dialogue event on climate change adaptation/mitigation and ......he explained that the formulation...
TRANSCRIPT
Dialogue Event on Climate Change Adaptation/Mitigation and LEDS December 8, 2015
Objectives:
1. To discuss topics that could possibly respond to the issues and challenges posed in the Inception
Workshop; and
2. To provide venues and opportunities for interactions actions among the participants,
feedbacking and enlightenment of issues related to coordination and harmonization of actions.
Ma. Adelaida Antonette Mias-Cea
Climate Change Regional Coordinator for the Asia and the Pacific, UN -Habitat
To formally open the first official dialogue event in the V-LED project implemented with Adelphi
supported by the German Government, Ms. Laids Cea said everyone is looking forward for the dialogue
event where specific topics could possibly respond to the issues and challenges posed the first day. After
the presentations there will be opportunities to dialogue, where the audience can ask the presenters
and the presenters asking the audience key questions that need feedback or enlightenment. The
project implementing team is looking forward to healthy and meaningful discussions as well as
prospective partnerships and collaborations.
Dialogue Theme 1: Application of Efforts Related to Climate Change Mitigation at National and Local Levels: Process, Outputs and Way Forward
A. Overview of Efforts: Climate Change
Commission
Arnold Grant Belver
Climate Change Commission
Mr. Arnold Belver presented country’s initiatives and the Climate Change Commission’s activities related
to mitigation. Even before the passage of the laws related to climate change, the Philippines is one of
the first countries that came up with laws that address the impact of climate change in 2009. Looking at
the overview of the CCC initiatives and its partners, presented also were the INDC of the Philippines
submitted to United Nations this October 2015. The Philippines have come up with well-consulted
INDCs. Various agencies, senate, congress and the President’s office. The INDCs will be implemented
2020 and beyond. Mr. Belver underscored that INDCs are actually government’s “contribution” to
mitigation and not “commitments”. For the GHG reduction scenarios, a “business-as-usual scenario”
(when no mitigation actions are put forward), the Philippines would have 221 Metric million tons of
carbon in 2030.
According to Mr. Belver, the government submitted its conditional intention to reduce GHG emissions
by 70 percent by 2030. This is conditional to availability of funds and other resources. In negotiations, it
is easier to set more ambitious targets but all are conditional to funding. Though several projects are
depended on foreign funding, the country has mitigation projects in the pipeline with allocated budgets
already.
Open Forum
Reaction of Cement Industries
Q: How did the cement industry reacted on the emission target?
A: CCC will meetwith the cement industry at the end of the year (Dec18) to present to them this target
and to give clarifications to their questions.
Q: (DOTC): Are there are any parallel works or overlapping works among the NGAs? Are there efforts of
bridging the gap?
Parallel Mitigation Projects
A: Yes there are parallel projects that is why CCC would like to have a consultation with all the
stakeholders after the COP21. There are projects that need complementation like LEDS/mitigation
projects of the DOE and DOTC. There is a need to avoid duplication and harmonize all the initiatives
to maximize costs, efforts, resources and time. After the COP21, CCC hopes to come up with the
INDC road map where all initiatives of NGAs, LGUs and CSOs are included.
Use of Coal-Fired Plants
Q: What is the stand of the national government for the coal-fired power plants due to high carbon
emissions? Due to DOE’s mandate to provide secure power source, and since this is the most
affordable power source this is what is being used.
A: There are alternative sources and there are indigenous resources. The government is trying to
explore and study these other options. DOE said that it’s not possible to rid of coal at this time.
Past EMB Efforts on GHG Reduction
Q: (HLURB): The GHG reduction was done before by EMB. They were also mentoring the LGUs in Rizal,
what happened to that programme in relation to what CCC is now doing? What is the EMB’s role now
in partnership with the CCC?
A: Even before the creation of UNFCCC and creation of CCC, the Philippines was able to submit reports
on climate change actions. The data collected by the earlier efforts (of EMB) were integrated in those
communications. CCC also submitted the Second National Communication (SNC) , the baseline
submitted were data gathered earlier by DENR-EMB and other partner agencies. Now, the Third
National Communication is being drafted, with CCC on the lead.
Tools and Methodologies: GHG Inventory and
Audits on INDC Sectors
Roland Abad, Jr.
DENR-EMB/Climate Change Office
Mr. Rolando Abad, Jr. gave an overview of the Philippine GHG Inventory and the Climate Change
Mitigation Initiatives of DENR-EMB. He mentioned the different levels of GHG Inventory from the
global, national, community, sectoral, entity, product, facility and project. At the national level the
National Communication in 1994 inventory showed that majority of the Philippines’ GHG emissions
came from the energy sector followed by agriculture. The sectors measured using the IPCC 1996
guidelines were: energy, industry, waste, agriculture and land-use change and forestry (LUCF). The
Second Communication in 2000 showed the energy sector as the highest emitter of GHG again. There
was a decrease in industrial emissions and decrease in over-all GHG emission results in 2000 due to the
adjustment in the amount of emissions sequestered by the LUCF sector and change in definition of
forests. Mr. Abad identified the following gaps during these assessments:
More accurate data on forest land cover
Data on emissions from abandoned lands
Data on emissions from soil carbon
Fate of cleared biomass
Data on roundwood and fuelwood consumption
Mr. Abad also emphasized the importance of the institutionalization of the GHG inventory process for
regular, accurate and sustainable compilation of data for the GHG inventory. He also presented activities
such as:
Preparation of the INDC
DENR led the preparation of the INDCs for the agriculture, waste, industry and forestry sectors. A list of
Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA) option were identified based on a study conducted
by UNDP- Low Emission Capacity Building Programme (LECB-Phils). To prioritize the options, DENR and
participant stakeholders used the Multi-Criteria Analysis. The criteria analyzed were GHG reduction,
feasibility considering implementability and cost, and sustainable development (impacts on the
economic, social and environmental sectors). The Climate Change Commission (CCC) partnered with the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop the quantitative evidence base
for prioritizing climate change mitigation by conducting a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of climate change
mitigation options. The scope of the CBA covers all GHG emitting sectors in the Philippines, including
agriculture, energy, forestry, industry and waste. This time, the transport sector was also included.
