15

Accelerate Climate Action

and Strengthen Disaster
Resilience
CHAPTER 15

Accelerate Climate Action

and Strengthen Disaster
Resilience
By 2028, communities, institutions, and the natural and built environment in the Philippines are more
resilient to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change. To realize this goal, the government
will strengthen cross-sectoral convergence and coordination and implement a comprehensive risk
management approach to reduce intersecting vulnerabilities and address complexities in managing the
compounding and cascading risks posed by climate change across different sectors. The government
will collaborate with the private sector and international community to scale up sustainable and green
investments that propel economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society.
Innovative policies and measures to advance low-carbon development will also be pursued while
ensuring just transition and job creation. Rehabilitation and protection of natural resources will be
accelerated to sustain the provision of ecosystem goods and services. A green and blue economy will
be promoted and developed to optimize their contribution to livelihood and employment generation
while improving environmental and social well-being. Lastly, improved governance will underpin the
country’s collective effort to ensure long-term climate and disaster resilience.
This chapter presents the challenges faced in climate action and strengthening disaster resilience
as well as the outcomes to be pursued to address these challenges during the Plan period. These
outcomes are: (a) climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions increased,
(b) ecosystem resilience enhanced, and (c) low carbon economy transition enabled.

Assessment and Challenges

Several enabling policies and plans have Climate Risk Management Framework,1
been adopted to ramp up climate action National Disaster Risk Reduction and
and strengthen disaster resilience. These Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2020–2030,
include the adoption of a framework and and Guidelines for Mainstreaming Disaster
guidelines to mobilize sustainable and green Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change
finance, such as the Sustainable Finance Adaptation (CCA) in the Comprehensive
Framework and Roadmap, and Securities Development Plan. Multi-hazard early
and Exchange Commission Guidelines on warning systems and tools have also been
the issuance of Green and Sustainability established. The government has also adopted
Bonds. Plans and guidelines have also the roadmaps on Water Security and Natural
been formulated to better manage climate Capital Accounting and prepared flood
and disaster risks, including the National risk master plans for major river basins to

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 345

improve the state of ecosystems and enhance Meanwhile, the 2016 People’s Survival Fund
their resilience to the impacts of climate appropriation has not yet been fully utilized
change and natural hazards. Moreover, with only six LGUs able to access the fund.
local government units (LGU) were able to
integrate climate and disaster risk resiliency The coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
measures into their local plans, through pandemic slowed down environmental and
their Local Climate Change Action Plans climate action. The pandemic negatively
and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and affected the achievement of targets in the
Management Plans. However, these plans previous Philippine Development Plan
require updating, and the LGUs need more and other government plans (e.g., National
support for their implementation. The Climate Change Action Plan [NCCAP],
NDRRMP 2020–2030 also noted that the lack NDRRMP). For instance, land titling and
of consistency and standardization of tools delineation of municipal waters, which are
for local flood early warning systems caused vital for securing property rights and effective
confusion in the operationalization of the management, slowed down following the
disaster management plan, especially at the imposition of mobility restrictions due
sub-national and local levels. to COVID-19. The quarantine measures
also hampered the government’s ability to
Government budget allocation for climate assess improvements in local capacities and
and disaster resilience has been inadequate. disaster preparedness. They also resulted in
The government’s budget for climate change a significant decline in employment from
adaptation and mitigation increased from ecotourism and sustainable resource-based
PHP195 billion in 2017 to PHP289 billion industries.
in 2022. However, its share in the total
budget declined from 6.99 to 5.77 percent Overall, the progress in environmental and
in the same period. The monitoring of climate action in the last six years has been
actual expenditures at the agency and LGU modest. The implementation of programs
levels also remains inadequate, making it supporting natural resources management
difficult for the government to track and and climate actions has shown some progress.
assess the progress in the climate agenda. For For instance, forest cover increased by
the National Disaster Risk Reduction and 3.03 percent from 2015 to 2020, and the
Management Fund (NDRRMF), an annual management of protected areas generally
average of PHP20 billion was allocated from improved. However, these positive gains
2016 to 2021. However, analysis showed still fall short in improving the country’s
that the NDRRMF was mainly used for overall performance in these sectors. In the
post-disaster activities such as cash assistance, 2022 Environmental Performance Index
resettlement, and quick response funds ranking, the Philippines placed 158th out of
of agencies. This mirrors the expenditure 180 countries in environmental sustainability
pattern at the local level, where Local DRRM ranking, which covers performance indicators
Funds were highly skewed toward disaster on ecosystem vitality (e.g., biodiversity,
response, recovery and rehabilitation.2 water resources), environmental health

