Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Tuesday emphasized the importance of integrating climate projections, hazard information, and risk assessments into policymaking, particularly concerning infrastructure investments, as the Philippines embraces a predictive approach to governance.
According to Philippines News Agency, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje highlighted the necessity for the Philippines to transform climate forecasts and disaster risk information into tangible decisions regarding infrastructure projects. This move comes as the country joins the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global partnership focused on enhancing infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks.
Borje noted that the Philippines' involvement with the CDRI offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the consideration of climate risks prior to the construction of infrastructure. "Prediction has value when it changes a decision: the site selected, the design standard applied, the project prioritized, the maintenance scheduled, and the essential service protected," Borje remarked.
The Philippines was officially welcomed as the 71st member of the CDRI during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s meeting with coalition officials in New Delhi, India. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been appointed to represent the nation within the coalition, making the Philippines the second Southeast Asian member after Vietnam.
Borje underscored that this strategic move aligns with the country's climate adaptation efforts, particularly as infrastructure faces increasing risks from climate change and natural disasters. He emphasized the importance of anticipating risks and applying knowledge before infrastructure is situated, designed, financed, built, and maintained.
Highlighting the interconnected nature of infrastructure, Borje pointed to roads, bridges, ports, power and water systems, schools, hospitals, and communications facilities. He stressed that the failure of one element can disrupt essential services, livelihoods, and economic activity, making climate-resilient design and preventive adaptation essential.
The CCC stated that the country's membership in the CDRI can facilitate the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan 2023-2050 and the National Climate Risk Management Framework. This membership is expected to expand access to international expertise, technical cooperation, risk-assessment tools, and potential partnerships for resilient infrastructure investments.
However, the Commission emphasized that international cooperation must eventually be mirrored in national standards, budgets, investment decisions, and projects. "With DPWH as the country's designated representative, the next step is to connect this cooperation with the work of other national agencies, local governments, infrastructure operators, financing institutions, universities, and communities," Borje said.
"Our objective must be to build right at first sight and ensure that public investments remain safe, functional, and useful under the risks we already face and those we can reasonably foresee," he concluded.