Challenges and Needs
Need to develop an efficient data collection and management system
Enhance coordination and cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders
Further discussions/consultations on the mitigation options
Need to quantify cost for all the mitigation options
Other Lower Carbon Emission Development (Climate Change Mitigation Initiatives of EMB)
Support to the Preparation of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Industrial Processes and
Sectors
This is a support to implement Executive Order (E.O.) No. 174, s. 2014 to (a) institutionalize the GHG
inventory management and reporting system in relevant government agencies to enable the country to
transition towards a climate-resilient pathway for sustainable development, (b) EMB to be lead agency
in the conduct of GHG Inventory for the industrial processes and waste sectors
National implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol. These
are projects that
Support to the Greenhouse Gas Emission and Forest Carbon Sequestration Assessment and
Projection for the Philippines Computation Assess the present and projected greenhouse gas
emissions of the country and benchmark these against the carbon sequestration potential of the 1.5
billion trees planted under the National Greening Program (NGP)
Malacanang Palace GHG Inventory which aims to show the President’s direct action and leadership
by example; showcase government initiatives
One of the initiatives of EMB is the Mini-Carbon Olympics in partnership with USAID B-LEADERS and
Earth Network. This is a contest among ten secondary schools in the National Capital Region (Metro
Manila) where they have to minimize their carbon footprints. This includes the climate change
programmes , carbon footprint reduction and solid waste management, greening practices,
(development) of signages and promoting energy efficiency.
Question and Answer Portion
Role of the LGU in the National GHG Inventory
Q: (ICLEI): You shared the list of NGAs related to the National GHG Inventory, what is the LGU’s role, or
how can they fit in the National GHG inventory? Is there any law for LGUs to conduct GHG inventory?
A: It is ideal to come up with the national data for the National GHG inventory coming from the LGU.
Example: Calculating the GHG emission from the amount of solid waste composted or burned at the
local levels. For now, DENR is using data from selected LGUs. Emissions are calculated based on
these assumptions.
NAMA List
Q: (DILG) How did you come up with the NAMA list? Did you consult the LGUs about the mitigation
options and how did they react to this? Who are these LGUs
R: The NAMA list came from the UNDP LED-B Project. Some consultants identified the list of
appropriate mitigation options/sectors (NAMA) that the Philippines can implement. From this list, the
NAMA solid waste sector’s mitigation options (for example) were consulted with the National Solid
Waste Commission. There were seventeen commissioners consulted that came from different agencies,
thirteen from the local government agencies and four private industries, academe but there were no
consultations with LGUs.
Since, composting, recycling and segregation are implemented down to the LGU level. The next step of
EMB is to have a massive information campaign among LGUs about INDC and their role as LGUs before
its implementation by 2020.
Updated Hazard Classification of Industries
Q. Based on industry classification based on hazard and pollution, does EMB have an updated hazard
and pollution classification of industries?
R: EMB will check if there is an updated list but as of now, what we are using is DTI’s classification for
hazard and pollution for industries.
Demonstrating the Ecotown Framework
Arnold Grant Belver
Climate Change Commission
Mr. Arnold Belver, of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), presented the various climate-related
projects led by CCC.
He explained that the formulation of the NCCAP sets the strategic direction to address the challenges
posed by climate change. Even after the term of an administration, the plans will still be considered as
priorities. This living document is being reviewed every two years based on the law to validate and
update the plan. NCCAP anchors on developing local plans such as the “eco-towns”. The eco-town
project aims to ecologically sustainable and economically resilient towns and communities. Increasing
adaptive capacities of communities mean that jobs are green and ecological friendly. There are climate
smart infrastructures with empowered communities. To increase the adaptive capacities of ecosystems,
ecotowns aim to implement biodiversity conservation, provide opportunities for natural recreation
activities and generate incremental agricultural/fishery produce. It’s components include:
Resource assessment
Vulnerability assessment
Environment and natural resources accounting by determining monetary value of goods and
services provided by ecosystems
Development of LCCAP that are climate smart
Application of climate adaptation support service such as compensation for management of
natural resource, livelihood and capacity building
Designing finance schemes that support mitigation measures and pays for environment services
. The Ecotown approach were implemented in 25 municipalities from 6 provinces and 1 city.
BATANES Ivana Basco
MARIKINA CITY
ROMBLON Romblon Odiangan
PALAWAN San Vicente
EASTERN SAMAR Guiuan
BOHOL Antequera Balilihan
SURIGAO DEL NORTE Del Carmen
Mahatao Uyugan Sabtang Itbayat
Cajidiocan San Fernando Magdiwaang
Llorente Barangan Can-avid
Catigbian Cortes Maribojoc
Pilar San Benito San Isidro
ADB Technical Assistance
CCC also worked with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which provided them the Technical Assistance
on the River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL). This TA resulted in the development of (a) baseline
information and vulnerability assessment, (b) GHG inventory, (c) Green growth road map, (d) On-going
pilot demonstrations: bio-charcoal briquetting, pioneering species and check dams, and (e) capacity
building activities on GHG inventory, GIS and payment of environmental services.
Other ADB TAs included the Climate Resilience and Green Growth in Critical Watersheds
Upscaling of the Ecotown Framework
Today regular funding appropriations were allocated for technical assistance to expand the ecotown
framework in 150 LGUs. The capacity building the project covers cover (1) Natural Resource Assessment,
(2) Vulnerability/Risk Assessment and (3) Financial Literacy on Climate Change
CCC continues to establish partnerships with other NGAs and organizations for trainings and
appreciation of the importance of mitigation.
Question and Answer Portion
Climate Change as an Opportunity
Q: (UN-Habitat) The eco-town approach follows the vulnerability-based approach. It is painting climate
change only in the context of risks (negatives). Yet climate change has its advantages, benefits or gains
just like in San Vicente, Palawan. The increase in rainfall has helped increase their productivity
(agriculture). In the eco-town project, were there cases where climate change becomes an opportunity
that spurs development? Since in development planning we also look at development prospects.
R: (CCC) For the first eco-town projects, we have not determined these opportunities yet. However, an
example I can give is a short term engagement of CCC with the Camotes Island. This was an initiative of
Commissioner Yeb Saño. Through this short engagement they were able to establish a DRR system
down to the community level. Because of this, Camotes Island has not experienced any casualties each
time there are climate threats. We still have to check the best practices but [San Francisco town of]
Camotes Island can be a good model for DRR, climate change and governance since this island was
recognized by UNISDR for preparedness and disaster risk reduction.
On-Going Coordination of CCC with other government agencies
Q: In relation to the implementation of the eco-town development, what is your ongoing coordination
with other government agencies? Which part of the project does coordination/collaboration with other
agencies come in? Since we know that this will support and hasten the realization of the piloting of eco-
town project. For example, PAGIBIG (HDMF) is supporting the procurement of solar panels on houses.