346 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

(e.g., air quality, waste management) and also expected to increase in frequency and
climate change. The country’s overall score of intensity.4
28.9 points fell below the Asia-Pacific median
score of 35.1.3 The Sixth Assessment Report The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable
of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate countries to the impacts of climate change,
Change concluded that global average despite its minimal contributions to global
temperature would exceed 1.5°C in the GHG emissions at 0.40 percent. In the 2022
21st century under the intermediate, high, and World Risk Index, the Philippines ranked
very high greenhouse gas (GHG) emission first among 193 countries with the highest
scenarios. With this, more frequent and disaster risks.5 Between 2011 and 2021, the
intense extreme events will continue to cause country incurred PHP673.30 billion worth
widespread adverse impacts and related losses of damage and losses due to tropical cyclones
and damage to nature and people, beyond alone.6 These damage and losses from climate
natural climate variability. This changing change are expected to increase under a
global risk landscape and the broad range of business-as-usual scenario, reaching up to
hazards—current, emerging, cascading and 7.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic
complex—have disproportionately impacted product by 2030 and 13 percent by 2040.7
less developed and developing countries and Without adequate action, climate change
communities. could worsen poverty and inequality in terms
of access to resources and opportunities.
Historical data revealed that temperature This compels the government to prioritize
indices across the country (depending on mobilizing domestic resources for adaptation
elevation) have high spatial variability. as the priority climate action in the country.
However, with the projected increase in
average temperature by the mid-21st century In its Nationally Determined Contribution
(2036–2065)—specifically, 1.9°C under the (NDC) submitted to the United Nations
moderate Representative Concentration Framework Convention on Climate Change
Pathway (RCP) or RCP 4.5 and 2.3°C under in 2021, the Philippines commits to reduce
the high (RCP 8.5) emission scenarios—a and avoid 75 percent of its projected GHG
spatially uniform warming trend across the emissions against the business-as-usual
country is to be expected, with increasing scenario (2020-2030). Of this mitigation
magnitude, frequency, and duration. target, 2.71 percent are unconditional, and
Projected changes in precipitation show 72.29 percent are conditional on resources
a general drying trend (reduced rainfall, to be provided by developed countries
more dry days), as well as the occurrence of to implement mitigation actions in the
localized extreme rainfall events. Projections agriculture, waste, industrial processes and
on sea level rise reveal an increase of about product use, transport, and energy sectors.
20 centimeters by the end of the 21st century However, the plan to operationalize the
under the RCP 8.5 scenario, which could NDC policies and measures (PAM) and their
worsen storm surge hazards on coastal corresponding financing, technology, and
communities. Moreover, tropical storms are capacity development are yet to be developed,

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 347

as well as the necessary measurement, even with the expected increases due to the
reporting, and verification system to track, implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia
monitor, and report the progress of NDC ruling. However, financial risks around
implementation. climate change investments hamper the
mobilization of significant private sector
As with other developing countries, the financing to drive climate-resilient and low-
Philippines faces substantial challenges in carbon transition. In addition, potential
implementing adaptation and risk reduction investors would need to deal with complex
strategies, strengthening community and regulatory requirements, inconsistent
ecosystem resilience, and transitioning to transition standards, and lack of credible
green growth pathways. Limited financial risk data. Moreover, the government has
resources and technical capacity of many yet to fully account for the value of natural
LGUs to utilize risk information, including capital and ecosystem services to better
CCA and DRR assessment tools, hinder inform its policies and decisions, including in
them from effectively implementing local CCA and DRR.
resiliency programs. Funds from other
sources will need to supplement LGU funds,

Strategy Framework
The Strategy Framework for climate action and institutions increased; (b) ecosystem
and disaster resilience responds to economic resilience enhanced; and (c) low carbon
transformation that benefits the welfare economy transition enabled. Implementing
of Filipino communities, households, and the specific strategies requires decisive and
individuals (See Figure 15.1). In particular, sustained financing, knowledge build-up,
it adopts a “well-being lens” where efforts on technology and innovation, strong
climate change adaptation, and mitigation, institutions, and concerted action among the
and DRR contribute to increased income government and its stakeholders at all levels.
and job opportunities, improved public These stakeholders include the private sector,
health, and enhanced knowledge and skills, civil society, academe, local communities, and
among others. At the same time, these peoples’ organization. Climate and disaster
actions contribute to enhancing economic, risk governance will be comprehensive and
natural, and social capital toward sustaining science- and evidence-based for the effective
well-being over time. and efficient delivery of these actions.

