Paete, Laguna Mayor Ronald B. Cosico submits the town’s Local Climate Change Action Plan for 2021-2026 to CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje

MANILA, 10 May 2023 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) continues to work with local government units (LGUs) in a collective effort to address climate change and to work toward a more resilient and sustainable future for the Philippines.

The CCC welcomed the local government of Paete, Laguna’s submission of the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) for 2021-2026 and Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2023, which were handed personally by Paete Mayor Ronald B. Cosico.

The LCCAP outlines the LGU's strategies and actions to address climate change impacts on their community, infrastructure, and economy, while the AIP contains the programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) of the LGU, including on climate action.

The CCC commended the LGU of Paete for submitting its LCCAP and AIP, and will further collaborate with the town in enhancing its plans and programs, as aligned with the national framework and international commitments on climate resilience.

"Patuloy na susuportahan ng CCC ang bayan ng Paete sa pagpapatupad ng mga aksyon sa pagbabago ng klima at matiyak ang katatagan, hindi lang ng Paete, kundi ng buong bansa," said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.

According to Mayor Cosico, the submission of the LCCAP is a significant milestone for the town as it demonstrates the LGU's commitment to protect and enhance the well-being of its constituents.

"Ang pagbabago ng klima ay isa sa mga bantang kinakaharap ng aming komunidad. Sa pamamagitan ng LCCAP, makakagawa kami ng mga konkretong hakbang upang makapag-adapt at mabawasan ang mga epekto nito," he said.

Paete is one of the LGUs in the Philippines that is regularly affected by climate change impacts such as typhoons, flooding, and landslides. By submitting its LCCAP to the CCC, the LGU is now eligible for various technical and financial assistance, including access to the People's Survival Fund (PSF).

The PSF is a domestic funding mechanism that supports the implementation of climate resilience and adaptation programs of local communities in various areas such as agriculture, water resource management, and disaster risk reduction and management.

Mayor Cosico shared the ongoing initiatives and best practices of the town in climate resilience, including reforestation, sustainable agriculture and investment in renewable energy. Paete was among the awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2019.

To further boost its local climate change initiatives, the CCC will connect Paete LGU with relevant development partners.

The CCC will work with the local government to create a climate-resilient, climate-smart, and sustainable community in Paete, which can serve as a model for other LGUs in the country.

The LCCAP is a key deliverable of the LGUs to the CCC, as mandated by the Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2021-068.

The CCC endeavors to enable all LGUs in the country to develop, implement, and enhance LCCAPs that address the specific climate change risks facing their communities. As of 17 April 2023, 82.57% or 1,416 out of 1,715 LGUs in the country have already submitted their LCCAPs to the CCC.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit https://climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.