address global warming, considering the Philippines’ vulnerability to approximately 20 annual typhoons due to its proximity to the equator.

As per the United Nations (UN), the heat index of global temperatures has risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the late 1800s.

The previous decade (2011-2020) was recorded as the warmest in history, indicating the unmistakable impact of climate change. Commissioner Dela Cruz revealed that human activities, such as landfill operations, deforestation, and the combustion of fossil fuels, are primarily responsible for climate change.

He highlighted that the warm ocean waters near the equator in the Philippines contribute to the formation of storms.

Over the past decade, super typhoons have been unleashed due to global warming, resulting in significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure.

The commissioner also stressed the negative consequences of landfills, which generate methane—an influential greenhouse gas. Deforestation, on the other hand, reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to the release of accumulated carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Moreover, the burning of fossil fuels for electricity production significantly contributes to carbon dioxide emissions, amplifying the presence of greenhouse gases. These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere but hinder the dissipation of heat, leading to global warming.

Global warming profoundly affects our lives. It triggers the melting of polar ice caps, causing rising sea levels, the formation of powerful typhoons, and prolonged droughts. Given the destructive nature of these natural disasters, we cannot afford to be complacent or turn a blind eye while witnessing fellow Filipinos’ homes and agricultural crops being submerged after heavy rainfall.

Commissioner Dela Cruz emphasized the importance of collective action to address this issue. Merely relying on the government is insufficient; we must also take individual responsibility by focusing on mitigation and adaptation strategies.

“We cannot disregard the desperate cries of those who suffer from climate change-induced disasters while comfortably staying in our own homes. So, how can we confront this problem? We must not solely rely on the government but also play our part, primarily through proactive measures and adaptation,” concluded Commissioner Dela Cruz.

(ai/mtvn)