The strategies discussed below aim to

achieve the following outcomes: (a) climate
and disaster risk resilience of communities

348 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

Figure 15.1 Strategy Framework to Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience

ENHANCE ADAPTIVE CAPACITY AND RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITIES

AND ECOSYSTEMS TO NATURAL HAZARDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

CLIMATE AND DISASTER

ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE LOW CARBON ECONOMY
RISK RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITIES
AND INSTITUTIONS INCREASED ENHANCED TRANSITION ENABLED

Strengthen the capacity of LGUs and communities in Intensify ecosystem protection, rehabilitation, and Implement the Nationally Determined Contribution
disaster prevention and preparedness management (NDC) policies and measures

Boost multistakeholder partnership in building and Promote and expand natural resource-based Bolster private sector investments in green
translating knowledge to climate change adaptation industries and enterprises development
and disaster risk reduction
Ensure just transition of workers affected by the
structural changes towards a greener, more
sustainable, and low carbon economy
Align environment, social, and governance (ESG)
measures and investments with local adaptation
and risk reduction needs and priorities
Expand market opportunities for low carbon
technologies and products

IMPROVE GOVERNANCE AND INTERSECTIONALITY

OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARD RESILIENCE

Note: Strategies above the dashed lines require action by government entities, and those below by non-government entities.

Strategies
The operationalization of the above adaptive approaches will be implemented
framework will require a whole-of- considering the different levels of climate and
society and all-hazard approaches where disaster risks. Rehabilitation, protection, and
the knowledge and capacity of academic management of ecosystems will be intensified
institutions, non-government or civil society through nature-based solutions and
organizations, and vulnerable groups are integrated approaches, e.g., integrated water
harnessed or enabled by increased public resources management and ecosystem-based
investment. This will jumpstart adaptation approach. Mitigation strategies that deliver
strategies to mitigate and better prepare for adaptation and environmental co-benefits
the increase in the frequency and severity will be pursued to support the country’s
of natural hazards with significant negative climate and disaster resilience-building
impacts on communities. Localized and efforts.

Outcome 1: Climate and disaster risk resilience of

communities and institutions increased
The government will foster the Achieving climate and disaster resilience
resilience of communities and institutions will also require scaling up sustainable
through improved public-private-community finance and de-risking climate investments
engagements, increased public awareness and (See Subchapter 11.1), as well as strengthening
understanding of risk and vulnerability, and human and social assets in terms of
strengthened implementation of National income and jobs (See Chapter 4); health
Climate Risk Management Framework. (See Subchapter 2.1); knowledge, skills,

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 349

and financial literacy (See Subchapters will collaborate with the private sector and
2.2 and 11.1); environmental quality (See academic institutions in (a) conducting
Subchapter 2.3); agriculture (See Chapter local and sectoral vulnerability and risk
5); infrastructure (See Chapter 12); and assessments that incorporate public health
governance (See Chapter 14). parameters; (b) compiling and disseminating
risk data and information including
Strengthen the capacity of LGUs and reports on damage and losses through a
communities in disaster prevention comprehensive and interoperable climate
and preparedness change and natural hazard database and
Geographically disaggregated climate data information system; (c) capacitating LGUs
and related information will be updated to utilize risk information for developing,
and capacity-building programs will be implementing, and monitoring relevant
conducted to better prepare communities policies and programs; (d) maximizing
for slow and rapid onset events and identify the use of end-to-end early warning and
priority interventions. Subsequently, LGUs communication systems for preparedness
are expected to update their respective and prevention measures; and (e) enhancing
Local Climate Change Action Plans and the integration of climate change and DRR
Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management in the education system. These strategies will
Plans. Program convergence budgeting will help LGUs better access available financing
also be enhanced to efficiently address the facilities (e.g., People’s Survival Fund) for
needs of LGUs, especially those that are building community resilience.
highly vulnerable to natural hazards, climate
Align ESG measures and investments
change, and El Niño-Southern Oscillation
with local adaptation and risk
(ENSO). In addition, investments in disaster
reduction needs and priorities
preparedness and prevention, such as resilient
infrastructure (e.g., roads, schools, evacuation Private sector partners will be supported
centers, hospitals, water supply and sanitation in aligning their respective environment,
facilities, and green-grey infrastructure) will social, and governance (ESG)8 targets
be increased to enable communities affected and investments (e.g., corporate social
by disasters, especially women, children, and responsibility programs) with local priorities
other marginalized groups, build forward and targets on CCA and DRR to efficiently
better (See Chapter 12). allocate limited resources toward building
resilience. The Sustainable Development Goals
Boost multistakeholder partnership (SDG) Stakeholders’ Chambers under the
in building and translating knowledge Sub-committee on SDGs of the Development
to climate change adaptation and Budget Coordination Committee of the NEDA
disaster risk reduction Board (DBCC SC-SDG) will be utilized as
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and platform for discussing the rationalization
Management Council (NDRRMC) and of these efforts. To enable accounting of
the Climate Change Commission (CCC) contributions to broader sustainability goals,

