MASANTOL, Pampanga – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has jumpstarted its climate adaptation study in Barangay Sapang Kawayan in this town to help better understand and effectively address climate change-related and flooding concerns here.
The CCC, in a dialogue with local leaders and residents, stressed the importance of a science-based approach and strong community engagement in order to address said concerns.
During the dialogue, CCC Chair-designate and Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, together with CCC Vice Chairperson Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Commissioner Albert P. dela Cruz, Sr. and Commissioner Rachel S. Herrera, announced a pioneering climate adaptation study that will involve the Philippines National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE).
In 2021, the NPTE identified flooding as one of the climate-induced risks in the Philippines.
Masantol, situated in the Pampanga River Delta, experiences frequent flooding attributable to several factors, including climate change drivers. Sapang Kawayan is Masantol’s nearest island barangay to Manila Bay. With a total population of 3,251, it is part of a larger community that is considered vulnerable to climate change.
“Kaya po kami nandito, dala ang aming mga eksperto, para masusing pag-aralan ang inyong pamayanan. [Dahil sa] climate change, tumitindi ang ulan, dumadami ang typhoons, tumataas ang tubig mula sa Manila Bay, at kailangang mabigyan ng karampatang atensyon ang inyong kalagayan,” said CCC Secretary Borje.
Secretary Borje emphasized that CCC is mobilizing and utilizing the country’s Panel of Technical Experts for a comprehensive, multidimensional and science-based approach to climate change adaptation in this town.
NPTE members, Dr. Patricia Ann Sanchez, expert on Climate Change Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Hydrology and Water Resource Management; and Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, expert on Agricultural Engineering and Natural Resource Management joined the visit and recommended Pampanga River, storm surges, and water quality as initial focus areas of the study.
Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu recognized the importance of an effective partnership between Masantol and CCC in order to come up with sustainable solutions to the town’s perennial flooding problem. Mayor Guintu stated that the Local Government Unit will fully support CCC’s Study.
The NPTE is expected to finalize the study within the year and recommend appropriate interventions to bolster Masantol’s resiliency.
Secretary Borje announced that the CCC will organize another visit of members of the NPTE in April 2022.
Also present during the visit and town hall meeting were Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Sherina Alvarez, Sapang Kawayan Barangay Chairperson Haydie D. Reyes, municipal councilors, and personnel of the Provincial and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
