Caloocan City: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has intensified its grassroots initiatives by training local government units (LGUs) on climate planning and budget tracking to bolster local resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change. In a news release, the CCC announced its efforts through workshops conducted in Caloocan City and Aklan province, focusing on bolstering local capabilities to develop and implement the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) and adopt Local Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (LCCET).
According to Philippines News Agency, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert EA Borje emphasized the importance of grassroots-level climate action. He stated, "By aligning programs with community-specific needs, we ensure efficient use of resources and foster resilience where it matters most."
The CCC highlighted that the LCCAP and LCCET are crucial tools for aligning community resources with climate-responsive programs. The LCCAP serves as a strategic roadmap for local adaptation and mitigation efforts, incorporating science-based planning to address community-specific vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, LCCET is built on the national Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system, enabling LGUs to track and prioritize climate programs in their Annual Investment Plans. This system ensures transparency in climate budgeting and supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s agenda for open governance and inclusive development.
Borje further noted, "CCET not only helps prepare communities for climate risks but ensures every peso is accounted for and directed toward climate-smart development."
The CCC underscored the critical synergy between LCCAP and LCCET, explaining that while the LCCAP outlines necessary actions, the LCCET ensures those plans are financially supported and effectively monitored. When implemented correctly, these two programs enable LGUs to translate data-driven planning into tangible outcomes.
"Through these capacity-building initiatives, we pave the way for a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines - one community at a time," Borje said.
