Polytechnic University of the Philippines

GRADUATE SCHOOL
College of Graduate Studies

STATUS OF PREPAREDNESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND

RESILIENCY ADAPTATION IN THE SELECTED CITIES OF LAGUNA:
PROPOSED ACTION PLAN CONTRIBUTORY TO CLIMATE CHANGE

A Dissertation Proposal Presented to the Faculty

of the Graduate School
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Sta. Mesa, Manila

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor in Public Administration

by

TERESA B. CONDE

2018
Abstract

This study is an evaluation of status of preparedness and resiliency adaptation of

selected cities of Laguna that could also help with the goal of disaster risk reduction
management. As the purpose of this study the researcher compared the findings based
on similar study that have done in past researched based on the researched materials
used. The initial criteria the researcher used for evaluating the performance of the chosen
cities and their effect to community and the safety of the families living with the selected
cities in Laguna. This can be measured through surveys and interviews conducted to the
people relevant to the study. The study anchored a four-stage methodology framework
using document reviews, surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs) and actual observation.

These action plan aim to provide a framework that is helpful to community for over
the next five years and beyond. The conclusions and recommendation based on action
plan the researcher hope that this paper would help and serve as form part of initiative
that could help in the status of preparedness and give inspiration for good governance
most specially the community who are directly affected with the study.

(j) “Disaster Preparedness” - the knowledge and capacities developed by governments,

professional response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to
effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or
current hazard events or conditions. Preparedness action is carried out within the context
of disaster risk reduction and management and aims to build the capacities needed to
efficiently manage all types of emergencies and achieve orderly transitions from response
to sustained recovery. Preparedness is based on a sound analysis of disaster risk and
good linkages with early warning systems, and includes such activities as contingency
planning, stockpiling of equipment and supplies, the development of arrangements for
coordination, evacuation and public information, and associated training and field
exercises. These must be supported by formal institutional, legal and budgetary
capacities.

“Preparedness” – pre-disaster actions and measures being undertaken within the context
of disaster risk reduction and management and are based on sound risk analysis as well
as pre-disaster activities to avert or minimize loss of life and property such as, but not
limited to, community organizing, training, planning, equipping, stockpiling, hazard
mapping, insuring of assets, and public information and education initiatives. This also
includes the development/enhancement of an overall preparedness strategy, policy,
institutional structure, warning and forecasting capabilities, and plans that define
measures geared to help at-risk communities safeguard their lives and assets by being
alert to hazards and taking appropriate action in the face of an imminent threat or an
actual disaster.

Page 2 of 70
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

A. Background of the Study

Many programs and policies on disaster risk-reduction management exist and are
being planned. However, to be effective, these should be relevant to the actual
experiences/situation of the communities, address their needs, and communicated
properly to them.

Many initiatives are in place, or have been announced by governments,

companies, investors and public-private coalitions to support climate adaptation and
resilience for the world’s most vulnerable countries. Global efforts to set the world on
climate change resilient development pathway require an understanding of the
relationships between climate change and development, as well as metrics for the
identification of the countries, groups of people and sectors most seriously threatened by
climate change. Despite the proliferation of alternative indicators, most existing measures
do not capture the multidimensional aspects of climate resilient development.

Some critics have argued that current climate forecasts and the way they are
presented and disseminated are at best ineffective, while at worst they can increase risk
due to inappropriate action by the decision maker (with potentially disastrous
consequences), particularly for resource-poor, risk-averse subsistence farmers (e.g.
Blench 1999). In the absence of any scientific climate knowledge, management of these
agricultural systems evolved to cope with climate variability, often resulting in a wealth of
indigenous knowledge relating to climate and weather (e.g. da Cunha 1995, Stiggther et.
al. 2005). This resulted in traditional, risk-averse management practices that usually
ensured that subsistence needs were met under adverse conditions, but might be sub-
optimal under favorable conditions.

Page 3 of 70
 Changing these established risk-management practices without fully
understanding the possible impacts of such changes can inadvertently increase exposure
to risks, thereby increasing rather than decreasing vulnerability. This problem mainly
arises from a poor understanding of how to use climate information for better risk
management, often based on the naïve assumption that knowledge can be transferred
as an unambiguous signal. This is not an intrinsic deficiency of scientifically based climate
knowledge; it is more likely a consequence of the complexity of the decision-making
process and the difficulties of decision makers and scientists to recognize that the
knowledge of managing risk resides with both communities (P. Haymanpers.comm.).
Traditional approaches to dealing with climate risk often led to very effective risk
management strategies long before climate science created possibilities for a more
structured means of dealing with risk. Decision makers usually manage risk holistically,
while scientific information is generally derived using reductionist approaches; this can
lead to disconnect between scientists and decision makers and to information that,
although scientifically sound, often lacks relevance.

Cash & Buizer (2005) argue that for climate information to translate into real-life
action requires 3 essential components namely: salience, credibility and legitimacy.

The country has experienced tremendous disasters such as typhoons, flooding,

volcanic eruptions, etc. in recent years. As such, the national government of the
Philippines has joined other countries in crafting its own policy on “ Philippine Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010” was passed into law in the year 2010
following the formulation and adoption of the HFA in 2005. It seeks to strengthen the
existing disaster management system in the Philippines and integrates the system with
development work initiatives. The Act provides for the development of policies and plans
and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of disaster risk
reduction and management, including good governance, risk assessment and early
warning, knowledge building and awareness raising, reducing underlying risk factors, and
preparedness for effective response and early recovery. The National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2011-2018 was crafted the following year

Page 4 of 70
to provide the legal basis for institutionalizing disaster reduction efforts at the national and
local levels. Losabia, Kay, September 2016

These kinds of hazards more often than not bring negative consequences and with
their high frequency of occurrence hinder the ability of the country to be disaster-resilient
and safer for the citizens. It was in the context of what we are missing in the Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction Management System (PDRRMS) that a systemic and integrated
approach in disaster risk reduction management was created through the re-enactment
of Republic Act 10121 or An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management System, Providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Framework, Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Plan, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for other Purposes. Otherwise
known as the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, it highlights the
extended effort of the government to have a paradigm shift from the then Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction Management that focuses alone in the state’s responsiveness
and preparedness when natural hazards occur, to the consideration of factors and efforts
needed to decrease the perils of these said hazards that jeopardizes the lives of the
people.

Under the mandate, the formulation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Plan (NDRRMP) took place. The plan functions as the overall national game
plan of the government on how sustainable development can be achieved through: (1)
the growth of communities and their ability to adapt to changes occurring; (2) increasing
the resilience of vulnerable sectors; and (3) optimizing and promoting disaster mitigation
opportunities with the end in view of promoting people’s welfare and security towards
gender-responsive and rights-based sustainable development. The local government
units (LGUs), both in rural and urban areas and the National Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Council (NDRRMC) are to build communities that are less susceptible to
disasters and of course, increase their levels of preparedness and responsiveness
towards disasters. The plan involves policy formulation, socio-economic development
planning, budgeting and governance particularly in the area of environment, agriculture,

Page 5 of 70
water, energy, health, education, poverty reduction, land-use and urban planning and
public infrastructure and housing among others.

The researcher goal is to evaluate the status of preparedness of the selected cities
in Laguna, this aim to help the community understanding the status of the government
preparedness and proper dissemination of what really climate change is. Educate
community by using layman’s term by describing a complex or technical issue using
words and terms that the average individual can describe and how could this affect the
lives of the community and their resiliency adaptation as well as their preparedness.

Legal Mandate

In response to the urgency for action on climate change, the Philippines passed
Republic Act 9729, also known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, anchored on the
constitutional provision which states that “it is the policy of the State to afford full protection
and the advancement of the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology to
fulfill human needs while maintaining the quality of the natural environment for current
and future generations.” RA 9729 provides, among others the following:

• Establishment of a Climate Change Commission, an independent and

autonomous body that has the same status as that of a national government agency. The
CCC is under the Office of the President and is the “sole policy-making body of the
government which shall be tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the programs and
action plans of the government relating to climate change pursuant to the provisions of
this Act.” (Section 4).

The Commission shall be composed of the President of the Republic of the

Philippines who shall serve as the Chairman, and three (3) Commissioners to be
appointed by the President, one of whom shall serve as the Vice Chairperson of the
Commission. (Section 5)

Page 6 of 70
 • The LGUs as frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation
of climate change action plans in their respective areas, shall formulate their Local
Climate Change Action Plan, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government
Code, the Framework, and the National Climate Change Action Plan. (Section14)

• Inter-local government unit collaboration shall be maximized in the conduct of

climate- related activities. (Section 14)

The manifestations of climate change in the form of rising temperature, variability

of precipitation, frequency and intensity of typhoons, sea level rise, and the risks of more
droughts, floods, heat waves, and forest and grassland fires have impacts on the
economy, environment and communities. Given its geographical location, archipelagic
formation in the tropical Pacific, and population distribution, the Philippines is greatly
vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and has already experienced noticeable
adverse effects in recent years. Without concerted global and local action, the challenges
the country will face as a result of climate change are expected to intensify in the medium
or long term. In response to what has essentially become a global crisis, the government
has enacted the Climate Change Act (Republic Act 9729) that provides the policy
framework with which to systematically address the growing threats on community life
and its impact on the environment.

The Climate Change Act establishes an organizational structure, the Climate

Change Commission, and allocates budgetary resources for its important functions.
These functions include:

• the formulation of a framework strategy and program, in consultation with the

global effort to manage climate change,

• the mainstreaming of climate risk reduction into national, sector and local
development plans and programs,

Page 7 of 70
 • the recommendation of policies and key development investments in climate-
sensitive sectors,

• the assessments of vulnerability and facilitation of capacity building.

The national climate change framework strategy has recently been translated into
a National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which prioritizes food security, water
sufficiency, ecosystem and environmental stability, human security, climate-smart
industries and services, sustainable energy, and capacity development as the strategic
direction for 2011 to 2028. This document assesses the current situation of the country
with regard to climate change risk and outlines the NCCAP’s strategic direction for 2011
to 2028 as a response to the current situation and projected impact. (National Climate
Change Action Plan)

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF)

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework

(NDRRMF) in context provides the whole concept of enabling the government, the private
sector, the civil society, and the people to work together to achieve a “Safer, adaptive
and disaster resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development”. The
framework which is based on the UN’s framework, has provided four priority areas and
recommendations to achieve the said vision which are inter-related and equally
dependent to one another, are problem-needs and asset-strengths centered, and all boils
down into one bearing - reduce people’s vulnerabilities and increasing their capacities as
follows:

1. Prevention and Mitigation. This provides a detailed action plan that evaluates
and lessen known hazards, may it be natural or human-induced, analyzes the
vulnerabilities of each affected parties or sectors towards these hazards, identifies the
areas that are said to be prone to these hazards and those areas that need priority when
these hazards occur, and gives importance to DRRM in development plans.

Page 8 of 70
2. Disaster Preparedness. A strategic action plan that provides communities
awareness and understanding of such hazards and the consequences involve, ways of
planning when such incidents occur, conducts drills to enhance their ability to adapt to
such pressure, stress, and panic; and the creation of a natural disaster response plan at
the national level.

3. Disaster Responsiveness. This gives emphasis on the institutions ability to

engage in activities during the actual disaster by means of search and rescue operations,
relief and healing operations, and moral support.

4. Rehabilitation and Recovery. This provides course of actions about livelihood

and employment, infrastructures and housing that are crucial for the citizens after the
evacuation center life.

B. Problem Statement

The main problem of the study is whether selected cities of Laguna achieve their
goals of protecting their people and rehabilitating their communities against natural
disasters. Since according to Section 2 (e) of RA 10121, “it is the policy of the State to
develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive NDRRMP that aims to strengthen the
capacity of the national government and the LGUs, together with partner stakeholders, to
build the disaster resilience of communities, and to institutionalize arrangements and
measures for reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing
disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all levels.” Given the problem, the
dependent variable chosen by the researchers is the social impact of DRRM on the
residents of the concerned selected cities in Laguna. The variables that impact the
dependent variable heavily are the risk factors and the quality of the programs of LGUs
in adherence to NDRRMC’s four priority areas (Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster
Preparedness, Disaster Response and Rehabilitation & Recovery). The risk factors being
considered are the hazards, exposures, vulnerabilities, and capacities of the LGUs being

Page 9 of 70
considered. The quality of the programs of the LGUs is dependent on efficiency and
economy but primarily on effectiveness. The NDRRMC’s four priority areas are prevention
and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and rehabilitation and recovery.
The final outcome of the study is the social impact assessment.

Both the quality of programs and the risk factors point to the social impact on
residents of selected cities in Laguna since both of them are indicators of the latter. Aside
from being an indicator of the social impact on residents of Laguna, the programs are
also an indicator of the risk factors. The reason for this is because the severity of the risk
factors is dependent on the quality of programs implemented by the cities of Laguna in
response to the NDRRMC’s four priority areas. Lastly, the effective implementation and
proper education and information dissemination of NDRRMC’s priority areas on LGUs
are indicative of the quality of programs and projects the LGUs will implement. The
researchers aim to evaluate the performances of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction
Management, in the context of improving the socio-economic situation of the local
residents, in the selected cities in Laguna. The researcher intend to focus on and evaluate
the general social impact of the different programs and projects of the cities in Laguna
concerning Disaster Risk Reduction in accordance to the National Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Plan. The researcher at the end of this study would like to provide
a comparison between the chosen cities in Laguna as to which is more efficient and
effective in reducing risks involved in disasters and their preparedness and
responsiveness when disasters and emergencies occur.

