Bataan, Philippines — 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, Inc., successfully hosted a workshop on climate risks and vulnerabilities on 5-6 February 2025 at the Sinagtala Farm Resort in Orani, Bataan.
This two-day event aimed to engage local stakeholders in identifying climate-related risks within their regions and discuss potential adaptation and mitigation measures. Moreover, it served as a platform for sharing experiences on science-based responses to typhoons, coastal erosions, landslides, and other hazards as well as local-led interventions.
Resource persons and participants of the NAST-TOWNS workshop in Bataan.
It gathered participants from local government units (LGUs) of Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Sur. These areas have been identified as susceptible to coastal flooding and other related risks. Representatives from national government agencies (NGAs) and the business sector also attended.
Speakers had fruitful discussions and sharing with the participants during the open forums. These open discussions allowed the participants to seek expert recommendations regarding local issues.
The event conveyed insightful talks and presentations from NGA representatives and scientists such as Secretary Renato U. Solidum of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Academician Rex Victor O. Cruz; National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz; and Academician Fernando P. Siringan. Aside from discussing climate risks and impacts on various communities, they also presented scientific interventions whilst enthusing multi-sectoral collaboration.
“As the Secretary of DOST, I am proud to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to leveraging science and technology to safeguard our nation’s future. But let me be clear: this is not a task that DOST can accomplish alone. Climate change is a challenge that requires a collective effort,” stressed Secretary Solidum.
Meanwhile, local climate champions were also invited to share community-based initiatives. Mr. Angel L. Cruz, chair of the Alyansa ng mga Baybaying Bayan ng Bulacan at Pampanga (ABBBP), shared how ABBBP was formed to develop innovative solutions to the tidal and fluvial flooding of the said provinces, integrating both mainstream and barangay-level strategies. Similarly, Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil of Lingayen, Pangasinan presented their grassroots interventions to address climate risks including reforestation, clean-up drives, barangay gardening, and transforming wastes into renewable energy. They likewise emphasized nature-based solutions to climate change alongside innovative approaches.
Mayor Angel Cruz, ABBBP chair, shared their strategies for addressing coastal flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga.
Representatives from the business sector also provided added thoughts to the event. Among the invited speakers were Ms. Marianna L. Vargas-Morada of Oscar M. Lopez Center; Ms. Katrina F. Francisco of SGV EY; and Mr. Ben Mead of Iba Botanicals Inc. They stressed that the private sector is also engaging in climate-related initiatives and there are emerging opportunities for public-private collaboration including with LGUs.
Furthermore, the participants were introduced to a tabletop card game called “Resilience: Survive and Thrive”, which engaged them in creating scenarios of developing their communities while protecting the environment. They also participated in another workshop titled “Reef BayBe,” which engaged them in developing data-driven strategies for protecting coral reefs.
Workshop attendees participated in a resilience game aimed at engaging them on developing sustainable solutions.
The participants are expected to incorporate what they learned from the workshops and presentations into their local climate change adaptation plan and into relevant programs and projects towards advancing their region’s adaptability and resilience. (Daniel Maches/NASTPHL)
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.