COTABATO CITY — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) highlighted the importance of localized climate adaptation strategies for local government units (LGUs) and priority sectors. Speaking at a study group session in Cotabato City, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera emphasized that while national climate resilience efforts require a whole-of-country and whole-of-society approach, they must be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual communities.
“We must build the capacity of LGUs to effectively apply countrywide measures addressing the effects of climate change onto communities,” said Herrera. “It is vital that we enhance our ability to adapt national strategies at the local level.”
The CCC participated in the session to discuss the localization of the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050, focusing on capacity-building for vulnerable areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The NAP is the foundational framework for building climate resilience in the Philippines, focused on minimizing climate-related losses and damage, fostering adaptive capacity, and promoting sustainable socioeconomic development by 2050. It is a strategic evolution of the National Climate Change Action Plan 2011-2028, building on thematic priorities and expanding them into more targeted sectoral outcomes.
“The NAP development undertook an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to ensure voices are presented onto priority adaptation outcomes and consequent strategies,” Herrera said. “For a science-based, fit-for-purpose, and country-driven NAP, we brought together our diverse range of knowledge and expertise on advancing climate resilience in pursuit of sustainable development.”
Herrera emphasized that a universal, one-size-fits-all approach could potentially undermine measures and weaken efforts to address the distinct vulnerabilities and challenges encountered by various localities. As she highlighted the need for tailored solutions, Herrera also stressed the importance of incorporating localized knowledge and specialized expertise into the planning process to ensure contextually appropriate and sustainable strategies.
For the BARMM, this nuanced and collaborative approach has been identified as crucial for inclusive, effective, and sustainable climate governance. Resilience programs must recognize the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of each community, incorporating local perspectives to ensure culturally relevant and adaptable climate solutions that prioritize social welfare and equity.
“The NAP has identified that addressing climate-induced human mobility through the lens of cultural heritage preservation is crucial when planning for adaptation measures for the Philippines,” shared Herrera. She underscored the importance of considering how climate impacts intersect with social, economic, and environmental factors to develop holistic adaptation measures.
The study group session emphasized that this inclusive, participatory approach underpins each of the NAP’s cross-cutting strategies to strengthen infrastructure resilience; safeguard livelihoods through social protection and regulations; empower local governments and communities to implement adaptation actions; mainstream integrated adaptation governance; and scale up nature-based solutions.
“A stable and well-managed population can enhance a community’s adaptive capabilities, demonstrating the ability to absorb shocks and recover from climate-related events, and work on transformational sustainable resilience pathways for the long term,” said Herrera, noting that the NAP recognizes the influence and interplay between population dynamics and climate change impacts.
By involving local communities in decision-making processes and strengthening their capacity to carry out climate adaptation strategies, resilience-building efforts can be more responsive to the needs and priorities of Filipinos most vulnerable to climate change.
The United Nations International Organization for Migration—the body tasked with fostering consultative, evidence-based, and participatory planning and decision-making processes in the localization of the NAP—organized the gathering of experts and specialists, members of civil society, and government officials to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to climate adaptation strategies.
The CCC will continue to work closely with LGUs, national government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure the localization and implementation of the NAP across the country.
“The localization of the National Adaptation Plan is our commitment to empower communities, to ensure that climate action is not just a top-down directive, but a grassroots movement that safeguards the well-being of every Filipino against the impacts of climate change,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.
For more information about the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://facebook.com/cccphl. (CCC)
Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera addressed attendees at the study group session on the localization of the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050 held on 28 January 2025 in Cotabato City, emphazing the need for an inclusive, participatory approach to capacity-building for loacal communities.