R: CCC always engages with local government units starting with a Memorandum of Understanding
where all roles are specified. The implementation of the eco-town project is guided by the MOU. In
areas where there are regional offices of DA, DILG and NEDA, we always invite them during
stakeholders’. There are also members of the private sector that joined these activities. There are times
when coordination starts at the provincial level such as the Provincial Disaster Risk Office, Provincial
Environment Office or Provincial Agriculture Office, they get involved in capacity building activities and
join stakeholders’ meetings where they also share their needs.
We also want to do is to harmonize the projects to avoid duplication, avoid redundancies and come up
with something that can be shared. There are projects that might not be directly replicated by other
towns because of the unique characteristic of the eco-town site. However, the lessons learned and best
practices can be shared to everyone.
Using the Cabinet Clusters for Project Identification
Q. (DILG) With your explanation of the ecotown framework, the approach seem to use a bottom-to-top
approach where LGUs are consulted in what they need. However, there is also another way which is the
top-to-bottom approach where national agencies come up with projects that will support towns.
Example is the Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster that can identify projects for other agencies or towns.
R: (CCC) This top-to-bottom system was used when the Cabinet Clusters identified additional 150
towns/cities for the eco-town development project. When the Cabinet Clusters saw that there are
already results (from the initial eco-town project) and there are initial data to share, they suggested the
expansion of the project. After the selection of the additional 150 sites, CCC with consult with the
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Cluster [about the selection of these 150 sites] and share the
project with the other clusters for the new sites
Comment: (UN-Habitat) So far with the engagement of the government agencies of the ground and line
agencies and the private sector, as you implement your eco-town approach projects, there should be an
intention for CCC to capture the lessons learned so these agencies will be able to translate them in their
own guidelines, processes so there will be harmonization.
ECAN’s Engagement with the Eco-Town Project
Q. (ICLEI) For CCC, in Palawan there are Environmentally Critical Areas Network that developed the
ECAN Resource Management Plan, how was this considered in the Eco-Town Approach?
R: (The speaker was not sure with ECAN’s engagement with the Eco-Town Network.) The Eco-Town
network partnered with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) , CCC and the LGUs
since the start of the ecotown project. Since you mentioned that ECAN is part of PCSD, we can assume
that the principles and activities of ECAN are integrated in PCSD’s activities. We can also assume that
ECAN is integrated in EPRMP.
Eco-Town Planning of Contiguous Towns
Q. Is this eco-town a single town? Are there eco-towns composed of several towns? In Sta. Rosa, there
are four LGUs that comprise the same watersheds. There are many watersheds and towns around
Laguna Lake. How is CCC supporting towns in harmonizing the plans of the different sites?
R: In Siargao, the eco-town project was implemented in towns adjacent to each other. They planned
separately but these adjacent towns were selected because of similar biodiversity. Before they planned
separately, focus group discussions were conducted among the different representatives of each
municipality. They shared their commonalities and what are unique in their area. Just like in Samar
they have the Eastern Seaboard and the Samar National Park.
Since Laguna Lake is composed of two provinces, we need to touch-base with representatives of those
provinces and help them see the entire picture. Then offer them a detailed work plan on how to
proceed with the implementation of the eco-town projects.
Comment: (UN-Habitat) Contiguous LGUs can come up with a master plan on the watershed area then
draw their territorial plans from the watershed master plan.
B. Planning Guides and Partnerships: Local
Climate Change Action Plan
Elmo Dimaano
Local Government Academy
In his presentation, Mr. Elmo Dimaano pointed out that the LCCAP is a mandatory plan for local
governments as stated in Republic Act 9729. It’s condition of being a “stand-alone” plan depend on the
planning scenarios if the (a) CLUP is for updated (ideal), (b) CLUP cannot be updated yet (almost ideal) or
(c) both CLUP and CDP cannot be updated yet. The Stand Alone Process of developing the LCCAP
happens during last scenario happens when the LGU has no resources or is not ready yet for updating.
Then Mr. Dimaano ran through the LCCAP Template.
The Local Government Academy, being a trainor of LGUs, have trained a total of 698 LGUs on the
formulation of LCCAP. Out of these trained LGUs, there are 191 have already formulated their LCCAP.
Mr. Dimaano also presented the challenges with the formulation of the LCCAP:
Non-availability of a formally established database on natural disasters for assessment of hazards
Need for decision criteria for evaluating LCCAP – both for adaptation and mitigation
Clear policies and guides to reduce GHG emissions and develop more carbon sinks
Clear steps for LGUs to develop mitigation actions as supplementary to LCCAP
The way forward needs further coordination for the following:
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Government Academy (LGA)
shall facilitate the development and provision of a training program for LGUs in climate change
Formulate and update guidelines for determining vulnerability to climate change and adaptation
assessment and facilitate the provision of technical assistance for their implementation..
Facilitate capacity building for local adaptation planning, monitoring CC initiatives in vulnerable
communities and areas
Question and Answer
Institutional Structures in LGUs for LCCAP Role Out
Q.(USAID) Part of the success of the NCCAP or national programmes is the institutional arrangement or
institutional structure that supports the plan or the programme. Just like the NDDRMC, where we have
regional, provincial and municipal support, is there a structure within the LCCAP and LGA that supports
the establishment and the creation of institutional structures that can take on these roles of LCCAP
implementation and climate adaptation/mitigation?
R: (LGA) The regional implementation of the LCCAP is done through the regional offices. The mode of
delivery of the LCCAP is done through training of trainors of the regional office staff. The regional
representatives manage the conduct of training of the LGUs in the formulation of the LCCAP.
For the structure , the LGUs should create the institutional structures that will take on the role of LCCAP
implementation and climate adaptation/mitigation. Most of the time, there are LGU staff that have dual
functions. There are LDRRM officers whose functions are expanded to support the development of the
LCCAP. The local planning officer also takes the role of the LDRRM officer also takes charge of
developing the LCCAP also.
Comment: (UN-Habitat) In the law, the local government should appoint the Local Climate Change focal
person. This is the reason for dual positions/role unless an LGU has a budget for such a position, they
can definitely appoint (an additional staff) and create a climate change office. In comparison to the
position for the Local DRRM, there is a specific budget allocation where they can source the person who
is going to be in charge of Disaster Risk Management.
In the context of DILG, these national agency has a local person assigned in a municipality or city. This
DILG representative serves as a mentor when there is an LCCAP roll-out in a municipality or city.