C. Objective

The main objective of the study is to examine and to evaluate status of

preparedness of selected cities of Laguna to establish resiliency adaptation that can be
of great contributory in helping selected cities in Laguna how can management be more
effective in terms of preparedness as well as the adaptive resiliency of the people living
in Laguna.

Page 10 of 70
 Despite continuously participating in disaster management efforts both globally
and locally, most Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines still lack the capacity
to carry out disaster management projects that will improve resiliency and mitigate serious
damage to individual families and communities. Therefore, at the agency level,
preparedness pertains to the ability of the agency to enact functions, solve problems and
plan activities to perform.

D. Methodology

This is a descriptive study based on research material which includes research

disaster preparedness in climate change, management resilience. The study will also
focus on interview for the focal citizen living in Laguna. The study includes a review of
literature based on status of preparedness of national disaster risk management and
resiliency in the Philippines.

Conceptual Framework

Variability and change in the climate state, or climate dynamics, is a key driver of
change in social and bio geophysical environments and is modulated by the inherent
dynamics of these systems. The frequency of a climate hazard is altered by a change in
the climate state and has measurable impacts on physical and social systems. The
outcomes can be complex, resulting from direct and indirect effects of several climate and
non-climate factors. The level of impact is modulated by the sensitivity and vulnerability
of the impacted systems to climate variability and change, and the risk involved is
determined by the probability that hazard will occur. Societal and environmental
vulnerability to climate change is a function of the degree of exposure, the sensitivity of
the system, and the capacity for adaptation.

Page 11 of 70
Climate dynamics

Climate dynamics is the variability and change of the climate system. It includes changes
in temperature, precipitation, solar radiation and cloud cover, large-scale circulation
patterns, wind strength and direction.

Climate hazard

A hazard is commonly defined as a phenomenon that has the potential to cause harm.
In terms of climate change, a climate hazard may therefore be any event or change in
climate, such as a single extreme event that exceeds a critical temperature threshold, or
a complex combination of changes involving multiple climate variables and / or resulting
in multiple impacts. To determine the risk involved with a particular hazard, it is necessary
to consider the likelihood or probability of its occurrence. The risks of climate change or
climate hazards are typically defined by criteria (usually thresholds) that link the impacts
of climate change to their potential outcomes (Carter et al., 2007). These thresholds can
be defined through research or through stakeholder consultation (Conde and Lonsdale,
2005), and they contribute to the development of a vulnerability framework.

Impacts are measurable outcomes of (or system responses to) climate dynamics and
climate hazards, and are typically modulated by changes in biogeophysical and social
systems. Impact categories covered by the case studies in CIRCE might include: health
(e.g., mortality due to heat stress; hospital admissions for respiratory disease); tourism
(e.g., tourist bed nights; visits to tourist attractions); agriculture (e.g., annual yield for
wheat, olives, and grapes); water (e.g., availability of water resources, water quality);
energy (e.g., electricity consumption). Some measurable outcomes are part of a cascade
of climate impacts and are therefore also included in the list of potential vulnerability
indicators. Examples of measurable outcomes that are also vulnerability indicators would
include morbidity, coastal erosion, and biodiversity. The Fourth Assessment Report of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR4) in its definition of climate
impacts (IPCC, 2007) makes the distinction between potential impacts and residual

Page 12 of 70
impacts: “Depending on the consideration of adaptation, one can distinguish between
potential impacts and residual impacts:

Potential impacts: all impacts that may occur given a projected change in climate,
without considering adaptation.

Residual impacts: the impacts of climate change that would occur after adaptation”

Bio geophysical dynamics

Bio geophysical dynamics describes changes and variability of the biological,

geochemical, and physical environmental systems.

Social dynamics

Social dynamics describes changes in social, economic and political systems. These
include changes in population structures, technological developments, changes in
financial institutions and regulation bodies.

Vulnerability

A variety of definitions of vulnerability have been proposed in the climate change literature
(e.g., Downing and Patwardhan, 2004; Downing et al., 2005; Adger, 2006; Fussel, 2006).
Common to most is the concept that vulnerability is a function of the exposure and
sensitivity of a system to a climate hazard, and the ability to adapt to the effects of the
hazard. For the purposes of this project it seems reasonable to adopt the recent definition
developed by WGII of the IPCC fourth assessment report, the consensus of an expert
panel of scientists followed by extensive peer review:
“Vulnerability is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with,
adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability
is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate change and variation to

Page 13 of 70
which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity” (IPCC, 2007).” Adger
et al (2004) make a distinction between biogeophysical vulnerability and social
vulnerability: Coping ranges can be defined in terms of “the capacity of systems to
accommodate variations in climatic conditions” (de Loe and Kreutzwiser, 2000; Smith et
al., 2001). This concept has been expanded to include adaptation and policies (Yohe
and Tol, 2002; Willows and Connell, 2003; UNDP, 2005) and serves as a useful
framework for understanding the broader relationships between climate hazards and
society, and as a discussion tool for use in stakeholder dialogue. Thresholds define the
limits of the coping range (Figure 2), beyond these critical thresh holds the outcomes are
no longer tolerable, and a vulnerable state is entered. The probability of exceeding the
critical thresholds can be used to quantify the risk for a given climate state. The coping
range is flexible. Although climate change can increase the risk of exceeding a threshold,
and other system drivers such as environmental degradation and population pressure
may constrict the coping range, adaptation can expand the coping range and thus lower
the risk.

Risk management framework

Risk management is defined as the culture, processes and structures directed towards
realising potential opportunities whilst managing adverse effects (AS/NZS, 2004).
Generally, risk is measured (quantitatively or qualitatively) as the joint probability of an
event and its consequences. The risk management approach has been summarised by
Nakićenović et al. (2007) and incorporates the following elements and objectives:

▶ A useful framework for decision-making (Carter et al., 2007; see 2.2.6).

▶ Does not rely on a single realisation of future climate (Carter et al., 2007: Sections
2.4.6.4, 2.4.6.5).
▶ Potential utilisation of regionalisation methods for climate and socio-economic
scenarios (Carter et al., 2007: 2.4.6.1 to 2.4.6.5).
▶ Use of both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
▶ Examination of adaptive capacity and adaptation measures (Smit and Wandel,
2006)

Page 14 of 70
 ▶ Evaluation of climate policy decisions (Carter et al., 2007: 2.4.6.8; 2.4.7; 2.4.8).
▶ Direct links to mitigation analysis (Nakićenović et al., 2007).

Theoretical Framework

The study was anchored on the concepts of status of preparedness of selected

cities of Laguna and resiliency adaptation in the province of Laguna. This paper aims to

contribute the debate on status of preparedness of selected cities of Laguna and

resiliency adaptation. A climate resilient perspective was adopted to understand how is

the status of preparedness of selected cities of Laguna that can be reconciled with

development goals. The report views the main theoretical concepts that characteristics

the scientific literature on climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and identifies climate

resilient fit-for-purpose indicators accordingly. This makes it possible to build the

theoretical foundations to improve understanding of the implications of climate financing.

The novelty of this paper lies in the emphasis given to economic aspects of climate risk,

most notably: the concepts of loss and damage, the understanding of factors that

enhance economic resilience, the links between climate change and development

(besides economic growth) and the acknowledgment of the role of natural capital in

pursuing development policies.

Despite the proliferation of alternative indicators, most existing measures do not

capture the multidimensional aspect of climate resilient development. Most climate risk

indices have some limitations, as their theoretical framework is vaguely (or not at all)

defined and, as a result, the indicators used are not always relevant and tend to focus on

current climate risk opposed to future hazards. Moreover, the economic and ecological

Page 15 of 70
aspects are often neglected or ill defined. Most importantly, none of the most popular

climate risk is assessment indices are informed by the latest developments in the

international policy debate, especially with respect to the loss and damage concept and

climate resilient development. This report aims to fill this gap. According to Apollonia

Miola, Vania Paccagan, Eleni Papadimitsu, Andrea Mandrici. This publication came from

European Commission Joint Research Centre Institute for Environment and Sustainablity.

The following are common steps identified in risk-management frameworks (Carter

et al., 2007):
▶ Risk Identification: Identification of who and what is at risk, key climate and
non-climate stressors contributing to the risk, levels of acceptable risk.
▶ Risk Analysis: Analysis of the consequences and probability of these
events.
▶ Risk Evaluation: Appraise / prioritise adaptation and/or mitigation options.
▶ Risk Treatment: Test selected adaptation and / or mitigation options,
monitor and re-evaluate (e.g., using an adaptation tool kit).

Several risk-management frameworks have been devised for climate change,

impact and vulnerability assessments (e.g., Jones, 2001; Willows and Connell, 2003;
UNDP, 2005). National frameworks have been developed to construct national
adaptation strategies, such as for the UK (Willows and Connell, 2003). The UN’s
Development Programme APF (UNDP 2005: Adaptation Policy Framework) outlines a
policy-based approach which examines the effectiveness of present day policy and plans
for climate change within a risk-management framework. The focus of the approach is
on vulnerability adaption.

Page 16 of 70
Decision-making framework for climate adaptation strategies (Willows and Connell,
2003).

Managing uncertainty in the risk management framework

Uncertainty is defined by the IPCC AR4 (IPCC, 2007) as…

“an expression of the degree to which a value (e.g., the future state of the climate system)
is unknown. Uncertainty can result from lack of information or from disagreement about
what is known or even knowable. It may have many types of sources, from quantifiable
errors in the data to ambiguously defined concepts or terminology, or uncertain
projections of human behaviour. Uncertainty can therefore be represented by quantitative
measures (e.g., a range of values calculated by various models) or by qualitative
statements (e.g., reflecting the judgement of a team of experts)”

The following are important aspects of the management of uncertainty in climate

impacts and vulnerability assessments:

Page 17 of 70
 ▶ Identification of a wide range of uncertainties, extending from estimates of
emissions through to impacts.
▶ The use of probabilistic approaches as a useful means of managing uncertainties
(Jones and Mearns, 2005).
Participation of stakeholders (Section 3.7) can improve the likelihood of successful
adaptation (McKenzie Hedger et al., 2006).

Communication of uncertainty and risk

Effective risk-management strategies can results from a participatory approach in

which experts explain risks and uncertainties and stakeholders explain their decision-
making criteria (e.g., Jacobs, 2002). Visual tools can aid the communication of impacts,
vulnerability, adaptation and, uncertainties (e.g., Aggarwal et al., 2006).

Assessment of adaptive capacity and adaptation options

Numerous definitions of the concepts of adaptation and adaptive capacity are

found in the climate change literature. The following definitions are those adopted by the
IPCC AR4 WGII:

Adaptation:

Adaptation as a term has its origins in the natural sciences, and more specifically
evolutionary biology. With respect to climate change, the IPCC (2007) defines adaptation
as:
“Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic
stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities. Various
types of adaptation can be distinguished, including anticipatory, autonomous and planned
adaptation:

Page 18 of 70
Anticipatory adaptation – Adaptation that takes place before impacts of climate change
are observed. Also referred to as proactive adaptation.

Autonomous adaptation – Adaptation that does not constitute a conscious response to

climatic stimuli but is triggered by ecological changes in natural systems and by market
or welfare changes in human systems. Also referred to as spontaneous adaptation.

Planned adaptation – Adaptation that is the result of a deliberate policy decision, based
on an awareness that conditions have changed or are about to change and that action is
required to return to, maintain, or achieve a desired state”.

Adaptive capacity:

Adaptive capacity is closely associated with the concepts of adaptability,

robustness and stability, and operates on different scales in time and space. It is defined
by the IPCC (2007) as:
“The ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and
extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope
with the consequences.”
A system has high adaptive capacity if it is able to react or cope swiftly and easily to the
effects of climate change. Adaptations are the manifestations of adaptive capacity (Smit
and Wandel, 2006).

Adaptation assessment:

An adaptation assessment is defined by the IPCC (2007) as:

“The practice of identifying options to adapt to climate change and evaluating them in
terms of criteria such as availability, benefits, costs, effectiveness, efficiency and
feasibility.”
An indicator based study (e.g., Moss et al., 2001; Yohe and Tol, 2002; Brookes et
al., 2005; Haddad, 2005) is one of several approaches used in adaptation assessment

Page 19 of 70
(Carter et al., 2007: 2.2.3). Targeted indicators can be aggregated to assess the relative
adaptive capacity or vulnerability of a community, region or nation. In the CIRCE project
a set of indicators of environmental and social vulnerability and sustainability will be
selected (See Part I: Proposed method for the selection of CIRCE indicators. First draft;
Part II: Potential indicators. First draft). The constructed indicators will cover a range of
physical and social categories relevant to climate change in the Mediterranean, and will
be made available via the RL11 case-study web portal. It is anticipated that collaboration
with RL12 Relevant Societal Dynamics, RL13 Induced Responses and Policies, and
regional stakeholders will enable potential adaptation measures to be identified and
evaluated.