350 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

the DBCC SC-SDG will conduct capacity SDG Stakeholders’ Chambers and other
building programs on sustainability and/ stakeholders.
or ESG reporting for the members of the

Outcome 2: Ecosystem resilience enhanced

Climate change transforms ecosystems Intensify ecosystem protection,
by altering ecological patterns, species rehabilitation, and management
distributions, and suitability of land for
The government will continue to strengthen
specific uses, and so does their capacity
the management and sustainable use
to support human adaptation. Thus,
of land, water, biodiversity, and other
rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems (e.g.,
natural resources using integrated and
forest, water, mangrove, wetlands, seagrass,
ecosystem-based approaches and nature-
coral reefs, land) will be accelerated to
based solutions to optimize their climate
restore and enhance ecosystem services,
change adaptation and mitigation benefits
particularly the ability of natural systems to
(e.g., storm buffers and carbon sink). The
protect communities against the negative
interconnectivity of various ecosystems
impacts of climate change. Planning and
within landscapes and seascapes and
implementation of interventions that
its impacts on biodiversity, ecological
address vulnerabilities across ecosystems
processes, and functions will be considered
and improve their resilience will be science-
in development planning. This covers the
and evidence-based and risk-informed, such
conduct of carrying capacity assessments
as the use of climate-adjusted hazard maps
to inform appropriate management
in spatial planning. Also, the Philippine
interventions especially in protected areas
Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption
and ecotourism sites. Indigenous knowledge,
and Production (PAP4SCP) will be
systems, and practices will also be employed
operationalized. This Action Plan follows
to complement science-based approaches
a comprehensive framework covering
in managing ecosystems. In addition,
policy, research and development (R&D),
the Department of Environment and
innovation, and technology, infrastructure
Natural Resources (DENR) will strengthen
investments, and information and education
the monitoring of extractive industries’
to enjoin consumers and producers to adopt
compliance, including mining and quarrying,
sustainable strategies and practices. In
to existing environmental laws, rules, and
addition, natural assets will be harnessed to
regulations.
stimulate demand for green goods, services,
and technologies in order to support green Likewise, scaling up the integration of
jobs and generate income for resource- sustainable land management approaches
dependent communities. (e.g., soil and water conservation measures,
climate-smart technologies) in local plans and
policies will be pursued to address climate
change impacts on land and water resources.
Strengthening and improving the efficiency

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 351

of land administration, particularly the industries and enterprises, such as mudcrab
streamlining of regulatory mechanisms for fattening, blue swimming crab culture,
land titling, will also be prioritized to ensure seaweed farming, and salt production, will
land tenure security, thereby increasing also be scaled up to provide employment
people’s adaptive capacity to climate change opportunities and income for coastal
and natural hazards. communities.

Promote and expand natural The development and implementation of the

resource-based industries and Green Jobs Assessment and Certification
enterprises System and Guidelines will be fast-tracked
to facilitate the shift to cleaner production
Collaboration among the government,
technologies and processes, while monitoring
private sector, academe, civil society, and
tools will be further harnessed to account
representatives from marginal sectors, such
for the contribution of green jobs to the
as women, youth and indigenous peoples,
economy. Also, government, academe,
will be bolstered to (a) secure sustainable
and the private sector will advance R&D
production, (b) accelerate rehabilitation
on genetic resources for nature-based
and conservation efforts, (c) strengthen
products, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional
enforcement of environmental rules and
supplements. Intellectual property rights
regulations, and (d) boost the contribution of
for such products will be strengthened to
ecosystems in climate change adaptation and
optimize their economic potential and ensure
mitigation.
equitable sharing of revenues, especially
To promote the green and blue economy, the for local and indigenous communities as
government will pursue enabling policies that stewards of our natural resources.
will provide more livelihood and economic
opportunities, particularly for the poor and Further, the government will partner with
vulnerable upland and coastal communities. other stakeholders to establish market-based
Investments in activities that foster the mechanisms, such as payments for ecosystem
sustainable management of natural resources, services (PES) that support natural resource
such as on forest and coastal protection and conservation measures and accelerate
rehabilitation, will be increased to generate ecosystems and habitat rehabilitation and
more jobs and livelihoods. The government restoration. The government will also ensure
and the private sector will also promote increased compliance with mandatory
and develop more biodiversity-friendly regulations (e.g., reporting of environmental
enterprises and ecotourism sites within and protection expenditures), and encourage
outside protected areas. Likewise, forestry the private sector to adopt flexible methods
investments will be revitalized by establishing to offset and compensate the ecological
more commercial forest plantations for and social impacts of their operation and
timber and non-timber forest products, production—including extractive industries
fuelwood, and high-value crops (e.g., (e.g., mining and quarrying—and improve
coffee, cacao, and rubber). Marine-based social and environmental standards to fulfill
corporate responsibility.