The DILG and LGA’s process of training of trainors help raise mentors who can relay the process [of
LCCAP] up to the local level. These trainings also sustain the process. Aside from the capacity building
activities, they have CDP focal persons at the local level. Different functionaries at the local level are
represented in the formulation of different plans. The Environment Office’s role is important and this
can best represent the climate change programmes.
Comment: (PLLENRO) PLLENRO is actually advocating for CENRO, PENRO and MENRO positions should
not only be optional but mandatory. These are officers who can focus on climate change issues or
mitigation. There were efforts to request the President to make an Executive Order to make the
Environmental Office mandatory. This was only referred to the DENR.
Comment: (LCP) LCP is also advocating for the environment officer’s position to be mandatory but the
process of its approval is slow. Surprisingly, there are still Metro Manila LGUs that do not have the
Environment Office despite their higher capacities to provide resources and skilled staff to have that
kind of office.
It also depends on the commitment of the mayor. There are municipalities where there are environment
offices but they lack the technical staff. We are hoping that the Local Government Code will be
amended to make these offices mandatory.
There must be a creation of the Environment Office & appointment of its officer at the LGU level. We
hope that the DENR can help us in this.
Comprehensive Land Use Planning Guidelines
Director Nora Diaz
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)
Director Nora Diaz presented the guidelines that HLURB enhanced. They were enhanced because of the
two new laws on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change. Guidelines to an all-inclusive plan were
developed by integrating the coastal and forest lands in CLUPs of our cities and municipalities. Before
our land use plans were only focused on alienable and disposable lands. Now included are the guide for
DRRM, CC, resource management and special land studies including forests, coastal areas, heritage
conservation, ancestral domain, green growths and urban design. In the Ridge-to-Reef (R2R) approach,
the environment is the main and general framework in the planning of our resources. This is the policy
framework in the enhancement of the guidebook: anything that happens in the upland will affect the
lowlands and it will affect your municipal waters. DRRM and CCA are integrated in all the enhanced
guidelines.
There are national laws that should also be considered in planning such as the mining act, forestry act,
ecological solid waste management, indigenous people’s rights act, local government codes, etc.
Analysis of GHG emissions and V-LED processes can come in Situational Analysis. This is the longest step
that helps in the preparation of land use map and programmes, where data are collected, where people
will be consulted, where a temporal and spatial analysis are done. LGUs can come up with development
concept and spatial strategies after determining the opportunities and constraints using the situational
analysis.
Then the section on mainstreaming climate change risk reduction and adaptation focuses on the
convergence of CCA and DRR in land use planning. Here we have to understand the relationship and
convergence of climate change hazards and the entry points of CCA and DRR in the process. Towards
the end, the LGU comes up with their policies and the designation of development areas. The 2nd
Volume of CLUP guidelines will provide a qualitative approach in you CCA and DRR while the
Supplemental Guide will provide the techniques and the tools. Through the Situational Analysis,
through the Structure Plan, Land Use Plan, a Zoning Ordinance will be developed to address low-GHG
emissions and LEDS actions. The Zoning Ordinance is the implementing tool of the CLUP.
Question and Answer
LEDS-Related Data for Situational Analysis
Question from the Presentor: (HLURB) Given your agencies’ functions and mandates, what questions
and sub-sectoral data do we need (i.e. transportation or communications) to collect and to include in
the analysis to integrate the LEDS perspective?
R: (DOTC) DOTC has still to come up with the National Transport Plan that NGAs and LGUs can use as a
[transport] guide for the Situational Analysis.
Considering the part of the transport sector where LEDS perspective can be incorporated, DOTC has
efforts on low-emission transportation through sustainable transport initiatives but this is not yet
complete. There is a need for better coordination, parallel and horizontal sharing of the LEDS initiatives
with the LGUs and DILG. DOTC has yet to have regional offices. National policies are regulated by
attached agencies such as MRT, LRT, LTO and LTFRB. DOTC formulates the policies but information
dissemination to the locals are not in place.
From DOTC, the information we need are the number of vehicles, data on mode of transport. At the
local levels, we can gather this information through the permitting system. Transit oriented community
development and the traffic/transport management plans is yet to be formulated at the local level.
DOTC has yet to come up with policies that will promote these kinds of local initiatives and tapping DILG
because transport is a back bone of the economy.
Comment: There are other cities that follow the Transit Oriented Development. There is a need to
strengthen the vertical coordination of DOTC with the LGUs
Comment: (UN-Habitat) There are regulatory bodies that should be translating your policies on the
ground. It’s not all dependent on the local government because transport management is trans-
boundary.
Formulation LEDS Options
Comment: (USAID) The concept of formulating LEDS at the local level and in the context of climate is a
mix of assessing the current situation and analyzing the options. If we look at the LEDS processes and
stages, there are defined steps and guidelines. One (1) is organizing the LEDS process. There should be
people concerned or dedicated to the LEDS process. (2) Second is analyzing the current situation. Third,
(3) analyzing options. The comment on the CLUP guidelines is we are missing the “mitigation” part.
LEDS is coming in as climate change mitigation not as adaptation. It is anchored on adaptation but
mitigation is separate, including DRRM. The mitigation part is what the [CLUP] framework is missing.
We are not introducing LEDS and we are not re-inventing LEDS in the Philippines. There are many [LEDS]
initiatives that have been developed—tools, methodologies and assistance related to LEDS.
The Training Track on Low-Emission Land Use Planning and Implementation
Comment: (USAID) The ASIA-LEDS partnership, the Regional-LEDS partnership is developing training
track on low-emission land use planning and implementation. Kindly consider this as an additional
training to your current menu of trainings. There are 3 tracks that had been developed (1) Overview of
LEDS, (2) Track on Energy, and (3) LEDS Low-Emission Land Use Planning and Implementation.
Integrating LEDS perspective in CLUPs is more than developing sectoral programmes but it is developing
a whole process of LEDS in a systematic manner. Since the CLUP process is consistent with the LEDS
planning process, it will be easy for LGUs to ask sectors to identify LEDS options.
Air Quality Data Source for LGUs
Comment: (EMB) The LGUs can also acquire LEDS related data from the Air Quality Management Office
of the EMB. This office conducts inventories on GHG and pollutants. They analyze the carrying capacity
of areas in relation to pollutants and they measure the livability of an area based on air quality. This
analysis is used by industries and its results are used in EIA planning. This assessment can also help
determine how many industries or factories can still be built in an area considering the emissions. This
assessment tool is also applicable in determining how many vehicles can still be accommodated in an
area.