A recent example of an adaptation assessment is provided by Smit and Wandel

2006. Their approach focused on the processes by which adaptation options are
implemented or adaptive capacity enhanced, and is referred to as ‘practical adaptation’.
In this method, adaptations are largely integrated or ‘mainstreamed’ (Huq and Burton,
2003) into existing programs of resource management, disaster preparedness and
sustainable development. For the CIRCE case-studies, a practical application might be
to evaluate the risks of climate change within existing decision-making frameworks,
regional projects and policies associated with, e.g., coastal zone management and
sustainable development, and to identify specific adaptation options tailored to regional
issues.

Some common steps can be identified within adaptation assessment (adapted from
Carter et al., 2007):
1. Engage stakeholders;
2. Examine current adaptations to climate variability and extremes;
3. Assess adaptive responses to future climate change;
4. Assess limits of adaptation (e.g., costs, resources);
5. Assess ‘barriers’ to adaptation, e.g., in legislation;
6. Link adaptation to sustainable development; and
7. Address uncertainty in decision making.

Page 20 of 70
Sustainable development

Sustainable development has been defined in the IPCC AR4 (IPCC, 2007) as:
“Development that meets the cultural, social, political and economic needs of the present
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.”

Climate change policies, vulnerability and sustainable development are

intrinsically linked. Where climate change policies are properly defined they form a
fundamental basis for sustainable development and comprise a mutually reinforcing
system (Halsnæs et al., 2007). The processes of sustainable development can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate change. For example, some
societies in arid regions are becoming increasingly resilient through the use of indigenous
knowledge (Abou-Hadid and Ayman, 2006; Osman-Elasha et al., 2006). However, the
projected impacts of climate change can accentuate social and environmental problems
and undermine sustainable development. The potentially negative impacts of climate
change may be offset by global mitigation efforts thus enhancing sustainable
development (Halsnæs et al., 2007, Sathaye et al., 2007).

Page 21 of 70
 Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the literature and studies reviewed which are relevant and

will give light to the present study. This section includes the studies and literature both

foreign and local which were critically reviewed and thus served as bases for the

conceptualization of the study. They were found to have hearing on the present study on

the status of preparedness in selected cities of Laguna.

One of CIRCE’s aims is to “contribute with science and knowledge towards a better
understanding of how to target long range sustainable development policies” (CIRCE
Description of Work). Within CIRCE, several research lines and work packages plan to
evaluate the sustainability of existing systems and contribute to the development of
sustainable development policies for particular sectors. Examples include, the evolution
and sustainability of livestock farming systems (WP7.2 Climate change impacts on
forests, agriculture, food products and livestock production) and sustainable water
management (WP5 Water cycle). The CIRCE Integrating case studies (RL11) will
address multi-sector climate change impacts, adaptation and vulnerability using 11 case
studies for three generic case-study categories (urban, rural and coastal). As part of this
approach, a common framework will be developed that will include a set of quantitative
environmental vulnerability and sustainability indicators developed specifically for the
Mediterranean environment for present and scenario periods. The 34-priority
sustainability indicators developed for the Mediterranean as part of the Blue Plan act as
a useful starting point (Benoit and Comeau, 2005; Anitopolis, 2006). A further research
line (RL12 Relevant Societal Dynamics) will identify sustainable development policies of
relevance to climate impact assessment. Mediterranean development policies towards
sustainable management, such as the sustainable management of scarce water
resources, are rather limited or inadequate especially in those regions suffering water
stress. Finally, several work packages assess sustainability issues in Induced

Page 22 of 70
Responses and Policies (RL13). In particular, sustainable concepts form part of the
Integrated management of the vulnerability to climate change in touristic coastal zones
(WP13.4), and is the focus of WP13.4 Sustainable strategies for the Mediterranean
Region. A conceptual framework for implementing a “climate change related sustainability
criteria” for the Mediterranean will be developed, and induced policy recommendations
will be outlined for natural ecosystems, agriculture, health, and urban development.

Local Literature

Philippines: Disaster Risk Reduction Saves Lives In Laguna

Lim, Anthony Chase 13 March 2015

The province of Laguna, located a mere 30 kilometers outside the Philippines’

capital of Manila, is exposed to a multitude of hazards, the primary of which is flooding.
The overflow from Laguna de Bay − the province’s largest lake – and inland rivers turn
the farmlands into vast bodies of water due to heavy downpours, worsened by improper
waste management. Over the years, flooding has damaged property, livelihoods, and the
lives of the residences of the province.

In 2011, the World Food Programme (WFP) began its Disaster Preparedness and
Response/Climate Change Adaptation Programme (DPR/CCA) Programme in disaster-
prone provinces such as Laguna to help reduce the risks of such hazards.

Establishing Emergency Response Teams

The Province of Laguna was one of the first local government units (LGUs) at the
provincial level to partner with WFP for their disaster risk reduction management
programme. Valentin Guidote Jr., Head of the Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Office (PDRRMO), and his team looked to address the various
challenges that the LGU had encountered time and time again during previous disasters.

“One problem we had prior to the programme was a streamlined response,”

Valentin stated. “Although we had all the necessary equipment and had undergone a few
trainings, we still had shortcomings in terms of response, especially at the municipal and
barangay level.”

The communities of Laguna were used to being dependent on the PDRRMO to

respond to disasters because of the lack of capacity at the municipal and barangay levels.

Page 23 of 70
The PDRRMO recognized this hurdle and looked to address it through the DPR/CCA
Programme.

“We conducted various training of trainers (TOT) on vital capacity-building topics

such as Camp Management, Contingency Planning, Geographic Information Systems,
Damage and Needs Assessments, and Simulation Exercises. As members of the
PDRRMO, we learned how to best utilize this knowledge for various emergency and
disaster scenarios,” explained Valentin.

Recognizing that the first responders will always be the local government units,
from the municipalities to the barangays, the PDRRMO proposed the TOT to improve
knowledge across all levels so that they are equipped with the capacity and know-how to
respond to any situation.

“The goal of the PDRRMO for the TOTs was to build an emergency response team
for each locality. We wanted to establish a 911 system for the province and a hierarchy
of response with the barangay being the first on location. If this proves to be a difficult
task, the municipal LGU will then step in. We wanted to equip them with the capacity, so
that we will only be involved in larger-scale emergencies.”

At present, this system has worked very well for the province. Coupled with
information and education campaigns (IEC), the death tolls of recent emergencies has
been drastically reduced.

“In some of the recent emergencies, we have been successful in achieving our
goal of no casualties. In contrast to previous disasters, the norm was about 12-25 deaths,”
said Valentin. “Thanks to this initiative as well as to various other projects and activities
conducted through the DPR/CCA Programme, we have increased Laguna’s capacity to
better prepare for and respond to disasters.”

Utilizing Solid Waste Management And Recycling To Reduce Risks

Alongside the Province of Laguna, two municipalities were selected to partake in

the first year of the DPR/CCA Programme: Mabitac and Pila.

The municipality of Mabitac is a flood-prone community due to its catch basin role
for its neighbouring municipalities.

“We experience about six to eight flooding occurrences each year, and because
Mabitac is a fifth class municipality, it was very challenging for the municipal LGU to
address the needs of the people during these situations due to lack of resources,” said
Norbert “Norby” Tubana, Mabitac’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Page 24 of 70
Officer. “Despite our best efforts, we could not provide them with the help they needed,
the help they deserved.”

Before the LGU identified the projects to be implemented through the programme,
the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) conducted
assessments to determine Mabitac’s hazards and risks. It was through these
assessments that improper solid waste management was identified as a large contributor
to the flooding within the municipality. In response, the MDRRMC proposed to improve
the municipality’s existing Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), not only to promote waste
segregation and proper disposal, but to recycle materials into items which can be used
by the community members. Through the programme, WFP provided various equipment
such as an organic waste shredder and a bricket making machine to further enhance the
MRF’s capability.

We knew that improving the MRF would be the solution to our waste disposal
troubles, but we understood that without the community’s participation, it would just be
another structure,” stated Norbert. “We then rolled out IECs. The IEC would be the perfect
means of conveying this new project to the people of Mabitac that has guidelines on solid
waste management such as proper waste segregation and where and when to dispose
of the garbage.”

Designated areas and pick-up times were introduced to the residents of Mabitac
as well as a small incentive to jumpstart the project.

“Getting the project rolling wasn't easy because people weren't about to suddenly
start doing something they haven’t done before, so we gave them a temporary incentive:
for every 60 kg of used plastic we collected, we gave them 1 kg of rice,” Norbert shared.

In the months that followed, the project became a success with members of the
community segregating their solid waste. The MDRRMC then began to slowly phase out
the rice incentive. “We wanted the people to realize that they are getting far more than
rice when they participate, they are reducing their risks and saving their lives and
livelihoods in the process. Now that there are no more incentives for the project, people
still actively participate. It has become innate; proper waste segregation and disposal are
now a habit,” said Norbert.

The MRF has also benefitted the community thanks to the products it produces.
Paper charcoal bricks and plastic-induced hollow blocks for building were made available
for the public to purchase, and these products are priced cheaper than their commercial
counterparts. The price, however, does not speak for the quality of the items. In fact, the
hollow blocks produced at the MRF are not only cheaper, but are larger and stronger as
well. The LGU also practices what it preaches by using the MRF products for community
projects such as fencing as well as in "clean and green" campaigns.

Page 25 of 70
 More than commercial benefits, however, the MRF has been an effective means
of reducing the risk of flooding in Mabitac. “Simply put, the MRF and our other disaster
risk reduction management efforts under the DPR/CCA Programme have been a
success. If it used to take months for flood water to subside; now it only takes a few hours,
if it even floods at all! We are grateful to WFP for their assistance. All these projects would
not be possible for our municipality if it weren’t for the DPR/CCA Programme,” Norbert
narrated.

Changing Mind Sets

The municipality of Pila has also been plagued by flooding. But in contrast to
Mabitac, Pila’s troubles are largely caused by its various rivers which flow through the
municipality, the largest of which is the Bulusukan river.

Under the watch of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Jerome
Carillo, Pila has implemented various high-impact, small-scale community projects
throughout their partnership with WFP, including a few addressing the vulnerabilities of
the Bulusukan River, such as rapid siltation resulting to the river’s lower water holding
capacity.

With disaster preparedness in mind, the MDRRMC proposed to de-silt the river in
order to increase its water holding capacity. Initially, this was to be done through the use
of heavy equipment and machinery. However, to maximize the funding of United States
Agency for International Development Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
(USAID/OFDA) channelled through WFP, as well as the LGU’s contributed funds, the
Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Cash-for-Work Programme was
sought. By utilizing the Cash-for-Work programme, locals of Pila were given temporary
work while helping to improve their municipality. This also meant that the savings could
be used for other disaster risk reduction projects.

Page 26 of 70
 One such activity was the planting of vetiver grass along the Bulusukan River. With
roots that grow up to 3 metres in length, vetiver grass aided in stabilizing the soil
surrounding the river and slowed down the siltation and erosion process.

To assist the LGU in improving its resource management during times of

emergencies, WFP and Pila’s MDRRMC tapped the Ateneo Innovations Center to set up
a Solar Rainwater Harvesting System.

The harvesting system has greatly benefitted our community. During times of
disasters, the water collected by it serves as a key source of potable water for evacuees,”
Jerome explained. “The percentage of the LGU’s DRR funds that we are able to save is
reallocated for other expenses for the evacuees such as food and other important
commodities.”

Jerome, who has worked with the community for five years, has seen first-hand
how the community’s mentality on DRR has greatly improved.

“It used to be very difficult for us to get the residents to evacuate. Even though a
lot of them have experienced numerous disasters in the past, they simply refuse to leave
their property due to the fear of having their belongings stolen,” recalled Jerome.

But thanks to IECs, the people of Pila now have a better understanding of the
importance of the LGU’s DRR activities, including the implementation of pre-emptive
evacuation.

“They now know that saving their lives is much more important than material
objects. They have seen the difference that pre-emptive evacuation makes, and because
we have equipped them with the know-how on what to do before disasters, they ensure
that their belongings are also taken cared of when reports of an impending storm are
announced.”

The LGU has also taken steps to ensuring the sustainability of their DRR efforts.

“Recently, the Sanguniang Bayan has approved Pila’s request to create and
institutionalize my position as Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer, so Pila
now joins the only two cities within Laguna to have this position, and becomes the first
fourth class municipality in the fourth district of Laguna to have such a post,” Jerome said
proudly. “It is a huge step because this ensures the longevity and sustainability of Pila’s
DRR efforts and strengthens us further to reach our zero casualty goal!”
Page 27 of 70
 Harnessing Scientific Technology For Better DRR

In 2012, the second year of the DPR/CCA Programme, WFP began to broaden
the scope of the programme by tapping other local key stakeholders such as academic
institutions. In Laguna, WFP asked the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
campus to take the DRR-related scientific technology it developed to the local
communities.