352 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

Outcome 3: Low carbon economy transition enabled
While adaptation remains the country’s will reduce emissions in the supply side
priority climate action, mitigation will be by expanding renewable energy systems
pursued given its environmental co-benefits and technologies and scaling-up energy
(e.g., improved environmental quality and efficiency and conservation measures
biodiversity) and contribution to green (See Chapter 12). The government will also
economic transformation (e.g., increased explore the localization of NDC PAMs
job creation and energy security). As to increase the capacity and contribution
such, the government will strengthen the of LGUs to national mitigation actions.
enabling environment for private sector Based on the country’s emerging needs
engagement in mitigation, promote the and priorities, the CCC will lead the
development of green technologies, and preparation of an updated NDC, to include
implement transformative policies and PAMs for adaptation and loss and damage,
actions to curb GHG emissions while through a multisectoral and consultative
ensuring just transition of the workforce. process. The CCC will also develop an
The government will also prioritize actions implementation and financial plan to guide
based on the mitigation hierarchy that lead the operationalization of NDC PAMs.
to the best outcomes for communities and
the environment, wherein the following Bolster private sector investments in
strategies are prioritized in order to: (a) avoid green development
adverse impacts, (b) minimize impacts that The government will foster an enabling
cannot be avoided, (c) restore or rehabilitate policy environment to leverage private
damage or degradation, and (d) offset or sector investments in green technologies and
compensate for unavoidable impacts. Hence, circular business models that generate green
transitioning to a low-carbon economy will jobs. This includes exploring the feasibility of
involve strengthening adaptation actions with adopting carbon pricing instruments (CPI)
high mitigation potential, such as restoring as a cost-effective means to encourage the
and protecting terrestrial and blue carbon transition to clean energy and improve energy
ecosystems (e.g., mangroves and seagrasses). efficiency in high-emitting sectors (i.e.,
energy and industry), raise state revenues,
Implement the Nationally
and address environmental concerns. Local
Determined Contribution policies
carbon markets will also be established to tap
and measures
private sector financing, including foreign
Lead sectoral agencies,9 in collaboration investments, particularly for the agriculture
with the private sector, will adopt innovative and forestry sectors. To this end, the DENR
and transformative low-carbon emitting will identify and establish areas for carbon
technologies in the energy, agriculture, offsetting and encourage support for relevant
waste, industry, and transport sectors. For initiatives such as efforts to advance the
the energy sector, the Department of Energy implementation of Reducing Emissions

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 353

from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and training opportunities (e.g., retooling,
or REDD+ activities and rehabilitate upskilling, or reskilling on sustainable
and conserve blue carbon ecosystems. practices and processes) for workers and
These measures will be complemented enterprises affected by the transition to a
by intensified, granular geospatial carbon sustainable and green economy (See Chapters
accounting at the sub-national level and in 4 and 6).
different property rights regimes, including
ancestral domains, as well as developing Expand market opportunities
a national carbon registry to monitor for low carbon technologies and
transactions. products

