LINGAYEN PANGASINAN – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has commended the province for its comprehensive climate resilience strategies and integrated approach to environmental sustainability as well as disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
Amazed with the commitment of the provincial government and the 44 municipalities, CCC executive director Robert A. E. Borje said that “Pangasinan’s commitment to disaster risk preparedness is commendable, as reflected in its 100 percent Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) submission.”
“When we talk about hazards, exposure, vulnerability and capacity, we must see them not just as challenges but as part of a strategic game plan, an investment in community resilience,” he said.
The CCC earlier visited the province where all 44 municipalities submitted their LCCAP, which was a manifestation that the province seriously takes into consideration all matters concerning environmental protection and risk management. Borje and his staff were later toured around Pangasinan including the mangrove park in Alaminos City.
There, Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) head Ret. Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro presented the province’s key initiatives including Project PARAAN which is a risk assessment survey that evaluates community vulnerability to natural hazards.
The Green Canopy program, a legacy project of Gov. Ramon Guico III was also presented.
Panel discussion was conducted in which topics include the province’s upcoming plan to establish the Estanza Native Tree Nursery and Project Kasilyas.
Known as a strategist and extensive planner, Gov. Guico has vowed to heighten the province’s environment and climate change mitigating programs.
With the support of local leaders along with other national line agencies, Gov. Guico expressed optimism that Pangasinan will eventually become disaster prepared.
“No stone is left unturned in our disaster risk reduction management. Like many other provinces in the Philippines, Pangasinan is often hit by harsh realities of typhoons, floods and earthquakes. The Provincial Administration has taken significant efforts to make sure that we are prepared to protect our people from natural and even man-made disasters,” Gov. Guico earlier said. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