University Researcher Associate Thaddeus Lawas of the School of Environmental

Science and Management at UPLB has been the co-head of the team which has
implemented the DPR/CCA Programme in the province for three years.

Thaddeus’s interest in DRR was sparked when his family’s house was flooded
during the downpour of Typhoon Xangsane, locally known as Milenyo, in 2006.

“I was really inspired to do more, so when we were approached by WFP, I saw it

as an opportunity to do better, both on a personal level as well as from an academic
standpoint,” shared Thaddeus. And it was this motivation that led Thaddeus and his team
to utilize UPLB’s DRR-applicable scientific technology across the province.

One piece of technology which has been of great use to the communities has been
the Automatic Weather Stations. Traditionally, LGUs relied on national or regional
sources for weather updates, but this information is not often an accurate representation
of the specific conditions of municipalities, making it harder for communities to coordinate
their preparedness and response efforts. The solar-powered Automatic Weather Station
has addressed this by providing LGUs with the capability to monitor a multitude of
information such as wind speed, temperature, humidity, and rainfall, among others.

“The installation of the automatic weather systems in the municipalities is a very

important step in DRR. UPLB has provided the LGUs with their own "weather bureau".
The LGUs and their respective communities now have real-time information. Through the
data that the LGUs collects, they can create their own observations and weather patterns
which they can use as references for the future,” said Thaddeus.

Furthermore, these Automatic Weather Systems have been linked to the LGU’s
Early Warning System. Alongside flood level sensors and sirens, the Automatic Weather
Systems' information feeds into the Early Warning System which is then broadcasted to
the community. Each alarm signifies a response to do early preparations or conduct
evacuations.

Page 28 of 70
 UPLB has also developed IEC materials for a wide variety of audiences in Laguna,
and for Cagayan, another DPR/CCA Programme area, including various videos, radio
plug-ins, and even an interactive CD covering topics on preparedness and response. But
the University is looking to push the boundaries and make this information readily
available on smart phones.

We’re at the age of the smart phones, and we know it’s a platform which we can
tap in order to spread the message and importance of DRR,” stated Thaddeus. “We are
currently looking into developing an application version of the interactive CD which can
be downloaded on iOS and Android operating systems. To have such important
information before, during, and after emergencies is an important tool which can save
lives.”

UPLB has also conducted a documentation of the best practices from the first year
of implementation of the DPR/CCA Programme in Laguna and Cagayan province, and
this study will serve as a valuable source of information for future DRR efforts.

“We really want to empower communities. Our goal is to build communities and
push boundaries. We want to minimize casualties and save livelihoods and especially
lives.”

Since 2011, WFP has been helping build resilience in the Philippines with
innovative, high-impact projects across 10 provinces, 40 municipalities, seven cities, and
partnering with nine academic institutions and eight non-government organizations. The
DPR/CCA Programme is supported by the United States Agency for International
Development Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, private partner Yum! and in
collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the
Interior and Local Government, and the Office of Civil Defense.

Laguna under state of calamity after ‘Maring’ leaves P18-M in damage

Provinces in Southern Luzon experienced improved weather condition on

Wednesday, a day after Tropical Depression “Maring” dumped heavy rains, triggering
widespread flooding that displaced thousands of residents.

Laguna province, however, bore the brunt of the storm, with the provincial
government reporting road and infrastructure damage at P12 million and crop losses at
P6.7 million.

Page 29 of 70
This prompted Laguna officials to declare the province under a state of calamity so the
provincial government could access its calamity fund to help storm victims.

Rommel Palacol of the Laguna Action Center said Maring dumped “too much
rainfall” that caused flash floods and landslides.

Drowning victims

The bodies of two missing children were found in rivers in Calamba City on
Wednesday, bringing to seven the total number of storm-related fatalities in Calabarzon
(Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region, and Metro Manila.

Some 1,627 families in Laguna evacuated to schools and barangay halls.

A report from the Laguna police said the body of Lawrence Murillo, 14, from
Barangay Mapagong in Calamba, was recovered at 6 a.m. on Wednesday along the San
Cristobal River.

At 11 a.m., local officials found the body of Eureka Jamsen Mina Monghe, 5, in a
river in Barangay Palingon.

Murillo and Monghe were among the six people who were reported missing after
their house was swept away by strong river current in Barangay Parian.

It was not clear how Monghe and Murillo were related but the Laguna Action Center
earlier said they lived in the same house.

Palacol said rescuers continued searching for the remaining victims.

In Quezon province, John Carlo Valle, 12, was electrocuted while crossing a
flooded area in Tiaong town on Tuesday afternoon. His death, however, was not classified
as storm-related, according to Henry Buzar, Quezon disaster risk reduction and
management council officer.

A report from the Quezon police said Valle was negotiating a flooded pathway on
his bicycle when he was electrocuted in Barangay Talisay, at 1 p.m. He died while being
taken to Peter Paul Hospital in nearby Candelaria town.

Police said the electric wire was snapped by a fallen tree and left submerged in
floodwaters.

Page 30 of 70
Gov’t assistance
According to Malacañang, the government has about P650-million worth of relief
goods and funds ready for victims of Maring.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said national agencies were on standby
to help storm victims in the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and
Bicol regions, and Metro Manila.
“The national government, through our frontline disaster response agencies,
remains on standby to respond and assist victims of Tropical Depression Maring,” Abella
said in a statement.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 2,103
families were affected by the storm.
Abella said 1,857 families were staying in 116 evacuation centers.
The DSWD has a total of 196,896 family food packs on stock and P577.7 million
in standby funds, Abella said.
The Department of Health (DOH), he said, had prepositioned about P20-million
worth of supplies and funds in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and
Bicol.
The DOH also has about P50-million worth of supplies and funds ready at the
agency’s central office in Manila, Abella said.

Disaster preparedness

In a press conference, Romina Marasigan, spokesperson for the National Disaster

Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), defended the agency from social
media bashers and 1-Ang Edukasyon Rep. Salvador Belaro Jr.’s criticism that “something
is wrong with the NDRRMC and the DRRMC.”

“When will we ever learn,” Belaro said in a statement, noting that there were
several cities and villages that were unprepared when the storm hit Luzon.
Marasigan said the NDRRMC had been giving sufficient emergency alert and
warning messages.

Page 31 of 70
 “The NDRRMC will give you warnings. We cannot police every household, that’s
why we have to empower our communities. Much as we would like to be there and lead
you all to safety, let’s try to do our share,” Marasigan said. —Reports from Maricar
Cinco, Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Philip C. Tubeza and Nikko Dizon

BEST TECH. Dr Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay (middle) said that the technology used
by the Philippines and its understanding of natural hazards is at par with the best in the
world. by Don Kevin Hapal

MANILA, Philippines – An expert on natural hazards said on Thursday, March 1,

that Filipinos are on par with the world's best in terms of understanding disasters and the
technology they use in disaster risk mitigation.

Dr Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay made the statement at the ASEAN forum at
the University of the Philippines, in response to a question from Rappler. He said this is
most likely because Filipinos “get a lot of experience" dealing with disasters.

Lagmay said the Philippines has invested a lot in technology and human resources
devoted to understanding natural hazards, so that it can equip itself against disasters that
batter the country every year.

"Way back in 2012, the government in the Philippines invested a lot of money to
make use of technology for us to gather data and understand the problems that we have,
relating to CCA, for climate change and disaster risk reduction,” Lagmay said during the
forum.

"Without that investment, we would not have been able to understand the problem.
Of course if we don’t understand the problem, we cannot find the solution,” he added.
Lagmay said while outside help is welcome, it's important for the Philippines to have its
own capacity and local resources to solve disaster-related problems.

Page 32 of 70
 "We have all of those. I believe that we have all of the best technologies, we can
apply it, use those technologies and science. The Filipinos can do it, we understand it,
and we devote a lot of time to helping ourselves,” he said.

Having worked with other experts from around the world, including those from
countries in Europe, the United States, and ASEAN countries, Lagmay said that the
Philippines is “up there” when it comes to having the tools and understanding of natural
hazards.

"Why? Probably because we get a lot of experience from the consistent battering
from hazards,” he said.

For example, Lagmay said that the Philippines is among the few countries which
invested in LiDAR technology which can be used to "repeat scenarios of hazards, not just
on historical records, but for the future" and helps build disaster-resilient communities.

An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year.

Open source

On disaster management technologies, Lagmay emphasized the importance of

having open data, or data that can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone.

"No amount of technology that we have, if we don't share it, will be effective or
maximized, if we don't share," he said.

According to him, this is one way to gain the trust of people in different
communities.

"If they feel that you're not sharing the data with them (communities) or that you're not
trying to get them to validate the science that you're trying to get them to understand, then
a problem happens," he said.

Page 33 of 70
Project NOAH

Lagmay is the director of UP’s Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards

(UP NOAH) which undertakes disaster science research and development, use cutting
edge technologies, and recommend information services for disaster prevention and
mitigation efforts.

The program, once the government’s flagship platform for natural disaster
information, was established in 2012 in response to then President Benigno Aquino III's
order to provide "a more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster prevention and
mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas" in the country.

Project NOAH helped reduce disaster risk in connection with at least 13 severe
hazard events, including Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) in 2014.

The government however, stopped Project NOAH in March 2017 due to "lack of
funds." UP eventually decided to adopt the program.

Developing the Philippines as a Global Hub for Disaster Risk Reduction - A Health
Research Initiative as Presented at the 10th Philippine National Health Research
System Week Celebration

Abstract

The recent Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week

Celebration highlighted the growing commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the
Philippines. The event was lead by the Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development of the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of
Health, and saw the participation of national and international experts in DRR, and
numerous research consortia from all over the Philippines. With a central focus on the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the DRR related events recognised the
significant disaster risks faced in the Philippines. They also illustrated the Philippine
strengths and experience in DRR. Key innovations in science and technology showcased
at the conference include the web-base hazard mapping applications ‘Project NOAH’ and
Page 34 of 70
‘FaultFinder’. Other notable innovations include ‘Surveillance in Post Extreme
Emergencies and Disasters’ (SPEED) which monitors potential outbreaks through a
syndromic reporting system. Three areas noted for further development in DRR science
and technology included: integrated national hazard assessment, strengthened
collaboration, and improved documentation. Finally, the event saw the proposal to
develop the Philippines into a global hub for DRR. The combination of the risk profile of
the Philippines, established national structures and experience in DRR, as well as
scientific and technological innovation in this field are potential factors that could position
the Philippines as a future global leader in DRR. The purpose of this article is to formally
document the key messages of the DRR-related events of the PNHRS Week Celebration.

Introduction

The 10th annual Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week
Celebration, from the 8th to 12th August 2016 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines,
brought together health researchers, policy makers and practitioners from across the
Philippines. The conference theme Research and Innovation for Health and the
Environment aimed to facilitate smoother exchange of health-related research among key
stakeholders via ten pre-conference events, seven parallel sessions, and two plenary
sessions. This year’s conference saw an unprecedented focus on Disaster Risk
Reduction (DRR). The purpose of this publication is to formally document and
communicate the key messages that emerged from the conference.

The 10th PNHRS Week Celebration placed the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction (Sendai Framework) at the front and centre of its agenda, highlighting the
growing recognition among researchers and policy makers of the need to bolster research
in this area within the Philippines. The key DRR-focused events included the Pre-forum
workshop on Framework for Disaster Research in Health, the parallel session National
Health Research Program on Disaster Risk Reduction and the plenary session on The
Philippines as a Research Hub on Global Health Innovations to Deal with Climate Change
and Natural Disasters. These events highlighted key strengths and challenges of DRR

Page 35 of 70
research in the Philippines within the broader context of positioning the Philippines as a
global hub for research and innovation in DRR.

The year 2015 has been noted as a historic year in international policy, with the
finalisation of three landmark United Nations agreements. These are:

 The Sendai Framework that focuses on reducing disaster risks and losses in
terms of lives, livelihoods and health. It was adopted in Sendai, Japan in March
2015 by 187 member states and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June
2015.

 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which followed on from the

Millennium Development Goals, and saw the significant positioning of health within
a specific health goal with notable links to other goals of the SDGs 4. The SDGs
were agreed in New York, USA by 193 countries.

 The Paris Agreement on Climate Change was finalized and agreed upon by 195
countries in December at the Paris Climate Conference (CoP21). Further to these
agreements, the Sendai Framework was followed by the UNISDR Science and
Technology Conference on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 in January 2016 which included in its
recommendations the ‘Need for formal ‘‘national DRR science-policy
councils/platforms’’ or a form of national focal points for science to support disaster
risk reduction and management plans identified’. A second conference on the
implementation of the health aspects of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030 in March 2016 lead to the Bangkok Principles which aim to
strengthen health implementation of DRR Additionally, the landmark paper of the
2015 Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change, called for health to play
a larger role in tackling climate change, viewing climate change as an opportunity
and necessary area of strengthened action for the health sector in coming
decades.

