CEBU CITY – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) met with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Cebu to identify strategic opportunities for institutional strengthening and capacity development in support of effective climate action at the provincial level.
The engagement forms part of the Commission's continuing efforts to deepen collaboration with local governments and ensure the integration of climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into provincial and municipal development planning processes.
During the meeting, the PDRRMO presented Cebu's climate and disaster risk profile, highlighting historical impacts, current vulnerabilities, and ongoing initiatives to address climate-related hazards.
The discussion, which was participated in by 12 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMO) from the Province of Cebu LGUs and six PDRRMO Officers, provided an opportunity to identify strategic gaps, strengthen coordination mechanisms between provincial and municipal offices, and improve risk-informed planning tools. Among the LGUs that are present are Danao City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Sogod, Bogo City, Argao, Compostela, Consolacion, Asturias, and Pinamungajan.
The CCC emphasized the importance of enhancing Climate and Disaster Risk Assessments (CDRA), strengthening Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), and aligning local development strategies with national frameworks, particularly the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Expanding access to climate finance, including the People's Survival Fund (PSF), was likewise identified as a priority to support local adaptation initiatives.
Technical insights from Dr. Rex Victor Cruz of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla of Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) supported the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of science-based decision-making, climate projections, and evidence-driven policy formulation.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that institutional continuity and strong inter-agency coordination are essential to sustaining climate action.
"Climate resilience is built on strong institutions," Borje said. "When provincial and municipal governments are aligned, guided by science, and supported by clear systems, climate action becomes more strategic, sustained, and impactful. Our role is to ensure that local governments are equipped not only to access climate finance, but to strengthen their planning frameworks for the long term."
Cebu PDRRMO focal Ret. Col. Dennis Francis V. Pastor emphasized the importance of the meeting as a step to disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.
"Cebu continues to face increasing risks brought about by climate change. These risks disproportionately affect the lives and livelihoods of our people. This reality urges us to coordinate strongly in crafting science-based planning and sustainable coordination among national agencies, the provincial government, and our LGUs," Pastor said.
The program also included the handover of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 to the Cebu PDRRMO, reinforcing the importance of aligning provincial and municipal development strategies with national climate frameworks.
The CCC also highlighted that the NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., serves as the country's long-term blueprint for adaptation and resilience. By grounding provincial systems and local plans in the NAP, Cebu strengthens a whole-of-government approach to addressing climate risks and safeguarding development gains.
The activity concluded with renewed commitment to align provincial and municipal development plans with national climate priorities, reinforcing Cebu's role in advancing integrated, whole-of-government climate resilience strategies.
The CCC reiterated that sustained institutional support, data-driven governance, and strengthened partnerships remain fundamental to protecting communities, safeguarding development gains, and building a climate-resilient Cebu.
For more information on the CCC's climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.