Technology development will be promoted

The abovementioned strategies will support
through partnership and collaboration
businesses in adopting resource-efficient
among industries, civil society, and the
and cleaner production measures and
academe. Support for the development of
pursuing supply chain-greening initiatives
domestic manufacturing and production
that optimize the use of natural resources,
of green and climate-smart technology
minimize emissions and waste, and reduce
products for global markets will also
risks to people and communities. The
be provided. For instance, downstream
promotion of resource-efficient and cleaner
metallic and non-metallic mineral industries
production, particularly in the energy,
that produce or use renewable energy
transport, and industry sectors, will be
and electric vehicle technologies and
supported by the full implementation of
components (e.g., energy storage solutions)
incentive mechanisms under existing laws,
will be supported to aid in the clean energy
such as the Renewable Energy Act, Energy
transition (See Chapters 6 and 12). This will
Efficiency and Conservation Act, Electric
increase value added in the industry sector
Vehicle Industry Development Act, Organic
and induce the creation of more green
Agriculture Law, and Green Jobs Act
jobs. The government will also continue
(See Chapters 5 and 12). In addition, local
to support local industries for R&D and
and global partnerships for carbon capture
commercialization of sustainable and green
and storage from industries such as steel and
technologies and products (e.g., through
cement production and power generation will
the Innovation Fund) (See Chapter 8). The
also be explored.
government will assist micro, small, and
Ensure just transition of workers medium enterprises (MSME) and local
affected by the structural changes export producers and suppliers to access
towards a greener, more sustainable, international markets for these technologies
and low carbon economy and products by strengthening their
compliance to sustainability standards
The implementation of the Green Jobs and enhancing their competitiveness
Human Resource Development Plan will be (See Chapter 9).
prioritized, including the provision of support

354 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

The implementation of the green public green buildings, sustainable agriculture) to
procurement program, ecolabelling, and guide consumer behavior toward green and
other green certification schemes will be sustainable products and services.
strengthened (e.g., green hotels and resorts,

Cross-cutting Strategy: Improve governance

and intersectionality of climate change and
natural hazard resilience
Cross-cutting measures will be pursued resilience-building efforts from the national
to enable the implementation of strategies down to the local level. The government
aimed at ensuring resilient communities, will also support the establishment of local
institutions, and ecosystems, and fostering climate change and disaster risk reduction data
a low-carbon economy. This would also management systems and climate change and
include addressing the intersectionality natural hazard information centers to enhance
of vulnerability in priority sectors such as the accessibility of climate information and
agriculture, water, energy, transportation, gender-transformative early warning systems
and urban-rural linkages to enhance climate by communities, which will also facilitate the
and disaster resilience. These measures scaling up of public and private resources in
focus on improving existing governance resilience building. Where applicable, these
structures, facilitating technology-enabled information centers will adopt mobile and
and science-based policy and planning, and digital information and communication
mobilizing sustainable and green investments. technologies such as the Internet of Things,
Big Data, space science and technology
Improve national and local climate applications, and artificial intelligence, thereby
and risk data and information minimizing the fragmentation of current local
management system disaster warning systems. The government
The National Framework Strategy on Climate will also develop a National Risk Registry
Change and National Climate Change that outlines and identifies location-specific
Action Plan (NCCAP) will be updated, hazards, exposure, and vulnerability,
and the National Adaptation Plan will be complementary to the development of
completed based on the latest climate science localized climate models and projections. The
and aligned with the country’s commitments capacity of lead sectoral agencies to conduct
under the 2015 Paris Agreement. The regular national GHG inventory will also be
NCCAP’s results-based monitoring and enhanced to enable the effective measurement
evaluation system will also be updated and management of GHG emissions. The
and operationalized. A framework and conduct of regional GHG inventory will
methodology to measure resilience will also also be explored to assess and determine the
be developed to effectively monitor the climate potential contribution of regions in attaining
the NDC targets.

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 355

Scale up natural capital accounting budgeting approach. Public spending will
and valuation of ecosystem services be structured such that it stimulates private
sector investments, while regulations
The Roadmap to Institutionalize Natural
and guidelines on accessing government
Capital Accounting (NCA) in the
finance facilities will be streamlined to
Philippines will be implemented to better
facilitate improved access, especially by
inform planning and programming toward
women. Further, the government will work
increasing the resilience of ecosystems
closely with the private sector to minimize
and communities and comprehensively
the risks (i.e., physical and transition
accounting for the country’s wealth. In
risks) that affect the bankability of green
particular, the Philippine Statistics Authority
investments by: (a) providing information
will develop, compile, and regularly update
on emerging climate technologies, and
natural capital and ecosystem accounts
climate and environmental uncertainties;
to: (a) monitor changes in natural capital
(b) building capacity on conducting risk
stock; (b) pursue accounting of ecosystem
assessments among investors, capitalists,
damage and losses from natural hazards and
and borrowers; and (c) developing and
estimation of corresponding monetary value;
institutionalizing tools and approaches to
and (c) integrate the value of ecosystem;
integrate environmental externalities into
services into macroeconomic indicators.
economic analyses and environmental
The DENR will establish and maintain impact assessments—allowing a holistic
a national geospatial database and data accounting of the economic costs and
management system for natural resources. benefits of associated investments. In
The academe, private sector, and civil society addition, public–private partnerships will
organizations will be tapped and capacitated be encouraged to attract more investors. The
in collecting timely, updated, and robust establishment of more Green Investment
environmental data, and in assisting LGUs to Banks will also be promoted to support the
generate and use local geospatial information. development of green markets.
The government will also collaborate with
The government will expand disaster risk
said stakeholders in conducting applied
financing beyond the NDRRMF by working
research on NCA.
with relevant institutions in financing
Scale up the mobilization of and insurance and supporting LGUs in
sustainable finance from public and accessing the same, especially for localized
private sources preparedness, relief, early recovery, and
reconstruction efforts. In addition, critical
This includes developing a sustainable, support for accessing green financing and
bankable, and gender-responsive pipeline risk insurance will be given to hazard-prone
of projects; implementing a blended communities and highly vulnerable sectors
approach in climate financing (e.g., grants, such as MSMEs and small-scale farmers and
investments, and subsidies); and expanding fisherfolk. The country will also continue
the government’s program convergence to uphold the principle of climate justice in

