Sibalom: Senator Loren Legarda has raised alarm over the potential economic fallout for the Philippines due to climate inaction, highlighting the possible displacement of millions of Filipinos and stressing the urgency for localized climate crisis responses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Legarda, speaking at the launch of the Accelerating Climate Action and Transformation (ACT) Local Programme in Sibalom, Antique, pointed out that climate change impacts such as extreme heat could lead to billions of pesos in annual productivity losses by 2030. She noted that between 2014 and 2023, nearly 43 million Filipinos were displaced due to disasters, with projections suggesting that productivity losses from extreme heat alone could reach PHP466 billion annually by 2030.

The senator cited data indicating the Philippines' vulnerability to climate change, as evidenced by its top ranking in the World Risk Index for 16 consecutive years, primarily due to frequent and severe typhoons. Legarda warned that without action, the country might face a 13 percent reduction in GDP by 2040.

As the author of the Climate Change Act of 2009, Legarda emphasized the essential role of local government units (LGUs) in building community resilience against natural disasters, describing them as the frontline defense for the public. She highlighted the importance of the ACT Local Programme in supporting LGUs to develop Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), especially given the challenges in data collection and technical capacity.

Legarda stressed that strengthening LCCAPs is a crucial step to ensure that provinces like Antique become safer and more prepared to tackle environmental challenges. She added that while the national government can offer resources, climate resilience efforts must be rooted in local community experiences and involvement.