Legarda Lauds Winners of Inaugural Climate and Disaster Resilient LGU Awards

Senator Loren Legarda commended the cities and municipalities that were awarded for implementing innovative strategies to manage climate and disaster risks in line with Philippine environmental laws.

Ten (10) cities and municipalities are the winners of the inaugural Climate-Adaptive and Disaster-Resilient (CLAD) Awards for Cities and Municipalities, a project of Senator Legarda and the Climate Change Commission.

The winning LGUs are Canaman, Camarines Sur; Carmona, Cavite; Dumangas, Iloilo; Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Legazpi, Albay; Malolos, Bulacan; New Lucena, Iloilo; Palompon, Leyte; Sorsogon City, Sorsogon; and Tublay, Benguet. Each awardee was given a plaque and cash prize of Php500,000.

The CLAD Technical Working Group that evaluated the submitted entries was composed of representatives from the CCC, the Office of Senator Legarda, the National Panel Technical Experts, Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Aksyon Klima Pilipinas.

“I am glad that we are ending this year’s Climate Change Consciousness Week on a high note as we recognize ten cities and municipalities that have been faithful to their stewardship roles by strengthening community resilience to disasters and climate change,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Global Champion for Resilience.

The Senator said that role of LGUs is very important in building resilience. She said that translating policies into local action is critical in effectively reducing disaster vulnerability.

She stressed that LGUs should increase investments in disaster risk reduction; conduct and share risk assessments; establish effective and efficient early warning systems; protect ecosystems; build homes, schools, and hospitals that are safe and secure amidst natural hazards; and design and construct roads, bridges and other infrastructure that help spur economic growth but with disaster risk reduction in mind.

“Closest to the people, local government leaders have the privilege to translate national policies, plans and programs into concrete and visible actions for the people,” Legarda said.

“To the winners of the first CLAD Awards, you have embraced the opportunity to make a difference for our future. The continuing challenge is not only to sustain your efforts but also to encourage other communities to redefine development, to lead the way towards meaningful change for our children and grandchildren, for all of humanity, for all species in the world, for our own survival, and for the only planet we call home,” Legarda concluded.