356 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

accessing international climate finance for (See Chapter 5); (b) flood regulation, setting
adaptation and loss and damage.10 up storage systems, and promoting efficient
irrigation system to reduce groundwater
Addressing the intersecting climate extraction, sedimentation, and siltation
vulnerabilities of development sectors requires (See Chapter 12); (c) scaling up investments in
partnership, collaboration, and convergence renewable energy and improving distribution
by all institutions. This includes sustaining efficiency; (d) scaling up and prioritizing
actions on climate change adaptation and electrification of public transport and
mitigation and disaster preparedness, relief, transition to renewable energy (See Chapter
recovery, and reconstruction, such as: (a) crop 12); and (e) limiting construction in hazard-
diversification, effective fishery management, prone areas, allocating green spaces (See
and other climate-resilient technologies Subchapter 2.3), and improving regulation in
and practices to improve agricultural building codes and permits.
productivity while reducing GHG emissions

Legislative Agenda
Within the medium term, concerned national government agencies will collaborate with
the legislative branch toward enacting legislative measures to strengthen the protection and
management of natural resources toward a sustainable and climate-resilient development. Table
15.1 contains priority bills for the 19th Congress during the Plan period to accelerate climate
action and strengthen disaster resilience.

Table 15.1 Legislative Agenda to Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience
LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBLE
RATIONALE/KEY FEATURES
AGENDA AGENCY
Delineation of Specific The bill intends to delineate the specific limits of forestlands for the conservation, protection, and DENR
Forest Limits Act development of the country’s forest resources. Identifying the permanent boundary of forestlands will
facilitate the determination of priority areas for protection, production, and utilization. This will also
provide an enabling policy for the security of tenure to vulnerable forest-dependent communities.
Sustainable Forest The bill aims to enhance forest ecosystems through reforestation and forest rehabilitation to mitigate DENR
Management Act climate change, improve and conserve biodiversity, enhance ecosystem functions and services, and
provide long-term economic benefits.
Land Administration This bill aims to upgrade, systematize, and integrate the administration, management, and operations DENR
Reform Act of the country’s land resources. It also aims to improve, rationalize, and systematize land records,
titling, documentation, and information systems into an open, updated, and reliable system. Land
security enhances people’s capacity to effectively manage their land resources and implement
measures to adapt to climate change impacts.
Integrated Coastal This bill aims to institutionalize ICM as a national strategy to ensure the holistic and sustainable DENR
Management (ICM) management of various ecosystems and natural resources through the “ridge-to-reef” approach. In
Act addition, the bill pursues the development of an ICM Framework as a guide for local government units
in building the resiliency of coastal communities to climate change and other hazards.

Natural Capital This bill aims to enable greater stakeholder engagement and sustain budgetary support for the DENR and Philippine
Accounting (NCA) Act implementation of NCA activities at the national and subnational levels. The institutionalization of Statistics Authority
the NCA will enable the government to quantify and internalize the economic costs and benefits of
environmental and climate change externalities into policies and decisions.