Issues on Forest Land Conversion
Q: (EMB) The speaker mentioned that forest lands should not be converted to other land use. There is a
growing pressure [land conversion] where agricultural lands are being converted into residential areas.
Forested lands are converted to agricultural lands. How do we address this issue?
R: (HLURB) These land conversions are actually recognized issues. Agricultural lands are moving into the
forest lands. Agricultural and population intrusion are reasons why we are losing our forest covers. The
designated protected areas especially the forest should be preserved. In the CLUP, only the designated
Production Forests can be converted. Just like the FMB of DENR, 18- 50 percent of the forest in a
location should be allocated for production forest. However, there are violations on the ground that is
not completely monitored.
PLLENRO- Overview of Climate Change Inventory
Racquel Naciongayo
Public Relations Officer PLLENRO and City ENRO-Pasig City
Ms. Racquel Naciongaio discussed PLLENRO’s GHG. PLLENRO is composed of the local ENROs of the
Philippines. However, not all cities or municipalities have their designated local environment officer.
Unfortunately, only 20 percent of the LGUs have appointed officers and filled up a mandatory position
for the environment officer. One of PLLENRO’s advocacies is the mandatory creation of the position of
the local environment officer even in 4th class municipalities where municipality budgets are low. With
PLLENRO’s partnership with USAID and other partners, its members are trying to submit and comply
with the various mandated plans: solid waste management plan, clean air act, clean water act, local
climate change management plans and some ENROs are appointed as DRRM officer etc.
In 2012, PLLENRO, Mayors and USAID signed a MOA to conduct their own entity level GHG emissions
inventory and accounting. (Entity Level inventory is done at the local government offices level only).
There are six LGUs that have finished their city level GHG inventory, community-level assessment too
and the preparation of GHG management plan.
Every year PLLENRO LGU members gather. One of the major projects of PLLENRO is the
training/capacity building on GHG emission inventory and accounting at the entity level first. In 2012,
our capacity building theme is to how to be pioneers in local GHG inventories and management to
address the impacts of climate change.
In the inventory, we measured elements like the power consumption, fuel consumption and carbon
dioxide from wastes. Then PLLENRO LGUs planned the GHG management actions for the next ten (10)
years. Several cities/municipalities have started implementing mitigation efforts after finishing their
entity level and community level GHG inventories.
Samples of mitigation efforts: For example in Pasig, we have implemented the 4-day carless Sunday
streets for the last 3 years. For the Quezon City government office, all employees are encouraged to go
meatless every Monday. This includes elementary and high school students all over Quezon City. In
Makati City, they are reducing their gas emissions by using twenty electric jeepneys plying the Makati
Green Loop. For other LGU ofices, they converted their incandescent lights to LED lamps. This reduces
electricity consumption. Cities such as Sta. Rosa, Pasig and Quezon City are slowly installing solar-
powered street lights and solar –powered lights in our basic institutions. Pasig City plans to install solar
powered lights in all their barangay halls. Sta. Rosa and Makati also concentrated in reducing their
wastes and installation of effective sewage treatment plan.
The continuing programmes of PLLENRO include guidance and mentoring of LGUs towards the
completion of their entity level GHG emission inventory and accounting.
USAID helped verify the results of our entity and community level GHG inventories and establish the
credibility of the reports. They brought in 3rd party validator from Center for Climate Strategies (CCS).
Makati and Aurora’s results were verified and certified by CCF.
PLLENRO also launched a programme “GHG Biggest Loser”. This is a continuing project of PLLENRO
which is promoted among LGUs, sectors and industries that will last for 2 more years. We are also
advocating for local councils to pass resolutions for the local industries to reduce their GHG emissions
before they are able to renew their permits.
Question and Answer
GPC and Entity Level GHG Inventory
Q: What is the scope of the entity-level inventory? Which guidelines and measuring instruments did you
use for the entity-level inventory? How about the community level inventory?
R: The entity-level GHG inventory covers the local government operations only. It includes the inventory
of the power and the fuel consumption using the Global Protocol for Community-Scale GHG Emission
Inventories (GPC) and indirect emissions as well. For the community level inventory, we included only 3
scopes of GPC.
Potential Sites for Piloting
Q. Which cities or municipalities have finished the verified entity-level and the community level GHG
inventory? For piloting of the LEDS project, it is important to take from those who have finished these
inventories including the GHG Management Framework Plan. For those who underwent the entity level
inventory, how many of them have used these data as baselines in planning?
R: There are seven areas that finished the inventories and planning. They are: Makati, Pasig, Quezon
City, Sta. Rosa, Batangas City, Aurora Province and Kalayaan, Laguna. Only few LGUs were able to finish
their community-level GHG inventory due to lack of data and technical personnel who will focus on the
project. These sites have also used the baselines in planning and in their projects already.
Basis for Choosing the LGUs for PLLENRO’s GHG Inventory Training and Implementation
Project
Q: What is your basis for choosing the LGUs for this project?
R: In partnership with USAID and PLLENRO, LGUs, that are members of PLLENRO, were requested to
submit Letters of Interest to be involved in this project. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed
by the mayor and the two agencies before they conducted the trainings.
GHG Management Plan of Sta. Rosa
Erlinda C. Creencia, EnP
City ENRO of Sta. Rosa
Ms. Erlinda Creencia of Sta. Rosa briefly described Sta. Rosa and their efforts in reducing the GHG
emissions.
For the past 20 years, Sta. Rosa changed from an agricultural town to a highly industrialized urban city.
This resulted to larger built-up zones and less green areas. Sta. Rosa became a growth area for
industrial companies due to the national policy that mandates the new industrial facilities to be located
outside Metro Manila. In Sta. Rosa there are many car companies, beverage factories and electronic
companies. There are also high-end residential estates and campuses/international schools.
Sta. Rosa followed these steps in preparing the GHG Management Framework Plan
(1) GHG emission inventory – entity and community level
(2) Formulation of GHG Management Framework plan
(3) Development of the Long-Term GHG Management Plan
The inventory focused on using the past data. On the technical side, Sta. Rosa determined the drivers
that cause the GHG emission. Using the activity data and the emission factors we were able to come up
with credible estimates of the GHG emissions using the IPCC guidelines and projection of future
scenarios. Based on these data, the city developed the GHG Management Framework Plan.
Political will plays an important role in the completion of the GHG processes from the entry-level,
community level inventories, development of the management plan and their implementation.