Page 36 of 70
Background to the impact of disasters on the Philippines

Widely recognized as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the Asian

Region, and the world, the Philippines was ranked second on the World Risk Index in
2014 in terms of exposure and risks to natural hazards. The Philippines was also the 5th
most affected country by natural hazards from 1994 to 2013, and ranked as the most
affected country in 2013 according to the 2015 Global Risk Index. Between 1993 and
2012, the Philippines experienced 311 extreme weather events, the highest number
globally, and falls within the top ten countries in the world most affected by extreme
weather. Most recently, the Philippines was found to have the highest expected annual
mortality, affected population, and loss in GDP globally in relation to climatic hazards.
This data is to the exclusion of impacts associated with non-climatic, biological or
technological hazards.

The country is exposed to a variety of hazards across all categories – natural,

biological, technological and social hazards such as mass gatherings. Several geographic
factors contribute to the high natural hazard exposure of the Philippines, including the
country’s location in the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ at the junction of two large tectonic plates,
the Philippine Sea Pacific Plates and the Eurasian Plate, facing the Pacific Ocean and
one of the most active typhoon belts in the world.

In addition to these exposure factors, significant vulnerability as a result of inequity

in access to healthcare and social protection mechanisms, as well as rapid unplanned
urbanisation and development in economic hotspots, contribute greatly to the disaster
risks faced by the population and economy of the Philippines.

DRR in the context of climate change has become a national priority with structures
established to address these challenges. The national government has enacted the
Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729) and established the Climate Change Commission
at the national level. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010

Page 37 of 70
(DRRM Act, RA. 10121) has also been enacted and corresponding structures
established. These structures are known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC), and are replicated at regional levels, known as
Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC). National
frameworks and plans in DRR and climate change have been developed and are in
various stages of implementation with the sunset review of the DRRM Act currently
underway. Within the Department of Health (DOH), health emergency preparedness and
response structures are institutionalised at the national level through the Health
Emergency Management Bureau.

The combination of these three factors, the risk profile, experiences and
established structures in DRR, positions the Philippines to potentially become an
international leader and global hub for DRR. However, several aspects need
strengthening to support the development of the Philippines as an international hub for
DRR. The key areas for strengthening identified through analysis of the content presented
at the PNHRS Week Celebration include: integrated national hazard assessment,
strengthened collaboration, and improved documentation.

Science and technology innovations in the Philippines and areas for further
development

In addition to the institutional structures mentioned above, the Philippines has relevant
scientific and technical structures to contribute to the understanding of hazards and risks,
and development of scientific innovation in DRR. These are coordinated by the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and include, but are not limited to, the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Philippine
Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), to
contribute to the understanding of hazards and risks, and development of scientific
innovation in DRR.

Page 38 of 70
 Local governments are mandated to mainstream DRR and CCA in their local
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). It
is intended that these plans use vulnerability analysis and assessment within an
integrated DRR and CCA framework. Further to this, Health Emergency Preparedness
and Response and Recovery Plans at a regional and local government level contain
natural hazard assessments for their corresponding areas. These hazard assessments
provide potential sources for contributing to a detailed and integrated all-hazard
assessment for the nation.

Examples of recent innovations in hazard mapping and assessment showcased

during the PNHRS Week Celebration include the Nationwide Operational Assessment of
Hazards, known as ‘Project NOAH’ and ‘FaultFinder’. Both of these web-based
applications providing information on various hazards in the country, including
meteorological and climatologically hazards, as well as major fault systems and
earthquake risk mapping. Using a layered approach to mapping hazards, Project NOAH,
allows users to select or search for a location and provides weather updates, data on
rainfall and river inundation, as well as real time information on rain, weather and tides.
The web-GIS tool provides hazard maps for floods, landslides and storm surge. It
provides updates on flood reports, information on jurisdictions and critical infrastructure,
as well as an impact assessment in the event of a hazard. FaultFinder maps active fault
systems, and allows users to search active fault systems of interest using GPS location
on their mobile device, by name of location, and by browsing a detailed map view
(available at: http://faultfinder.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/). These projects aim to advance
scientific research and risk communication.

A health-based technological innovation cited by the Department of Health at the

PNHRS Week Celebration was ‘Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and
Disasters’ (SPEED). Developed through a collaboration between the Philippines
Department of Health and the WHO Philippines, SPEED uses web-based software to
assist in gathering data relating to communicable and non-communicable diseases and
conditions in extreme emergencies and disasters. SPEED gathers syndromic information

Page 39 of 70
from health facilities such as Evacuation Centers and Barangay Health Stations or Rural
Health Units, and initial diagnoses from hospitals and private clinics. Data can be entered
via manual encoding, SMS, or online. SPEED enables the monitoring of trends and early
detection of disease outbreaks with the aim of providing timely and appropriate health
response to minimise morbidity and mortality in an emergency or disaster.
Challenges in collaboration on DRR research in health was a key challenge noted by
PNHRS conference participants. A key barrier to collaboration, which was noted by
participants during the event, was the lack of awareness and documentation of DRR
research and activities. Further to this, it was observed that there was limited
representation of other government sectors, UN agencies, private sector and NGOs
present at the event. Strengthened documentation of DRR activities, as well as
involvement of these stakeholders in relevant future events will help to promote the
establishment of the Philippines as a hub for DRR and build full cross-sectoral and cross-
stakeholder engagement in the initiative.

Barriers to documentation of DRR research, policies and activities highlighted during

the PNHRS Week Celebration include: lack of prioritisation of DRR research and
documentation, as well as a lack of system and capacity for documentation. Prioritisation
of DRR research is particularly absent in the context of health-related research, with the
current National Unified Health Research Agenda for 2011 to 2016 making no direct
mention of disaster-related research in health. While DRR research in health was
acknowledged by panelists to be occurring, this research is happening on a limited scale,
and is not included in existing national health research databases.

Two national registries for health–related research were promoted at the PNHRS
Week Celebration, including the Health Research and Development Information Network
(HERDIN) and the Philippine Health Research Registry. A recent search of these
databases reveals limited documentation of DRR research in health and for those that
were documented there was limited availability of related publications and outcome
documents. At this point there exists no central system for documenting disaster-specific
research. Key messages from the DRR sessions at the PNHRS Week Celebration

Page 40 of 70
included a need to prioritise and document DRR research if the country which could be
developed as an output from possible global hub for DRR.

The conference participants considered that it would be beneficial to strengthen the

documentation of DRR research and strategies to build the credibility and evidence base
for the Philippines as an international exemplar for DRR and disaster risk management
(DRM). To address the challenges in documentation, it would be helpful to consider the
need for:
 capacity development with wider engagement through research mentoring;
 a system for documentation in each science and technology sector facilitating a
centrally held inventory of DRR research across sectors and agencies;
 the improvement of capacity for peer-reviewed publication;
 improved library facilities for accessing peer review and grey literature resources;
 a facilitated rapid ethical clearance processes and the possible establishment of
pre-disaster guidelines for research to be undertaken at the time of a disaster and
in its aftermath.

Proposal for the Philippines developing a Global Hub for DRR

Promotion of the Philippines as a global hub for DRR research and innovation to
support the implementation of the Sendai Framework has the potential to strengthen DRR
investment in the country. The establishment of relevant laws, structures, and technical
capability demonstrates the importance of, and existing commitment to, DRR in the
Philippines. These factors lend themselves well to this development of the Philippines as
a global hub for DRR and DRM.

Experts and policy makers whom attended the PNHRS event frequently referred
to the Philippines as a ‘laboratory’ of disasters in Asia. Panelists at the PNHRS identified
the importance of climate change and the role of the health and the wider scientific
community in developing the scientific and technological capacity of the Philippines in
DRR. Within this context, panelists recognised not only the extensive risk profile of the

Page 41 of 70
country, but also the significant knowledge and experience developed in DRR and DRM
through its established DRR structures.

The concept of developing a national focus in science and technology in the

Philippines started more than two years ago as a key outcome of the partnership between
the PCHRD and COHRED (the Council on Health Research for Development). Through
this partnership the first Global Forum for Research and Innovation for Health in Manila
in August 2015, “Forum 2015”, was hosted jointly by COHRED, PCHRD, DOH and DOST.
The ‘hub’ concept intends to create a focus for national development, particularly through
inter-departmental and inter-sectoral action, as well as international collaboration.
Developing a ‘hub’ also aims to optimize the socio-economic impact of investments in
science and technology.

Initial interest in the Philippines of becoming a leader in shaping the global

research agenda in health and science more broadly was stated at Forum 2015. The
event focused on how research and innovation can improve food security and nutrition,
health in megacities and, most importantly, DRR. The DRR events that took place during
Forum 2015, showcased examples in DRR from several nations, including the experience
of the Philippines in strengthening and mobilizing local government units and
communities for DRR. In the period following Forum 2015, COHRED and PCHRD
outlined the field of concentration more sharply in a first concept paper prepared for DOST
and DOH: the interface between science and innovation and the impact of disasters – or
DRR – with health as a key outcome measure. This then became the basis for further
internal and external consultations and for making this the focus of the 10th PNHRS
Anniversary meeting in Palawan.

At the recent 10th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week
Celebration, the rationale for developing the Philippines as a hub for DRR was presented
and well supported by the panelists from the PNHRS, the Department of Science and
Technology, Department of Health and key national and international academic and
private sector stakeholders present. During the plenary session, key stakeholders in DRR

Page 42 of 70
and health and the wider sciences and private sector demonstrated widespread support
for the push to develop the Philippines as a global hub for innovations to deal with climate
change and natural disasters, using an all hazard approach. Panelists in the plenary
placed health as a central contributor to DRR, particularly recognizing that ‘zero casualty
is not zero damage to health, and the need to reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability,
as well as increase coping capacity within the context of health innovations for climate
change and disasters. Panelists made note of the established structures and human
resources that are already committed toward DRR in the Philippines, as well as the desire
to share the experiences and expertise of the Philippines in addressing disaster risks.
With the Sendai Framework providing a method to build research activities and outputs
in order to enhance DRR capabilities, the Philippines could position itself as a global hub
on DRR. However, there is a clear deficit in documentation and publication of these
experiences and expertise, which needs to be addressed. Panelists also showcased the
growing engagement of the private sector in strengthening DRR and clear support for
developing the Philippines as a hub for DRR. Placing the Philippines at the centre of the
converging points on health and the wider sciences addressing sustainable development,
DRR and Climate Change Adaptation would be beneficial.

The positioning of the Philippines as a global hub could require significant financial
investment, however, this has the potential to provide return on investment in DRR. An
important reference was made to the triple dividend of DRR investment, where:
 the single dividend represents an approach that saves lives;
 the double dividend represents an approach that builds social and economic
protection of livelihoods and assets including infrastructure and essential services;
and
 the triple dividend represents economic co-benefits as a spinoff of technological
innovation in DRR leading to a source of economic development for the country.
Overwhelming support by key political stakeholders was demonstrated for developing the
Philippines into a global hub. This was echoed in the strong rationales presented by
panelists in the DRR-related events, as well as by the attendees of the conference. The
panelists of the DRR-related sessions clearly presented compelling reasons why the

Page 43 of 70
Philippines is well-positioned to become the global hub for DRR. These reasons include
the disaster risk profile of the Philippines, experience in DRR and established structures
necessary to support the initiative.

Conclusion

As a consequence of its disaster incidence, especially with regards to the

frequency and intensity of climate-related extreme events, the Philippines is widely
recognized as one of the most at-risk countries in the world, with a developed strength
and experience in DRR. This conference demonstrated the emergence of commitment
towards using these experiences to strengthen DRR at Barangay, local, regional and
national levels. The equal commitment demonstrated towards sharing these outputs with
other at-risk countries globally is the driving force behind developing a global hub in the
Philippines. The event also highlighted health research as a pivotal area for development
in strengthening DRR in the Philippines towards the development of a global hub.
The commitment to the hub was announced at the 10th Philippine National Health

Research System Week Celebration. Continuing work to determine what this might mean

and how this concept might develop, particularly in the context of science and technology

for health in DRR, will be undertaken prior to the presentation at the Global Platform for

Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in May 2017 in Cancun, Mexico on 22-26 May. The

Global Platform is the premiere international forum dedicated to the international DRR

agenda and the 2017 Global Platform will be the first opportunity for initial assessments

of the progress towards the Sendai Framework.

Page 44 of 70
Experts push for open data law to reduce disaster risk

A multisectoral forum of scientists, academics, government and civil-society

experts are pushing for a new law that provides open access to data that are crucial in
responding to disasters.

Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, a professor at the National Institute of Geological

Sciences, University of the Philippines, presented the findings of his study, titled “An Open
Data Law for Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction,” at a forum organized by
independent think tank Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) last week.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADRi, said while strides have been
made on disaster preparedness since Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name
Haiyan) hit the country in 2013, the study remains highly relevant with the frequency of
natural disasters hitting the country every year.

“We’re one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, as
well as other natural disasters, owing mainly to our geographical location. Worse, the
consequence of these disasters is aggravated by poor infrastructure, which is more
pronounced in the countryside, where, tragically, calamities more frequently occur,” he
said. Lagmay cited an incident during the rescue operations following the 2006 landslide
in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, as a testament to the life-saving potential of freely
available data in disaster response. “It was one of the biggest landslides in the world in
the past century and, for so many days, a 2,000-man search and rescue team tried to
look for one barangay—Guinsaugon, particularly an elementary school. There was word
that came out that there was a teacher who texted saying that they were still there, alive,
with 400 children,” he said.