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 357

Results Matrix
Table 15.2 contains year-by-year and end-of-plan indicators and targets that the government
seeks to attain within each of the outcomes during the Plan period to accelerate climate action
and strengthen disaster resilience.
Table 15.2 Results Matrix to Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience
TARGETS RESPONSIBLE
BASELINE MEANS OF
INDICATOR AGENCY/INTER-
(YEAR) VERIFICATION
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 EOP AGENCY BODY
Outcome 1: Climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions increased

Number of deaths 0.446 0.4014 0.3791 0.3568 0.3345 0.3122 0.2899 0.2899 Progress Office of Civil
attributed to (2021) Report Defense (OCD)
disasters per
100,000 population
decreased

Number of missing 0.0240 0.0216 0.0204 0.0192 0.018 0.0168 0.0156 0.0156 Progress OCD
persons attributed (2021) Report
to disasters per
100,000 population
decreased

Number of directly 4,558.95 4,103.06 3,875.11 3,647.16 3,419.21 3,191.27 2,963.32 2,963.32 Progress OCD
affected persons (2021) Report
attributed to
disasters per
100,000 population
decreased

Outcome 2: Ecosystem resilience enhanced

Forest cover 24.09 24.53 24.83 24.84 24.95 25.13 25.23 25.23 Annual DENR
increased (%) (2020) Progress
Report of
Agencies

Employment 2,547 1,163 1,500 1,500 5,000 7,500 7,500 24,163 Annual Report DENR
generated from (2021)
resource-based
enterprises
or industries
increased

Outcome 3: Low-carbon economy transition enabled

Mitigated GHG emissions increased (MtCO2e)*

Energy 0 0.39 0.44 0.51 0.59 0.69 0.78 3.40 Unconditional Department of
(2019) Nationally Energy (DOE)
Determined
Contribution
(NDC) policies
and measures
(PAM)

Industrial process 0 0.33 0.39 0.47 0.54 0.62 0.71 3.06 Unconditional DENR
and product use (2019) NDC PAMs

Waste 0 0.76 0.80 0.83 0.89 1.04 1.08 5.40 Unconditional DENR
(2019) NDC PAMs

Transport 0 3.58 3.96 4.13 4.37 4.86 5.14 26.04 Unconditional Department of
(2019) NDC PAMs Transportation
* Targets are limited to the unconditional policies and measures under the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution.

358 | Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

1
Provides the framework for harmonizing and integrating efforts of various sectors and stakeholders on climate risk management and strengthening the country’s
early action system in view of the increasing losses and damages from recurring extreme weather events.
2
OCD. 2022. The Philippines’ Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 with a Short-term Review of
the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (2020–2030). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippines. https://www.
preventionweb.net/media/84407/download.
3
In 2018, the Philippines was ranked 82nd with an Environmental Performance Index score of 57.65. The country slipped into 111th in 2020 with a score of 38.4
4
Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ((DOST–PAGASA), Manila Observatory,
and Ateneo de Manila University. 2021. Philippine Climate Extremes Report 2020: Observed and Projected Climate Extremes in the Philippines to Support
Informed Decisions on Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Management. PAGASA. https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/climate/climate-change/dynamic-
downscaling#cep.
5
Atwii, F., K. Bergtora, S. L. Kirch, et al. 2022. WorldRiskReport 2022—Focus: Digitalization. Bochum: Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft; and Institute for International Law
of Peace and Armed Conflict, Ruhr University Bochum. https://reliefweb.int/attachments/6c1c1c6f-91d8-48ed-b8b5-b5918cc426a5/WorldRiskReport-2022_
Online.pdf.
6
The Social Sector (i.e., Housing, Education, Health and Nutrition, Culture, and Social Protection) contributed to 45.21% of the total amount of the loss and
damage. This was followed by the Productive Sector (i.e., Agriculture and Fisheries, Industry, Trade, and Services, Tourism, and Mining) at 33.58% then
Infrastructure (i.e., Transportation, Power Supply, Water Supply, Irrigation System, Telecom, Flood Control) at 11.13%. The Cross-cutting Sector (i.e,. Governance
& DRRM, Environment, Livelihood and Employment, Macroeconomic Assessment and Social Impact Assessment) contributed least to the country’s loss and
damage from 2011 to 2021 at only 10.09%.
7
World Bank Group. 2022. Philippines Country Climate and Development Report. CCDR Series. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/
philippines-country-climate-and-development-report.
8
World Bank Group. Data Bank: Environment and Social Governance. https://databank.worldbank.org/source/environment-social-and-governance?preview=on#.
9
Official Gazette. 2014. Executive Order 174, s. 2014: Institutionalizing the Philippine Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management and Reporting System. https://www.
officialgazette.gov.ph/2014/11/24/executive-order-no-174-s-2014/.
10
In the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Paris Agreement, L&D arising from the adverse effects of climate change can
include those related to extreme weather events but also slow onset events, such as sea level rise, increasing temperatures, ocean acidification, glacial retreat
and related impacts, salinization, land and forest degradation, loss of biodiversity, and desertification.

Chapter 15 Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience | 359