Based on the GHG inventory in 2010, the highest emissions in Sta. Rosa came from the industry sector:
glass manufacturing, semi-conductor and electronics company and air-conditioning manufacturers. The
inventory of these industries is based on the IPCC guidelines. GHG emissions from industries, residential
areas and street lights were measured based on their electrical consumption. Based on the inventory,
the highest GHG emitters in Sta. Rosa are industries, followed by power consumption, road
transportation, solid waste, waste water, agriculture and stationary energy.
Sector (Source of
GHG)
Sources of Data
Power consumption Power Company (Meralco)
Road transportation Sales of gasoline station and vehicular permits
Solid waste Local government data (general services
Industries Industry reports
Waste Water Number of septic tanks and waste water treatment facility
Agriculture City agriculture office
Stationary energy Survey data on household fuels like LPG, charcoal, generators of industries and
commercial establishments
Sta. Rosa envisions low-carbon communities. It envisions itself as a roaring world class, highly
sustainable, urbanized smart and green city driven by transparent and accountable local governance,
effective civil servants and empowered citizenry.
Goals and targets in GHG Management Plan
1) Conversion of fluorescent lights to LED; conversion of street lights to solar lights in facilities
under government operations. The minimum target goal of reduction is only 0.5% for this
actions
Current Initiatives:
(1) Implement policies integrated in the City Environment Code: land resources, air quality, water
resources, integrated waste management
(2) Regulated use of plastics (use for wet goods only) and ban of use of Styrofoam
(3) Institutionalized the environmental clearance – through the issuance of mayor’s permit, all
commercial and industrial establishments should go to the CENRO for the environmental
clearance and comply with the requirements of the national agency
(4) 10-Year Comprehensive Solid Waste Management plan – this has been updated from 2016 to
2025. By 2016, 50% of our solid waste should be diverted through the use of (a) composting
facility reducing methane, (b) we also have the bracketing facility (coco-nut husk as raw
material) (c) recycling project (residential, schools and industries) conducted every last Friday of
the month
(5) Sta. Rosa’s green development and guidebook for land developers for Sta. Rosa’s watershed
with the assistance of WWF
(6) Storm water management practices (use best practices)
(7) They joined the Compact of Mayors in the ICLEI World Congress in Korea where they submitted
our carbon registry
(8) Asian City Climate Change Network with ICLEI – they assisted in updating the LCCAP; but this is
heavy on adaptation
(9) Earth Hour City Challenge
(10) Submission of Target from 2020 to 2025 reduction by 1%
(11) Low cost housing through GIZ-Nexus approach project
To integrate the GHG Framework Management Plan to the LCCAP, Sta. Rosa conducted the following:
(1) Climate Exposure: projections and scenario particularly the GHG emissions scenario
(2) Urban Systems Analysis – which includes the Core Systems such as ecosystems, land, water,
food, shelter, transport, etc. )
(3) Prioritization of interventions to minimize and adapt to climate impacts
We provided various mitigation options to address the heat island effect of the built up areas in Sta.
Rosa.
Question and Answer
Level of Difficulty of GHG Inventory
Q: How difficult and how technical is the inventory in substance and form?
R: The conduct of the GHG inventory is not difficult. With the multiplication of the activity data and the
emission factor, we get the CO2 emissions. The difficult part of the process is the collection of accurate
and reliable data. The activity data is just multiplied by the emission factor then you have the CO2
emissions. The difficult part is the collection of accurate and reliable data. We encountered problems
with the certification of the CCS because the data they needed, for example for the solid waste, is First
Order of Decay (FOD). If we use that analysis, we have to work back 50 years ago and use the GDP.
However, we lack this data. Also if we use this data, the results seem unbelievable because it will result
to emission of billions of tons of CO2 for a small area like Sta. Rosa.
So we used the ICLEI method to compute the GHG emissions of solid waste. The most difficult part is to
get the data needed except for industries (glass manufacturing, electronics and air-conditioning
manufacturers) in Sta. Rosa. These industries have conducted their GHG emission reports before
because their mother companies in countries like Japan are requiring them to submit this report.
Considerations in Training LGUs
Q: What are the important things to consider during LGU trainings on the GHG Inventory?
R: If we are going to conduct trainings for LGUs in GHG inventory, it is important to make them aware of
the impacts GHG emissions and its reductions. It is not enough to just give them the spreadsheets and
let them compute and comply.
Influence of Baseline to Planning
Q: Now that you are updating your CLUP, will the (GHG) baseline influence your planning and sectoral
strategies?
R: For now, we are able to use the results of the study implement short-term projects. This includes
installation of solar panels and solar lamps installation of solar panels and solar lamps installation of
solar panels and solar lamps. After sharing the results of this study to commercial and industrial
companies, these establishments started to implement the use of solar panels to be able to apply for
endorsements from the Sta. Government. This certification helps them apply for incentives from the
Bureau of Investments and Department of Energy.
Challenge in Institutionalizing Mitigation Function and Use of Permitting System
Q: (Adelphi) You mentioned about the challenge in institutionalizing the GHG function in LGUs, can you
please tell more about that ?
R: The challenge is lack of technical staff. There are more administrative staff compared to the
technical staff. Each department (related to mitigation) should have a technical staff who can work on
mitigation as we form the Technical Working Group. These persons are able to provide data and
suggestions just like the Engineering Department, General Services Office, etc. For a city like us, it’s
easy to form this TWG using an Executive Order but a mandate from a national agency can help in
institutionalizing a climate change focal person in an LGU.
Comment: (UN-Habitat) It will be easier to implement the LEDS and mitigation system if we use the
permitting system.
R: We can use GHG Reduction Ordinance of Sta. Rosa. This is still under review but this will help
improve businesses but we do not know the response of the private sector on this ordinance yet.
Collaboration of LGUs with EMB
Q. How is the collaboration of EMB with the industries.
R: (EMB) On GHG emission reports and reduction, EMB made the training and compliance to this
programme among industries and their Pollution Control Officers, voluntary. During the training, that’s
when they realize the importance of co-benefits. We don’t still have a national policy that puts price on
carbon and limits carbon in industries. We are not sure if LGUs can implement those types of policies
yet.
R: (Sta. Rosa) In Sta. Rosa, industries are very cooperative but they too need training. I am a member of
multi-partite monitoring team. These industries submit GHG inventory reports (which are mostly done
by consultants) but they are not aware how these CO2 emissions came about
Replicability
Q. (DILG)Considering the replicability and sustainability of these programmes, you are able to start this
because of the assistance from USAID. Without this assistance how can this be sustained and
duplicated?
