Bataan pushes for an eco-friendly development

CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – Picking up from the successful Training Module I – Setting the Stage for Mainstreaming Green Growth in Development Planning last Jan. 29-31, the Provincial Government of Bataan through the Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) in coordination with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) conducted another 3 day training, Module 2 – Analyzing the Situation, Feb. 26-28, at Bulwagan ng Bayan Conference room in this city.

The training was facilitated by Ms. Maricor Muzones (Project Manager, MGGDP Project, GGGI) Mr. Jorex Camba (GGGI Consultant) and Ms. Erika Calayag (Knowledge Development Officer). On the day last day of training Mr. Suki Atwal, GGGI Philippines, Country Representative paid a courtesy call to Gov. Abet Garcia.

Section 14 of RA 10174 (Climate Change Act) specifically recognizes the role that local government units (LGUs) play in mainstreaming climate change efforts within the government and requires them to formulate and implement local climate change action plans (LCCAP) that is consistent with local and national policies and frameworks.

To complement this Act, Memorandum Circular No. 2014-135 or the Guidelines for the Formulation of the LCCAP was released by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Section 3.3.5 of the Memorandum Circular strongly suggests LGUs identify mitigation options to help reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to efforts in addressing climate change.

The participants were familiarized on the use of Green House Gas (GHG) Inventory tool and did a rapid assessment workshop and were able to analyze the current issues and future trends in the province related to energy and other significant sectors identified by the GHG Inventory. The last day focused on the identification and defining of the priority focus areas based on the results of the rapid assessment and baseline emissions using the prioritization matrix.

Next training which is scheduled on March 20-23 will be about setting vision, goals and objectives, and action planning. Participants of the event are representatives from NEDA, LGUs, and departments of PGB.