Taguig City, Philippines—To address the growing impacts of climate change on coastal communities, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) Task Force on Climate Change, in collaboration with The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) Foundation, will hold a regional workshop on climate risks and vulnerabilities in Bataan from February 5 to 6, 2025.
This workshop builds on a series of webinars on climate change held since 2020. These webinars are primarily intended to elevate consciousness and awareness of climate-related risks. The workshop in Bataan will involve representatives of local government units (LGUs) from the municipalities of Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Sur. These areas have been identified as prone to coastal inundation and flooding especially with rising sea levels and increasing and intensifying storm surges.
Key government leaders and experts will discuss climate change, resilience, and adaptation strategies. Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology will join to deliver messages on climate change, water-related hazards, and resilience, respectively.
Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) will also discuss the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) followed by CCC Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr., who will present success stories of the PSF. The PSF provides supplementary funding for local government units and accredited organizations to implement climate change adaptation projects under Republic Act No. 10174 otherwise known as PSF.
Moreover, Academician (Acd.) Rex Victor O. Cruz, chair of the NAST Task Force on Climate Change, will discuss the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) as a framework for integrated responses to climate change; National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz will talk about Future Earth Philippines’ approach to solving flooding problems in Central Luzon; and Acd. Fernando P. Siringan will present coastal vulnerability.
The two-day workshop will allow participants to identify local climate challenges, enhance coastal resilience strategies, and develop integrated climate action plans. Learnings from the discussions will guide local policy formulation and disaster risk reduction initiatives. An estimated 150 participants from LGUs and academic institutions will attend. (DJMMaches/NASTPHL)
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is the premier organization that recognizes achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), nurtures emerging scientific talents, and serves as the primary advisory body on national ST&I policy and related matters. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.