R: (PLLENRO) Yes this can be replicated. PLLENRO tells the LGUs that the GHG inventory is a must for
our LCCAP. Through training request letters, we will be able to train LGUs on GHG inventory. However,
we encourage provincial-wide training to maximize the time and resources. We ask the participants to
prepare the data ahead of time. Then we conduct write shops during trainingsimmediately instead of
conducting pure presentations/lectures. The challenge however is, PLLENRO is voluntary. We ENROs,
lack the time to conduct this. Maybe the funders can extend the funding to provide more of these
trainings.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Q: Do we have a monitoring and evaluation of these efforts? The documentation, monitoring and
evaluation of these efforts are important for replication strategies and sustainability that we are about
to craft. This will help in piloting and replicating best practices in other cities.
R: (PLLENRO) M&E is indicated in city plans but this is not fully implemented. This process is indeed
important to consider.
R: (ICLEI) A suggestion is for us to use a Citizen’s Report Card during implementation. Through this we
will be able to get feedbacks about the challenges, how the implementors addressed them and
suggestions on how the practices can be implemented better for replication.
Doability of the GHG Inventory and Reduction Implementation
R: (USAID) In response to the issue of sustainability, with or without donor, we hope that PLLENRO and
the LGUs will do and continue the GHG inventory trainings. the first challenge that would address
sustainability is how to institutionalize this such that it can make external assistance redundant or
negligible because the LGUs themselves are able to do this. One of the lessons here at the national and
at the local level, is to let the stakeholders (LGUs and NGAs) know that this process is doable and it does
not need to be perfect the first try. The real challenge even at the regional level is the momentum,
getting the first crack at it due to fear of the unknown—hesitations if they will do this right or wrong.
With the capacity building activities we’ve done so far across different sectors and national agencies, the
first thing is an overview which simplifies things and the GHG inventories. We know the limitations of
data but we try to at least tell them that it can be done, it doesn’t have to be perfect and there are data
gaps that can be addressed. There are data that are not practically collected at all but we are not
starting from scratch. The formula that we use for GHG emissions for example, activity data is
problematic if we don’t have that. But there are techniques in finding proxy data or other sources of
data. For emission factor, the 2nd greatest fear of LGUs and NGA, what do we do, we do not have
emission factor that is country specific, but there are default values. It’s relatively easy. The challenge
for technical assistance providers, like USAID, is how to simplify so it becomes mainstreamed, easily
used, user friendly. Even the software, we try to be very simple. It is practically spread sheet
Community-Based Monitoring System
R: (PLLENRO) The city of Sta Rosa will now conduct the CBMS or the Community-Based Monitoring
System. The Planning Office’s requested CENRO to do the survey and input data like fuels (LPG for
household use). This is going to be a family level inventory. (This data can be used for detailed GHG
emission measure).
Collecting Data from the Private Sector
Q. What did the City of Rosa during the data collection? Sometimes it is difficult to get data from the
private sectors.
R: (Sta. Rosa) The local government wrote the private sectors a letter explaining the project. Most of
them responded and sent their data). It’s easier to get their cooperation when they understand what
the project is. We contacted the Manila Electric Company to get data for the power use per consumer
(household, industries, etc We prepared tally sheets (questionnaire) and they submitted the sheets to
us. Industries are cooperative also. Not all industries in different cities are cooperative. It will be really
difficult to get the data if these will not be included in their permitting system before the local
government releases the Compliance Certificate.
Sharing the Inventory Results to Private Companies
Q. Were the results of the inventory shared with the private companies? And did you give them
recommendations on what they can do to reduce GHG emissions through CSR?
R: (Sta. Rosa) Yes we shared the results of the inventory with them. We did give them
recommendations. The industries in Sta. Rosa are cooperative and compliant. Just like in the
conversion of the LED lights, 90% of the industries’ lighting are already converted. Another factor to
their compliance is the requirement of their mother companies abroad.
R: (EMB) More businesses are going green and are thinking more about the environment just like the
World Business Council for Sustainable Development. This group discusses issues like climate change
because they didn’t want climate change to worsen and they want to protect their businesses. In the US
they have registries for GHG emissions where private sectors will input their own GHG inventory data.
For those who don’t want to give their GHG data, this information can be derived through the
production reports. We aspire that we will be able to provide a platform where industries can input
their data. Anonymous registry can encourage them to input their data as well.
Deriving the Data
Q. (UN-Habitat to EMB) We are reporting at the national level but the systems that the national and
local government units are using are different, is there a chance for you to eventually just aggregate so
that we will be more realistic at our target?
R: (EMB) It will be a very good way to do a bottom up approach to collect data. Realistically it is still not
possible for now. The way we are doing it now is through the top to bottom approach. For industries
like cement, we use the production data to compute the GHG emission. Since it is difficult to get data
from individual companies, we get them from industrial associations and manufacturer’s associations in
the Philippines. Although this doesn’t guarantee that all industries (like cement companies) are
members of these groups. This is an error that we can leave by know.
Another issue is that limiting the carbon emissions will be controversial for different companies.
Use of Self-Monitoring Report
Q. The industries are submitting the SMR (Self-Monitoring Reposrt) to DENR. Why not submit the GHG
emission report with the SMR?
R: (EMB) About the use of SMR, the reason why EMB was assigned to do the GHG inventory with
industries was because of the SMR. This is a report of industries. PCOs are mandated to submit every
quarter to monitor their environmental compliance. These SMRs are very good sources of data.
Input: (USAID) For an update, on Jan2016 USAID and UNDP LED-B will launch the GHG Reporting
Protocol and Inventory Management Plan for the private sectors/industries. The Registry that we’ve
been talking about will be answered by January. USAID will also have a project will also demonstrate and
Organizational Reporting Platform/ Online Reporting Registry. This is based on the US experience that
we will also develop in Thailand. It is now ready for demonstration and outreach to other countries.
Hopefully, this will address the needs of private sector reporting. This covers not just the inventory but
an online platform and registry and an inventory management plan that can address the concerns with
industries. It can cover any industry across the country. Industries covered are those identified in the
IPCC based on key-categories analysis.
R: (EMB) We looked at the data produced by USAID B-LEADERS to see if this can be used as an activity
data for the National GHG inventory. The problem is the data were submitted were just for compliance
and most of them are incomplete. For example, in Region IVA, there should be 4,000 to 5,000
industries that had to submit the report and there were limited people who will review the reports.
