To address the needs of the indigenous peoples (IPs) severely affected by the Supertyphoon Ompong in the provinces of Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in partnership with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS) and the Department of Health (DOH) conducted technical and humanitarian services for the IPs of Mount Pulag on 10-12 October 2018. CCC Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman led the mission.

More than 600 IPs benefited in the joint service delivery in the municipalities of Bokod and Kabayan in Benguet, and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya - places severely scoured by landslides during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong.

Through series of assessments conducted with the help of several technical experts, Sec. De Guzman said that the local governments are expected to develop project proposals on their climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and apply for grant financing from the People’s Survival Fund.

De Guzman said that this initiative will also enable the participating cities and towns from said provinces to review and enhance their local climate change action plans (LCCAPs) by adopting an ecosystems-based adaptation and mitigation (EbAM) planning network and complete their climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA).

Medical assistance in coordination with DOH Central and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were also held to ensure that the IPs were provided with proper medication and treatment.

Following the mission, in a meeting with Benguet Governor Crescenio C. Pacalso, Secretary De Guzman shared that the local governments of Benguet were able to identify and prioritize several adaptation measures which includes organic farming, bamboo propagation, planting and processing for generating livelihood and mitigating landslides, solid waste management, rainwater catchment and renewable energy for homes, and promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, among others.