NEDA-WV to kick off project
on global warming adaptation

The National Economic and Development Authority will launch the "Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Local Development Planning and Decision-Making Processes" project in Western Visayas, at Iloilo Grand Hotel, tomorrow, a NEDA press release said.

The launching program and workshop will kick off the implementation of the project in the region.

The project aims to enhance awareness and understanding of climate change and its aggravating effect on existing natural hazards and to develop tools for the formulation of physical framework and land use and development plans.

It also intends to demonstrate practical integrated approaches at the community level, as well as provide an enabling environment and policy directions for reducing risk, the press release said.

The national launching of the project was held last October 22 in Manila with former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, as keynote speaker.

NEDA is implementing the project in partnership with the United Nations Development Program and the Australian Agency for International Development.

NEDA 6 focal person, Ma. Lourdes Miado, said their agency's involvement in DRR/CCA efforts as lead project implementor is in line with its land use and physical planning mandate, as defined in Letter of Instruction 1350, which was recently amended by Executive Order 770, the press release said.

EO 770 directs NEDA to chair the National and Regional Land Use Committees, which are tasked to, among others, promote the integration of land use and physical planning policies, plans and programs, including disaster risk management into national and regional socioeconomic plans and programs.

NEDA regional director, Ro-Ann Bacal, Regional Development Council chairperson and Antique Gov. Sally Perez and PNP Regional Director and Regional Disaster Coordinating Council chairman, Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, will lead the regional project launching, the press release added.*