The school, which was supposedly buried under 30 meters of rubble, actually had
a global positioning system point that could’ve been used to aid rescuers, Lagmay said.

Page 45 of 70
“We knew there was available data, but the GPS point was only given on the seventh day
after the request, and so the rescue efforts failed. More than 1,000 died.”

Lagmay said that, after studying disasters like the Saint Bernard landslide and
related policies, the need for an open-data approach emerged, he said. “We must have
open access. We must have open knowledge, open science and open government,” he
said.
Layer Lysander Castillo, secretary- general of the Philippine Business for Environmental
Stewardship, stressed the importance of institutionalizing a law on open data to push
government agencies to the right direction.

“We have manpower challenges, technology challenges and capacity challenges,

and that’s where having a law is an advantage,” Castillo said.

BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF CITY DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT

OFFICE (CDRRMO): A PLANNED CHANGE PROPOSAL FOR THE CITY OF
CALAMBA

Abstract

This study is an assessment of the current state of the City Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Office (CDRRMO) of the City of Calamba, Laguna. The study employed a
four-stage methodology framework using document reviews, surveys, Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and actual observation. The
CDRRMO was assessed in five (5) dimensions, namely: (1) Disaster Management; (2)
Technical Capacity; (3) Institutional Capacity; (4) Training Capacity; and (5) Financial
Capacity. Based on the findings (current state and the key challenges), the researcher
conclude that the level of capacity of the CDRRMO with regard to the implementation of
their plans, programs, and activities on DRRM are satisfactory. These planned change
strategies aim to provide a framework that is relevant, and strategic for a resilient,
equitable and sustainable community over the next three (3) years and beyond.

Page 46 of 70
INTRODUCTION

Disaster risk management has been defined as the systematic process of using
administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to
implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the
adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster (UNDISR, 2007). The past few
years have shown the increasing intensity of a number of natural disasters that have
struck both developed and developing countries around the world. In 2010, the United
Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) reported a total of 373
natural disasters which hit different countries. It is alarming that the number of disasters
has increased terribly since the 1970s. The Philippines is considered one of the most
disaster-prone countries in the world. More Filipinos have become more vulnerable to the
impacts of disasters. The country has experienced tremendous disasters such as
typhoons, flooding, volcanic eruptions, etc. in recent years. As such, the of the Philippines
has joined other countries in crafting its own policy on Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management. Republic Act 10121(PDRRM Act, 2010), known as the “Philippine Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010” was passed into law in the year 2010
following the formulation and adoption of the HFA in 2005. It seeks to strengthen the
existing disaster management system in the Philippines and integrates the system with
development work initiatives. The Act provides for the development of policies and plans
and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of disaster risk
reduction and management, including good governance, risk assessment and early
warning, knowledge building and awareness raising, reducing underlying risk factors, and
preparedness for effective response and early recovery. The National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2011-2028 was crafted the following year
to provide the legal basis for institutionalizing disaster risk reduction efforts at the national
and local levels. Across the world, there are many initiatives and interventions taking
place that directly or indirectly contribute to strengthening capacity for DRM. A 2-year
research project on DRM by Few, Scott et al. (2016) capacity development in lower and
middle income countries. The research team undertook case studies of 13 recent or

Page 47 of 70
ongoing initiatives across six countries, complemented with an international survey of
DRM practitioners. The paper therefore draws lessons from a range of different types of
program to explore the progress being made on the ground toward enhanced capacity
development and identify a framework of principles that can serve to underpin effective
support in this field. The findings coalesce around concerns related to issues of
adaptability, ownership and sustainability, inclusion of actors and scales, the functional
scope of capacity development, and the extent to which programs reflect the wider
aspects of DRR. These are factors that ultimately may either derail the success of
initiatives, or, when positively addressed, may facilitate the achievement of long-term
capacity gains. Despite continuously participating in disaster management efforts both
globally and locally, most Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines still lack the
capacity to carry out disaster management projects that will improve resiliency and
mitigate serious damage to individual families and communities. The concept of “capacity”
is generally defined as the combination of strengths, skills, and resources available to
protect the community from the adverse effects of disasters. It encompasses a range of
physical infrastructures, institutions, societal coping abilities, human knowledge and
capabilities (The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2009). Moreover, at
the agency level, capacity pertains to the ability of the agency to perform functions, solve
problems and plan activities. In the advent of increasing disasters, it is important to build
high quality and disaster-resistant infrastructures such as buildings and bridges, but it is
also equally important to strengthen the capacity of LGUs, thru the local NDRRM
committees/councils, in leading and carrying out disaster management activities which
include disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation. To
save more lives and mitigate the adverse impacts of various natural disasters, capacity
building is necessary. Disaster management demands an integrated effort and
cooperation between and among stakeholders (the government, the community and the
individuals) at all levels. Implementing a disaster management system that strengthens
capacity of communities may also help in attaining two (2) of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) which
are sustainable cities and communities and climate action. Bawagan’s (2010) paper
presented in an international forum, shows the efforts of residents in Gen. Nakar, Quezon

Page 48 of 70
to rebuild their communities after they were hit by flooding and landslides in 2004. The
documentation highlights “the effects and lessons learned from a stronger cooperation
established among the community people, local officials, local non-government
organizations as well as international organizations in addressing needs of rebuilding
communities after a disaster. Likewise, papers of Dela Cruz and Ferrer (2010) reflect on
the NGO FORGE’s efforts at putting in place a participatory barangay development
planning process towards building disaster-resilient communities. As such, the City
Government of Calamba through Resolution No. 176 series of 2012, established the City
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO). The main function is to help the
city government in designing and coordinating Programs Activities and Projects (PAPs)
related to disaster risk reduction and management, which is in consonance with the
national policies on DRRM (CDRRMO, 2015). Despite its economic standing, Calamba
City is still not exempted from the threat of natural hazards and disasters as the city is
situated along the fault lines. This reason motivated the researcher to conduct a study on
CDRRMO and recommend planned change strategies towards strengthening the
capacity of the office (Calamba City Profile, 2016).

Theoretical framework

The research framework illustrates the current state of CDRRMO in terms of five
dimensions: (1) disaster management; (2) technical capacity; (3) institutional capacity; (4)
training capacity; and (5) financial capacity. Gaps/challenges were also assessed on the
five dimension indicators. Using a four- stage methodology framework, as a tool of
intervention, the researcher gain in-depth understanding on the processes, activities and
capacity of the CDRR organization. Recognizing the current state as well as the
gaps/challenges/issues of the organization, planned change strategies are injected in the
model to achieve the desired state of CDRRM office.

Page 49 of 70
Objectives of the study

This planned change project aimed to look into the capacity of CDRRMO of the
City of Calamba in terms of disaster management, technical capacity, institutional
capacity, training capacity, and financial capacity.

METHOD

A four-stage methodology framework that captures all the methods and tools (i.e.
document reviews, survey, and KII, FGDs, actual observations) were used to diagnose
the current situation of the CDRRMO of Calamba City. Using the questionnaires, five (5)
from the CDRRMO were given questions survey and interviewed including
representatives from eleven (11) barangays who were randomly selected as the
respondents of the study. These respondents were Barangay Quick Response Team
(BQRT) members from Barangays Banlic, Batino, Canlubang, Mabato, Majada Out,
Mapagong, Mayapa, Paciano, Rizal, Parian, San Cristobal, and Sirang Lupa.

The study utilized various tools such as non-structured questionnaires, interviews,

actual observations and review of secondary documents/materials to collect substantive
and relevant data. The questionnaires used to gather pertinent information were focused
on how CDRRMO’s manages its operations. Majority of the questions are openended to
capture the actual thoughts of the respondents. Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), Key
Informant Interviews, (KIIs) and Training Observations were also conducted to validate
the information gathered from the questionnaires and secondary documents/materials.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The capacity of CDRRMO was assessed in five dimensions: (1) disaster

management; (2) technical capacity; (3) institutional capacity; (4) training capacity; and
(5) financial capacity. Table 1 summarizes the capacity of CDRRMO under different
criteria and indicators. On the other hand, Table 2 presents the challenges that are
currently being faced by the said office.

Page 50 of 70
 Based on the abovementioned findings, the researchers summarize the level of
capacity of CDRRMO in the following dimensional aspects: 1. Disaster Management (i.e.
preparedness, reduction/mitigation, and response and recovery stage) In terms of
preparedness, the CDRRMO is prepared and ready for any disasters, because according
to the respondents in the survey, they said that IEC materials like posters and flyers as
well as dissemination of hazard maps to all barangays are readily accessible to all. In
fact, the CDRRMO conducts regular drills and simulation exercises at different offices,
schools and barangays and have built partnerships with other stakeholders in the
community, such as industrial companies, government agencies and private sectors and
civil society groups. In terms of reduction/mitigation, the CDRRMO has already developed
plans and projects that would mitigate the impact of disasters through engagement of
various barangays in the cleanup drive and repair of canals and riverside. In terms of
response and recovery stage, the CDRRMO has conducted regular trainings and capacity
building to 54 barangays and as much as the budget provides has purchased equipment
for readiness when disasters strike. 2. Technical Capacity A minimal gain on this capacity
has so far achieved by the CDRRMO, as evidenced by the presence of hazard maps that
all barangays in the city are provided therefore, accessible at all times and said maps are
being used for risk assessment. However, there is so much room for improvement, in
terms of infrastructure information, as the current state, revealed that only the City
Engineering Office keep track on the information on public and private structure and the
CDRRMO was not given a copy for inputs in their DRRM plan. In terms of risk/hazard
information, the CDRRMO has identified and has an existing profile of hazard areas,
however, it does not have an inventory of assets and a data on the estimates of local and
economic losses considering it has already a hazard profile/maps in the locality. An
integrated and updated databases on risk/hazard and vulnerabilities information should
be a priority of the CDRRMO to be established and developed. 3. Institutional Capacity
Considerable milestones improved the level of capacity gained by the CDRRMO. They
are compliant to RA 10121, established a focal point for training, IEC and community
development and awareness raising among various stakeholders, established proper
coordination with the national and local DRRMO on disaster management efforts and

Page 51 of 70
initiatives, created a Disaster Management Council that meets on a quarterly basis to
discuss and plan disaster-related activities and the cascading mechanisms in support
thereat. Lastly, it is very obvious that there was an increase of capacity in the CDRRMO,
when they initiated a number of trainings, drills and simulation exercises on matters of
disaster/emergency situations. However, a more strategic and competency-based
training programs (an in-depth analysis) would yield a higher returns for the CDRRMO.
4. Training Capacity The survey conducted revealed a significant achievement in the
current state of the CDRRMO in so far as capacity building/development is concerned.
They were barangays. In fact, the CDRRMO conducts Nonskilled training like climate
change adaptation every other year and Skillbased training every year. The CDRRMO
was able to establish a City Quick Response Team and Barangay Quick Response Team.
They also have nine (9) trainers that are tapped to conduct and handle trainings in
collaboration with the provincial office. The BQRTs are provided with allowance of P500
per volunteer, provision of insurance and uniforms. Much has been accomplished in terms
of training capacity. However, Capacity Building Activities (CBAs) being conducted should
require a more in-depth analysis especially its post training questionnaire. This can be
done by identifying trainings that require to be more specific (needbased approach),
strategic (inclusive and sustainable) and should be inputs to the development of a
competency-based training programs for DRRM. 5. Financial Capacity The CDRRMO’s
current state of financial standing showed a level of capacity that can adequately respond
to emergency situations. This means that the office is properly spending its allocated
budget for disaster management and compliant to the required funding requirement as
mandated by RA 10121. Their current budget of Php110, 000,000.00 (lump sum),
equivalent to 5% of the estimated revenue of the city government is being utilized
accordingly. From a Development Management (DM) perspective, building the capacity
of CDRRMO is vital towards the creation of resilient, equitable and sustainable
community. Being at the forefront of disaster management, it is necessary for CDRRMO
to invest in technological, institutional and training in order to assure and strengthen
disaster preparedness. Investing in human capital is also of high importance in order to
quickly respond to whatever situations brought by disasters. Also, incorporating,

Page 52 of 70
knowledge, education and innovation in capacity building would create a culture of safety
and resiliency at all levels of the community.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the organizational assessment, the following are the
recommended actions that can be used or implemented by the CDRRMO to increase
their capacity to achieve a desired state:
1. Restructure the CDRRMO into an independent office and
designating CDRRMO officer and staff.
2. Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of CDRRMO activities.
3. Build strong linkages and optimizing collaboration among
organizations.
4. Promote massive information dissemination campaign on
disaster management.
5. Establish a functional emergency operation center.
6. Develop in-depth training programs and activities.
7. Strengthen community action teams.

These seven (7) planned change strategies must be integrated in all development
planning system of the city government of Calamba (i.e., CLUP, AIP, CDP, ELA, etc.) so
that collectively, they can provide for a framework that is relevant and strategic for a
resilient, equitable and sustainable community over the next three (3) years and beyond.
The recommended planned changes for the CDRRMO should also be considered by
whoever sits as the Local Chief Executive (LCE) as his governance policy should form
part of his policy advocacy agenda. To ensure that the above recommendations will be
put in place, an integration of intervention activities and actors was developed. This will
help CDRRMO to focus their effort to those targeted for capacity building. This will also
guide them in pushing and prioritizing programs.

