(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 19 April 2024) Easterlies affecting the country. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Monday, March 13, 2023

PDI eyes nearly P9.6 billion worth of climate change programs, projects

BUTUAN CITY -- The Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands laid out nearly P9.6 billion worth of programs and projects for climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM).

Dela Cruz
During the 1st Regional Climate Change Summit attended by Climate Change Commission (CCC) Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, national climate change volunteers, and partner government agencies held at San Jose town, Province of Dinagat Islands, the province has seven programs and projects ranging from water treatment systems, infrastructure, and research.

Provincial administrator Dennis Andrew Mari Delgado, whose personal advocacy is addressing climate change, said the government plays a huge role in CCAM.

“Climate change is upon us. Scientists are telling us that we are at the point of no return. The role of the government, really, is to cushion the impact of climate change,” Delgado added.

These programs include Dinagat Islands Sustainable Agri-Fishery Development Program (DISAFDP) worth P44.5 million; Sustainable Watershed Management worth P40.5 million; and Enhanced Ecological Solid Waste and Management System amounting with a budget allocation of P427.7 million.

Priority projects to address water supply in the province include community-based rainwater collection system worth P7.9 million; solar-powered water desalination facility worth P95 million; and solar-powered filtration system technology worth P21 million. The Province also plans on constructing climate-resilient evacuation centers amounting to P100 million, seawall/typhoon barriers from storm surge costing a total of P8.6 billion, and a resource center for Local Governance on Climate Change Adaptation worth P130 million.

To address the dredging of marine protected areas, the Province will lead a P20-million feasibility study.

Delgado hopes that these programs and projects will pave the way for the Province to become a ‘silicon valley’ in research and development in CCAM.

“Logically, kami parati ‘yung impacted by the effects of climate change. So I urge the good commissioner to consider the Province as one of the pilot provinces na dito i-develop ‘yung research and development in terms of adaptation and mitigation,” the official quipped.

In response, Commissioner Del Cruz said he will sponsor a resolution, present it to the Commission and the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Board and Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) before presenting it to international investors.

“I can be your messenger, doing anything and everything in order for your voices – our united voice – to say that we deserve more, especially in Dinagat Islands,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for the Province to create legislations through an ordinance, utilize a ‘bottom-up’ approach by tapping local government units and its stakeholder, and partnering with industries and investors.

“The government cannot do it alone. We need the support of the private sector. That is what we call the ‘whole-of-nation approach.’ Kasi kapag dumating ulit si [Bagyong] Odette… lahat sapul sa hangin, lahat mababasa sa ulan,” Dela Cruz said.

“Kaya sama-sama po tayo. Kung sama-sama po tayo, siguradong-sigurado, mananalo po tayo at magiging climate-adaptive and –resilient ang Province of Dinagat Islands,” he added. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

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