Another in the series of significant efforts undertaken by the UPLB Interdisciplinary Program on Climate Change (UPLB-IPCO) to further educate the public regarding the issue of climate change is the seminar conducted at UPLB on 31 January, where two experts from PAGASA and the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) were invited to speak as resource persons. PAGASA’s Climatologist Rosalinda de Guzman discussed the climate trends in the Philippines as well as that in Laguna.
In general, she said, the Philippines is susceptible to flooding and storm surges. The Philippines was ranked first in the world in terms of natural disasters, and third in terms of vulnerability to natural disasters in 2011. Now, how do we in the Philippines fare in terms of the global warning phenomenon? Our historical data, as presented by the PAGASA Climatologist, indicate that in the last decade temperature increased much faster than it did the previous decades combined. And in most parts of the Philippines, there has been an increasing rate in rising temperatures so that cold days are becoming warmer and warm nights have become hotter.
We were informed in the seminar that the tropical cyclone trends in the country from 1948-2010 indicate that most of the 19-20 yearly tropical storms that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility originate originate from the Northwest Pacific. In spite of the storms, however, the general trend in the Philippines is that of widespread warming. This is perhaps one reason why more and more we’re experiencing what we normally call in the vernacular as “maalinsangan na panahon” which happens when there’s high humidity and temperature.
Ms. De Guzman concluded by highlighting two major lessons learnt based on PAGASA’s experiences over the years. First, she pointed to the need for an effective early warning system to warn the public about impending disasters. Second, there’s need to include in the plans of all LGUs community-based warning systems to mitigate disastrous effects of climate changes.
I must point out that in October 2009, RA No. 9720, otherwise known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, was signed into law. Among other things, this law provides that the “LGUs shall be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their areas, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the National climate Change Action Plans.”
At this time, therefore, all LGUs (Barangays, particularly) must already have their respective Climate Change Action Plans. Funding for the preparation and implementation of this plan shouldn’t be a problem because RA 9729 also provides that a certain portion, some say 5%, of the LGU’s IRA is automatically allocated for this purpose. The question, now, is, do our Barangays already have such plan? Presumably, such plan as well provides for a plan of action for relocation of residents and implementation of other mitigating measures. When asked during the open forum, what percentage of the Barangays in the country, already have their respective Climate Change Action Plans, Ms. De Guzman said, “just a miniscule.” She couldn’t give the names of the LGUs that already have said plan, though.
The topic discussed by MGB’s Engr. Patricia Vergel de Dios-Kennedy was very interesting because it dealt with disaster experiences in Laguna and Metro-Manila, which struck very close to “home” for most of those in the audience. She presented data, including graphic pictures, of disasters in Laguna and Metro-Manila in the last five years. She also presented pictures of different deadly landslides resulting from heavy rainfall. Incidentally, rainfall has been increasing not only in terms of frequency but also in volume over the last few years. Again, this is the effect of climate change.
Engr. Kennedy was asked about a curious case in Los Baños. Over the years, many have experienced sudden earth shaking in Los Baños, but which apparently have never been detected by the seismographs of MGB. In fact, Engr. Kennedy said she was not aware of these events. Many in the audience, however, corroborated the information that, indeed, in Los Baños, there is this phenomenon. Someone from the audience suggested that this was due possibly to the presence of a geothermal plant in the area, but this has not been confirmed by the appropriate government agency such as the MGB.
Curiously, Engr. Kennedy informed by seminar participants that they (engineers of the MGB) normally do their barangay visit and talk directly to the Barangay officials. Apparently, this was how they (MGB) distributed copies of their geohazard maps to the barangays concerned.
The seminar series was sponsored and organized by the UPLB-IPCC, UPLB-SESAM, and the UPLB Environmental Science Society. It’s, indeed, a laudable effort.
Pix shows part of the seminar audience at the UPLB Operations Room.
Still, I have some personal comments and suggestions.
Given the nature of presentations made by the resource persons invited to speak in the seminar, I’d say that there was no problem in connecting with the UPLB audience. By and large, those in attendance understood the language and content of the presentations. Using the same presentation techniques and content treatment, the resource persons would have difficulty reaching a less science-oriented audience. But that, exactly, is what they’ve been doing, they said. For example, the MGB experts go directly to barangays to explain their geohazard maps. And the data of PAGASA are presented in statistical graphs and trends, even in their website. These are hardly designed for the general public.
There are various groups interested to get involved in trying to solve the problems of climate change. Many of these include NGOs and even student and advocacy groups. My suggestion to these groups is, if you want to make a difference, go help those Barangays plan and implement practical early warning system for natural disasters. Begin by determining what communication systems and tools are available to residents of communities and use these as the tools to inform and educate people about the hazards in their communities during times of natural calamities. Use the PAGASA and MGB data and construct understandable messages to the general public.
Come to think of it, if asked to walk my talk, I certainly would like to get involved, if I’m invited to get involved, even pro bono. But you should understand that I’m not going around volunteering my services, which, for all I know, might not be needed.
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