Page 53 of 70
Global Climate Change and the Philippines by USAID/PHILIPPINES COUNTRY
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION STRATEGY
A. GCC Challenges in the Philippines
The Philippines is ranked highest in the world in terms of vulnerability to tropical
cyclone occurrence and third in terms of people exposed to such seasonal events. An
average of 20 typhoons enters the country yearly, causing tremendous economic losses.
Due to its geographic circumstances, the country is one of the world’s most disaster-prone
countries, particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical cyclones
and floods. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
reported that the estimated direct economic losses due to natural hazards average up to
P15 billion per year. Climate change is projected to bring more intense typhoons.

Based on elevation and population exposure, especially in coastal population

centers, the Philippines has been identified as one of the 10 countries in the world that is
highly vulnerable to sea-level rise. The Philippines National <aping and Resource
Information Authority estimates land loss of 129,114 hectares of land loss from a one
meter sea-level rise. Sea level rise will inundate vast portions of land, affecting coastal
communities and livelihoods. Near-term impacts may include saltwater intrusion into
groundwater sources, and more severe storm surges.

Projected climate shifts can put more stress on the country’s highly degared
natural resources i.e., water resources and the ecosystems reducing the integrity of
environmental services. Climate variability increasingly includes drought during El Niño
episodes and floods during La Niña. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) climate modelling showed that
significant warming will occur in the Philippines by 2050. PAG-ASA’s climate model also
predicted that the dry season of March-May will become drier and wet season of July-
August and September-November will become wetter over time in most of the Philippines,
with significant reduction in rainfall in most areas in Mindanao for all seasons by 2050.
Various studies have indicated that climate change will lower agricultural yields in the
Philippines, speed up the loss of habitat and species, reduce water security, increase

Page 54 of 70
erosion and inundation of coastal areas, and undermine public health by increasing the
incidence of infectious diseases, air quality- respiratory illnesses and water-related
mortality.
B. Philippine Government’s Response to Climate Change
The Philippines has been proactive on the issue of climate change and an active
participant in international climate negotiations. As early as 1991, the Philippines began
to address climate change issues when it created the Inter-Agency for Committee on
Climate Change. Its commitment to global environmental issues was manifested by its
support to the UNFCCC and by being a signatory to at least ten more international
conventions. The country has passed several laws that explicitly address climate change
issues, such as the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act, the Philippine Clear Air
Act, the Renewable Energy Act and the Biofuels Law.
The Climate Change Act of 2009 established a Climate Change Commission chaired by
the President of the Philippines. The Philippines has adopted a national Framework for
Climate Change and a National Adaptation Strategy as mandated by the Climate Change
Act of 2009. The country has also developed a Reduced Emissions from deforestations
and Forest Degradation (REDD) + Strategy and prepared a National Climate Change
Actions Plan.

The Action Plan integrates both adaptation and mitigation measures and focuses
on six thematic areas: food security, water sufficiency, sustainable energy, human
security, ecosystem and environmental stability, climate-smart industries and services,
and knowledge and capacity development (NCAAP, 2011). These plans and strategies
provide important guides, but must still be effectively implemented by appropriate line
agencies. Coordination among the different government agencies presents major
challenges in harmonizing policies and programs, not to mention the lack of resources to
carry out the Climate Change Action Plan. GIZ and AusAID actively supported the
preparation of these documents including the conduct of sectoral vulnerability
assessments. JICA and AusAID have also supported the improvements in the collection
and analysis of hydro meteorological data and hazard mapping. The World Bank, ADB
and the French Aid Agency are also actively supporting climate change-related programs.

Page 55 of 70
Foreign Literature

Policies that tackle the issues of global climate change

1. A global policy challenge

The world’s countries need to take significant steps to mitigate climate change. In
particular, we must transition from the use of fossil fuels to non-polluting forms of energy
such as solar and wind energy, and learn to use energy more wisely. To minimize the
adverse impacts of climate change, we need to enact regulatory tools and financial
incentives that will encourage both businesses and citizens to reduce emissions of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Climate change policy in the United States

The U.S. Congress has been debating whether and how to implement various
carbon reduction measures in the U.S. for several years, and how to engage other nations
on a more global solution. President Barack Obama has endorsed a long-term target that
would cut emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The U.S. House recently
passed The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which calls for an 83 percent cut
in carbon emissions by 2050 using a different base year: 2005. The U.S. Senate refused
to take similar action, however, so that legislation is now stalled. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new regulatory program in January 2011 that seeks
to reduce carbon emissions, beginning with the largest sources. The EPA began this new
program based on the authority granted to it under the Clean Air Act.

The Obama administration has proposed that we invest billions of dollars in “green
energy” technologies to, for example, advance the next generation of bio-fuels and fuel
infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development
of commercial-scale renewable energy, and modernize the nation’s electrical grid. Many
of these goals were embodied in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
commonly known as the "stimulus package," enacted in early 2009.

Page 56 of 70
Can we really change our behavior and our policies? As the authors of the Northeast
Climate Impacts Assessment report wrote: “Although the task of reducing emissions may
seem daunting, the nation achieved a similarly rapid energy transformation only a century
ago as it shifted from gaslights and buggies to electricity and cars over a few short
decades. In 1905, only 3 percent of U.S. homes had electricity, virtually none had cars,
and few could envision how these innovations would transform America and its economy
half a century later…With foresight and perseverance we can dramatically modify our
energy system once again….” And we can do so without jeopardizing our quality of life.

2. How can energy efficiencies be implemented?

According to energy secretary Steven Chu, energy efficiency is the easiest path to
take to remediate climate change; he calls it the “the lowest hanging fruit.” According to
research from the McKinsey Global Institute, the projected growth in the world’s energy
demand could be cut in half by 2020 just by taking advantage of opportunities to cut
waste. These include changes like turning off the lights in office buildings at night,
producing higher-mileage cars, and developing more efficient household appliances and
lighting. Ideally, consumers should be provided with the tools to monitor and adjust their
energy use during the day, so they could cut back when prices are high. That would be a
stimulus to reduce emissions of carbon, as well as save money. NSTAR, the major utility
that provides power to the Boston region, has just begun to test such a system.

3. What is a carbon cap and trade system?

One of the policy measures already in widespread use in the Northeast and Europe
is a “cap and trade” system.

How does cap-and-trade work? According to The Wall Street Journal, “A cap-and-
trade system uses financial incentives to encourage companies to reduce the amount of
carbon dioxide they emit. A regulatory body sets an overall limit, or cap, on annual carbon-
dioxide emissions and then assigns shares of that total to major polluters. If a company
wants to emit more than its individual cap allows, it must buy emission permits from a
business that is emitting less than its allotment. Over time, the pollution caps are ratcheted

Page 57 of 70
down, making it more costly to keep polluting, and achieving the desired reductions in
greenhouse-gas emissions.” (“Paying to Pollute,” WSJ, September 15, 2008). The
benefits of cap-and-trade solutions are that the pollution levels are clearly defined, and
that companies can make the decision as to how to reduce their emissions as cheaply as
possible. Currently, the European Union has a cap-and-trade system in place for its 27
member states. In addition to the buying and selling of permits directly to companies,
there is a secondary market and most permits are bought and sold on electronic
exchanges. Investors can trade carbon permits just as they trade stocks, bonds and other
financial instruments. A new program called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or
“RGGI,” operates similarly in 10 Northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. RGGI has an
auction process by which companies must bid on the right to emit; proceeds from the
auction are channeled back into green energy solutions. The program has generated
hundreds of millions of dollars in this way over the first few years of implementation. The
Western states in the U.S. are working on a similar plan, and backers of both regional
programs assume that, ultimately, a nationwide program will take their place. Having gone
first, businesses in our region will have a strong competitive advantage in such a national
system. The prospects for passage of a nationwide carbon cap and trade program within
the next few years are now quite dim, as many members of Congress elected in
November 2010, together with a handful of Congressmen who have long resisted such a
program, have pledged to ensure that no new legislation enacted. As noted above,
however, the EPA is proceeding with a new regulatory program for reducing carbon
emissions using legislature authority enacted years ago. The agency will require use of
best available technology at major sources of carbon emissions, rather than a cap and
trade program.

4. What is a carbon tax?

A carbon tax is a tax on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
The purpose of a carbon tax is to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by making it more
expensive to pollute. A carbon tax can be implemented “upstream” on oil producers or
refiners, or “downstream” on consumers who buy gasoline for their cars. It can be placed
on selected industries, such as power plants that use fossil fuels, or implemented

Page 58 of 70
economy-wide on many industries. Proponents like this form of direct taxation because is
straightforward and easy to understand, and doesn’t require extensive monitoring and
enforcement. Many carbon tax schemes use a portion of the revenue generated by the
taxes to reduce other taxes (e.g. income or property taxes) or to fund worthy projects
such as green energy alternatives. The overall aim is to encourage energy producers
and/or consumers to shift their spending to lower carbon activities. By making carbon-
based fuels more expensive, the tax will enable non carbon fuels or technologies such as
solar or wind power to compete more successfully. However, the carbon tax has to be
pretty steep before consumers will be induced to change their habits (In 2008, it wasn’t
until the price of gas reached $4.00 per gallon that people started buying more cars than
SUVs.) If the Senate approves a carbon cap and trade system later this year, we are
unlikely to see any congressional action on a carbon tax.

5. How do we modify fuel economy standards?

Fuel economy standards have been set since 1973, when they were enacted in the
wake of the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo to reduce fuel consumption by raising the average
fuel economy of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. Called CAFÉ (corporate average
fuel economy) standards, they set a composite mileage goal for all the cars a
manufacturer sells. Since these averages are measured “across the fleet,” each carmaker
must sell a car with mileage above the standard for each car with mileage below the
standard. (Trucks and full-sized SUVs that weigh more than 8500 pounds are currently
excluded.) Carmakers that do not meet the standards are required to pay penalties.

Current fuel economy standards are 27.5 mpg for cars and 22 mpg for light trucks.
Average fuel economy is 25 mpg across all vehicles. In 2010, the Obama administration
announced new national standards that require new cars and trucks to reach an average
of 35.5 mpg by 2016, a 40 percent improvement over the current level. The new standard
will be phased in gradually over the next several years and applies to all states throughout
the country, including California. Previously, California and a handful of other states had
been moving to adopt their own standards. The new policy represents a dramatic
departure from a decades-long debate that saw little or no progress on fuel economy.

Page 59 of 70
Most of the major auto companies already have, or plan to introduce, various kinds of
new technologies (such as hybrid vehicles or all-electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt
or Nissan Leaf) that will offer greatly improved fuel economy. More than 1 million hybrids
have already been sold in the U.S. China already has fuel economy standards for cars
that are much higher than those currently in effect in the U.S.

6. How do we set renewable energy standards?

To date, a number of states have adopted programs to mandate the use of renewable
energy. These programs typically require energy producers to generate a given amount
of power from carbonless technologies. They may also include renewable energy credits
that can be traded on the open market.

Results so far have been mixed. According to “Energy Goals a Moving Target for
States,” an article in the New York Times, even with the fast growth of recent years, less
than 3 percent of the nation’s electricity is coming from renewable sources, excepting
dams and more than half of the states have adopted formal green-energy goals but only
a few—Texas and New Mexico for example—have met or exceeded their goals. In many
cases the stumbling block has been a shortage of power lines to transmit the electricity
generated from these means. In other cases (such as with the Cape Wind project in
Massachusetts) there has been strong opposition to sitting renewable energy facilities in
areas valued for other purposes.

Typically, the goals set by individual states range from just a few percent to 30 percent
or more, depending on the availability of renewable energy resources and the political
appetite for embracing them. If successful, renewable energy standards will increase the
demand for production of renewable technologies, which should, ultimately, bring the per
unit cost down. Some analysts worry, however, that a patchwork quilt of standards among
individual states will ultimately be counterproductive, creating bureaucracy and conflicting
rules and regulations. (Most electricity grids are regional, transcending state boundaries.)
One solution is to institute a national renewable portfolio standard, which would require a
set percentage of the country’s supply of electricity to come from renewable sources. This

Page 60 of 70
would have the result of requiring utilities to adopt alternatives on a broad scale, and give
a boost to technologies whose cost will drop as the volume of production increases.

