MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced plans to expedite resilient infrastructure programs across Mindanao in response to recent disasters in the region.
According to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, President Marcos has directed both the DENR and the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite these programs. Loyzaga further stated that Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan.
Highlighting the potential consequences of climate change, Loyzaga mentioned that the impact of temperature increases, rainfall changes, sea level rise, and typhoons could amount to P1.4 trillion by 2030, equivalent to approximately eight percent of the 2020 gross domestic product (GDP).
“Our goal is to build transformative climate resilience, minimize losses and damage and achieve sustainable socio-economic development by 2050. The strategies and outcomes address impacts specifically on food security, water resources, health, ecosystems and biodiversity, population migration and the preservation of cultural heritage,” she said.
She also mentioned that according to the World Bank, the Philippines has been losing up to 1.2 percent of GDP annually over the last decade, starting in 2011, solely due to the rapid onset of typhoons.
“This figure did not include the impacts of prolonged periods of drought, which we considered slow onset disasters especially during El Niño years, and the impacts of extreme rainfall events on lives, livelihoods and infrastructure,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of prioritizing adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts in the country.
“We are hosting the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference this year – a golden opportunity to learn and do more. We urge you to adopt your host ecosystems and communities beyond your fence lines, as stewards and partners,” Loyzaga said.
Thank you for highlighting this important issue.