Unfortunately, there are data that had just been copied and paste. There were blanks, inconsistencies in
the reports, and they are difficult to use because they’re provided in hardcopies. Many volumes of
reports come every quarter. We are planning to have the SMRs submitted electronically. This is a
project we proposed several years ago. Unfortunately, when we consulted the regions, some didn’t
want the standardized online report. Hopefully in the future we can do something about it.
ADAPCO and the Role of Civil Society
Input: (Adelphi) I want to share with an example from Adelphi in response to the subject of
sustainability and the link with the private sector. A month ago, we finished a project called ADAPCO in
different cities of India. What came out of it was that the project tapped into civil society and activists
concerned about climate change. There were present in the cities. They were trained to organize
themselves. Somehow they were able to link themselves with the private sector’s CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility). It created a civil society platform that was independent from the LGU but was supported
by them. They were given by the green light by the LGU to be a sort of an advisory group. They served as
a civil movement that always kept the climate change topics on the agenda, even if the LGU wasn’t
having international funds or technical support from the internationals. The realization at the end is
that the civil societies, the group of women, the youth were there and were very interested in keeping
it going even when the climate change wasn’t there anymore because the project finished.
Last Inputs At the end of the session, participants who were unable to share yet were asked to give their comments,
insights and inputs.
Inputs from ICLEI
ICLEI has tools on Carbon Registry and it can be used at the national or local levels. It is an online or an
offline tool. It is easy to use. We used this during the city challenge. The Carbon Climate registry is
focused more on the GHG emissions, performances, climate change mitigation and adaptation action
being reported by cities. An example in relation to the industry platform, the LGUs (under ICLEI) are in
the forefront of doing the ground work of implementing the GHG reductions. They can use this to report
their emissions. The NGAs, like DENR, can get the data from what was reported based on the five
sectors under the IPCC. It can be an exchange of what the LGUs are reporting and what the NGAs can
get from these LGUs. Dialogues such as this are significant to communicate about the gaps and the
needs between the LGUs and NGAs. We should also use platforms such as CCR to get information on
how to go about initiatives. ICLEI is also developing a toolkit for CCC for LGUs. Through CCC we can
course all our tools available.
Inputs from PIEP
As planners, we will always come back to the CDP and CLUP as the platform and the process that we will
look to for the long term. All these tools and programmes that are being introduced are yet to be
mainstreamed in the planning process because this is what LGUs are mandated to produce. For
sustainability and continuity, this is where we will go back to (CLUP and CDP). It was also the road for
the mainstreaming of the CCA and DRR in plans. It is a question for everything that we are trying to
produce including M&E. The new CLUP guide has provisions for components for M&E including the
Citizen’s Report Card. Tying feedback mechanisms and monitoring mechanisms for VLED, CCA and DRR
initiatives it will be easier for us to integrate this in local climate process.
The CLUP and CDP planning process has inate stakeholdership direction including utilizing the local
development council, the different offices, the different groups involved within the planning process. If
these are utilized and maximized, this can facilitate successful and continuing programmes. We should
always find the link between the local processes and make sure that project based initiatives will be
eventually mainstreamed.
Inputs from DILG
One of our staff in the DRR outcome group, shared the Philippines will reduce 40% of its GHG emissions.
Now I learned that we want to reduce it by 70%. Seeing the initiatives of cities like Pasig and Sta. Rosa, I
think we can reach that 70% reduction if all urban cities will do all those kinds of initiatives. We just have
to empower LGUs in our TOT mainstreaming, DRR and CCA in our CDP to include these kinds of TTAs.
Inputs from WWF
This has been a fruitful discussion for the past two days. It’s like a travel back in time when I was doing
the Carbon footprint project in WWF. The discussions we had highlighted the challenges we are facing in
emission measure development in the industries so they will do their inventory and do their own GHG
reduction emission whether or not they are mandated to do so. We have to work together and
coordinate our efforts.
Input from League of Cities The concern with these activities that this should be applicable to all cities and not just to few to have an
access to these kinds of events. We are advocating. LCP advocates anything that would benefit our cities
. LCP hopes that all the cities will also learn about the VLED mechanisms. I learned a lot about the
initiatives of two of our cities. We will support any sharing of best practices just like some of the projects
we had with UN-Habitat and other development partners. We will encourage our leadership to support
any initiative for the better environment especially that our country as one of the more vulnerable
country in the world.
Inputs from the Local Government Academy We are into training. The experience of the two cities hope to be translated and experiences into tools
to enhance the planning process of the LGUs to come up with this LED project. There were many
training programmes presented. Since that is what we do, the other NGAs can partner with LGA to scale
up the projects to potential LGUs.
Inputs from Sta. Rosa
May I suggest if from time to time we can meet again or form a core team to know the developments of
the VLED at least four times or two times a year. So with these meeting we can collaborate and network
with all these agencies and with other cities to see how LEDS policy making or project implementation
progressed.
Inputs from UN-Habitat Our discussions now are more horizontal; hearing from local government units and agencies with the
support of our partners. We are also looking forward for new platform like the NEO platform where we
train the newly elected officials. In July (after the elections), if there are concrete examples and
advocacy materials on VLED from other the local government units, LGA can explain these efforts to the
newly elected officials that if other cities can do it, their cities, municipalities or provinces can do it as
well. We localize the methodologies from the national level and share it with other partners. If there
are PLLENRO conventions, please invite us and let us see how we can support you in putting forward our
advocacies on the LEDS. (Next PLLENRO convention is on March in Naga City). If we have conventions
and conferences, we can invite each other. We can also ask DILG, the agency with the oversight
function over the LGUs maybe you can also inform us with what are the current activities and ask for
support for the VLED strategies.
CLOSING
Johara Bellali
Adelphi
Ms. Johara, on behalf of Adelphi, thanked the participants for making the effort to join the event during
the two days discussions. We are happy to hear that these platforms are useful. I can sense from the
questions between the different level of governance, departments and agencies that these platforms
are possible. Adelphi wants to continue to providing these platforms (dialogues).
Ma. Adelaida Mias-Cea
UN-Habitat
We are happy for the fruitful discussions and we got our mission (for dialogues) accomplished. Our
mission doesn’t stop here but this is just the beginning of it. We need the platform and this is going to
be useful. As we move forward, may we all enjoy. We are looking for more exchanges and partnerships
with you. Welcome to the VLED family.