7. What adaptation policies are practical?

It will be the focus of government, business and conservation groups to ensure
that mitigation measures, while important, are not the end point. Because climate change
is already under way, and it will take several years before policies such as a cap and
trade system or carbon tax take hold, we need to implement policies to help us and the
marine world cope with the problems caused by climate change, whether those be
increased shoreline erosion or changes in the range and distribution of commercial
fisheries or endangered animals or habitat. For example, the resilience of coral reefs to
climate change can be increased by removing other stresses—such as pollution or
disturbances from fishing gear. Projects like the Aquarium-supported Phoenix Islands
marine protected area are imperative to save pristine coral reefs and the unique fish
species they support.
To protect our cities from rising seas, we will need to revisit current zoning requirements,
wetlands permits, and/or licenses regulating development along the shoreline. In urban
areas such as Boston, it may be possible to bolster coastal property against rising seas
and increased risks from storms, but there’s a significant amount of historical evidence to
suggest that those measures won’t be effective for long expanses of coastline where
coastal erosion is already a major challenge such as the eastern shore of Cape Cod or
the southern coastlines of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
The solution in those areas is to buy time by enacting appropriate land use regulations
and/or setting insurance rates that discourage people from living in the most vulnerable
areas. Figuring out how to encourage people to relocate out of vulnerable areas before
their property gets flooded or erodes is, of course, a very difficult political problem,
especially given the high value of increasingly scarce coastal property. It will take
courageous governmental leaders, wise insurance commissioners, and enlightened real
estate developers to take on that challenge.

Page 61 of 70
 In 2009, the Philippines passed Republic Act 9729, or the Climate Change Act.
CEC takes a look at the impacts of global warming and the policy gaps in the current law,
and recommends areas for the government to take urgent action on.

CLIMATE POLICIES OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

Gracia M Luchena Mozo Adriano and Fernandes Ferreira

1. Purpose

One of the main purposes of this paper is to set the stage for the broad range of topics
in this conference on climate change, trade and competitiveness. Where will the global
economy be in the future? How will baseline greenhouse gas emissions evolve in the
absence of mitigation policies? Or in other words, how carbon intensive will be future
growth over the next 40 years if we produce using existing technologies? What kind of
climate impact will this have as measured by temperature change? What will be the
repercussions on economic output and global trade?
In addition to the baseline scenario, often referred to as the business-as-usual scenario
since it pre-supposes continuation of existing policies, this paper will also assess the
impacts of a few policy scenarios that are directly related to trade issues. We then assess
the policy scenarios including the impact of free trade on global production, trade and
emissions and the carbon tax scenarios.

This paper develops during her research stay out Prof. Gracia Luchena at the Federal
University of Amazonas during the month of October as a result of the funded research
stay CYTEMA.

2. Design, Methodology or Approach

Capitalism is related directly to the Industrial Revolution which sprang from the
intrinsic contradictions of the prevailing feudal model and from the establishment of a
strong commercial bourgeoisie that was on the rise. In search for the reform of the system
and influenced by the Crusades, Commercial Revival and Mercantilism, capitalism begins

Page 62 of 70
to emerge as an efficient system to meet the aspirations of the State. At the end of the
nineteenth century, the States created the first International Intergovernmental
Organization, as a result of the increase in the international relations and the necessity
for cooperation among the States, with the aim of keeping the peace and security in the
American continent. In the 1940s, the ratification of the Bretton Woods Agreements and
the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade – GATT/47 was decisive for the international
economy, as the States had finally acknowledged that without the institutional cooperation
the international economy was extremely susceptible to a financial and commercial
imbalance.

The agreements had the primary goal of liberalizing the international trade,
reducing substantially, through multilateral negotiations and under the reciprocity
principle and mutual advantages, the percentage of taxes in the international trade and
the non-tariff trade barriers which hindered the multilateral commercial relations.
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade – GATT, an agreement created to regulate
provisionally the international trade relations and which lasted for four decades, was the
instrument which, in fact, regulated the trade relations among the States. In the Uruguay
Round in 1994, the States signed the constitutive agreement of the World Trade
Organization – WTD, which emerged officially on 1 January 1995, with the Agreement of
Marrakech, in substitution of the GATT. The World Trade Organization – WTO regulates
the trade among its member States, providing the structure for the negotiation and the
formalization of trade agreements and mechanisms for the resolution of conflicts which
works towards reinforcing the adherence of the participants to the agreements of the
Organization. Its operation in the agreements involving the discussion between
international trade and the environment is fundamental, seeing that these Energy and
Environment Knowledge Week - E2KW 2013 - interests provoke reflection and arouse
controversies, however, there is not any specific agreement held by the member States
of WTO which tackles directly the environmental question.

Page 63 of 70
 However, the member States may adopt measures that could strengthen
sustainable development, as long as it doesn’t fall back into protectionist measures, in an
effort to reach internal environmental goals imposing the smallest restrictions to trade.
Nevertheless, in accordance with the polluter pays principle – PPP it is possible to adopt
measures to harmonize the policies in order that different environment regulations don’t
distort comparative advantages and market flows and the WTO asserts that it is possible
to implement the emissions trading system of greenhouse effect gases – GEF (cap-and-
trade), since the carbon credit is a type of regulation which contains within it the basic
regulatory types: carbon tax and subsidies regulation, which are unprecedented and
typical of climate policies, are used by the European Union and the United States of
America, focusing particularly on the measures concerning the protection of
competitiveness of local industries, which present considerable potential for restrictions
of international trade.

As scientific knowledge advances, it is clear that mitigation efforts need to be

intensified, under penalty of anticipation and aggravation of the estimated environmental,
economic and social impacts of global climate change.
Even with changes in posture and internal policies of the U.S. government over the issue,
leading to the largest opening for an alignment towards specific mitigation commitments,
placing it in a major role as a leading country, it is expected to continue a posture of
government focused on the defense of economic efficiency as the central aim of the future
regime. This implies that the tone in the negotiations will be the greater flexibility of
mitigation through market instruments (systems like cap and trade , emissions trading of
greenhouse gas - GHG, etc) and pressure on major emitters take part directly in mitigation
efforts, including, among these, the developing world's most industrialized countries,
particularly China and India and Brazil.
While acting as a leader in international negotiations, forcing the advancement of the
climate regime, the European Union - EU should not shy away from a position of
alignment with the United States (and vice versa). That's because, it’s been noticed, in
practice, that without the inclusion of market instruments and without the direct

Page 64 of 70
participation of major emitters, there is no effective exit cost to mitigate global climate
change.

By describing the problem as a common concern of humankind, the climate regime

in effect acknowledged its overall global character, accrediting it to an internationally
coordinated solution.

Thus, climate change symbolizes as a great challenge that presents itself to

contemporary governance and the most advanced example of international cooperation
organization. The search for development the beginning of this millennium inevitably
stumbles into this obstacle, and the related issues, especially when we add the dimension
of sustainable development, an adjective which appears increasingly inseparable from
the name.

Page 65 of 70
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides a discussion of the method and procedures utilized to achieve the
goals of the study. This includes the research design, sources of data, population of the
study, instrumentation and validation, data gathering procedure, and statistical treatment
of the data of the study.

Method of Research

The type of research design used in the study is Descriptive Research Method. It

involves the collection of data, recording, description, analysis and the presentation of the

present system. It describes the nature of the situation and how related or associated the

variables are. The researcher employed this method to determine the status of

preparedness of local government and resiliency adaptation in the Province of Laguna.

Page 66 of 70
 Appendices
Survey questions:

Status of Preparedness and Resiliency Adaptation of Selected Cities of Laguna:

Proposed Action Plan Contributory to Climate Change

Magandang araw! Ako po ay estudyante mula sa PUP Sta. Mesa. Bilang parte ng
aking kurso, ako ay gumagawa ng pag-aaral tungkol sa Local Disaster Risk Reduction
Management. Kaugnay nito, may mga katanungan kami ukol sa mga nakaraang sakuna
na naganap sa inyong lugar mula noong 2013 hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Ang lahat ng
impormasyon na inyong ibabahagi ay mananatiling pribado at gagamitin lamang para sa
aming pag- aaral. Ang inyong kooperasyon ay magiging malaking tulong sa aking
pagtatapos sa pag aaral sa Graduate School. Maraming salamat po!

Pangalan(optional):______________________________________ Edad: _________

Petsa ng pagsagot: _______________ Ilang taon na naninirahan sa lugar:______

1. Alam niyo ba na may programa ang gobyerno upang maging handa ang lokal na
pamahalaan tuwing may mga sakuna? Pakilagyan ng check ang box ng inyong sagot.

Oo

Hindi

2. Ano-anong ng pinsala sa ari-arian ang inyong naranasan sa mga sakunang ito?

(halimbawa: nasirang kagamitan, nawawalang kagamitan, nawawalang mga alagang
hayop, namatay na kasambahay o kapamilya, etc.)

halimbawa: nasira ang aming TV at refrigerator sa baha

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. Ano-ano ang mga matitinding sakuna sa inyong lugar noong 2009 hanggang sa
kasalukuyan? Kailan nangyari ang mga ito at gaano kalaki ang pinsalang nadulot ng mga
ito? Pakipunan ang table sa ilalim.

Klase ng sakuna (bagyo, Buwan at/o taon ng Halaga ng pinsala

Page 67 of 70
baha, lindol, landslide, etc.) kaganapan (php)(kahit estimate)

Para sa mga susunod na katanungan, ilagay ang numero sa patlang base sa

kahulugan ng mga ito: Halimbawa, ilagay ang numero 1 kung lubos kang sumasang-ayon
sa pangugusap o tanong sa ibaba:

1 – kung lubos na sumasang-ayon ka 4 – kung di ka sumasang-ayon

2 – kung sumasang-ayon ka 5 – kung lubos na di ka sumasang ayon.

3 – kung hindi ka sigurado

_____ 4. Naka-apekto sa aming kalusugan ang mga sakunang nabanggit.

Kung sang-ayon ang sagot, papaanong paraan nakaapekto ang sakuna sa inyong
kalusugan. (halimbawa: nagkaroon ng pilay, sakit sa puso, o mas kagyat na epekto
kagaya ng sakit ng tiyan o pagtatae dahil sa pagbabaha, etc). Pakisulat sa patlang.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_____ 5. Naka-apekto sa pag-aaral ng mga miyembro ng inyong pamilya ang mga

sakunang nabanggit.

_____ 6. Nakatulong ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan para maibsan ang mga sakunang
naganap noong nakaraang apat na taon.

_____ 7. Wala akong alam na programa ng lokal na pamahalaan tungkol sa pag-iwas sa

Page 68 of 70
sakuna at kalamidad.

_____ 8. Mas malaki ang pagkakataong magkasakit ang miyembro ng pamilya tuwing o
pagkatapos ng mga sakuna.

_____ 9. Epektibo ang pamamaraan ng inyong lokal na pamahalan upang maiwasan ang
mga ganitong uri ng sakuna.

_____ 10. Katulad pa din ng dati ang nararanasan namin patungkol sa kalusugan
pagkatapos ng sakuna ( e.g. lagnat, ubo at sipon, pananakit ng tiyan, etc).

_____ 11. May malaking epekto sa aming kabuhayan ang mga sakunang nabanggit.

Kung sang-ayon ang sagot, sa papaanong paraan nakaapekto sa inyong

kabuhayan ito? Pakisulat sa patlang.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_____ 12. May mga paunang babala ang lokal na pamahalaan kung kailan sasapit ang
sakuna, o maaaring sumapit ang sakuna.

_____ 13. Malaki ang sagabal na dulot ng mga sakuna sa kabuhayan o trabaho namin.

_____ 14. Mabilis ang responde ng lokal na pamahalaan pagkatapos ng sakuna.

_____ 15. Nababawasan ang mga epekto ng sakuna kagaya ng sakit at pagkamatay
dahil sa tulong ng mga lokal na pamahalaan.

_____ 16. May mga proyekto ang lokal na pamahalaan upang mabawasan ang
masamang epekto ng sakuna at kalamidad patungkol sa kapaligiran, kagaya ng
pagpapatayo ng riprap, o pagtatanim ng mga puno upang mabawasan ang baha, etc.

_____ 17. Mas madalas akong makipagugnayan sa lokal na gobyerno bago magkaroon
ng sakuna upang makialam tungkol sa pagiwas sa sakuna.

_____ 18. Dahil sa tulong ng lokal na pamahalaan, hindi na ganoon kalala ang epekto ng
sakuna sa pag-aaral ng ibang miyembro ng pamilya na nag-aaral pa.

_____ 19. Lubos na naibsan ng tulong ng lokal na pamahalaan ang epekto sa kalusugan
ng mga sakuna at kalamidad.

_____ 20. May mga kakilala akong nakikilahok sa mga programa ng lokal na pamahalaan
tuwing sakuna kagaya ng pamimigay ng relief goods o pagtulong sa mga nasalanta.

Page 69 of 70
_____ 21. Walang proyektong imprastraktura ang nailunsad kagaya ng pagtatayo ng dike
o riprap o "tree planting activity" para maibsan ang dulot ng sakuna kagaya ng baha o
lindol.

_____ 22. Kilala ko ang mga lokal na opisyal na tumutulong tuwing panahon ng sakuna.

_____ 23. May mga programa ang aming lokal na pamahalaan upang maipaalam sa mga
residente kung anong ang gagawin bago,habang o pagkatapos ng isang sakuna.

Kung meron paki-sagutan ang numero 24. Kung wala, paki-sagutan ang numero 25.

_____ 24. May miyembro/ mga miyembro sa aking pamilya ang nakapunta na sa mga
nasabing programa sa numero 23.

25. Ano ang mga pangunahing ginagawa ng inyong pamilya pagkatapos ng isang
sakuna?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Maraming salamat sa inyong pakikilahok!

Page 70 of 70