Integrating the Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change  Adaptation (DRR/CCA) project is generally considered a success, as 75 out  of the 81 provinces including all provinces from Western Visayas, completed their enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP). This is  according to Remedios S. Endencia, OIC-Director of the Regional Development Staff, NEDA Central Office (NCO), during the culminating activity of the Integrating DRR/CCA Project in Mambukal  Resort, Negros Occidental last February 26.

Endencia said that during one of their post-Yolanda assessments, output of the province of Leyte and the hazard maps in their enhanced PDPFPs were reviewed and it showed that the maps showed precise results as to what had happened during the typhoon. She said that if only the results were presented prior to Typhoon Yolanda, it could have made a big difference.

Meanwhile, in his welcome remarks, NEDA Regional Office (NRO) VI Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Atty. Raul S. Anlocotan, encouraged the LGUs to advocate the enhanced plans to their respective Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council particularly the local police and fire officers, and those in charge of issuing building permits such as the city/municipal engineers and assessors to ensure that the settlements are carefully planned and property sited in areas that are safe from all types of natural hazards.

The LGUs, particularly the provincial planning development coordinators, expressed their appreciation to the Project and to NEDA for providing technical assistance and trainings to complete their enhanced plans.

The LGUs also said that they are eager to advocate their outputs to their respective municipalities and barangays. Other sustainability initiatives that were mentioned include  the utilization of the document as a reference in preparing their Local Climate Action and Contingency Plans.

The group composed of the six provinces of Western Visayas visited Talisay City and were welcomed by Mayor Eric Saratan and City Administrator Atty. Jovin Entilla, where an orientation on the City’s initiatives that are climate change responsive was conducted. The activity ended with a visit to the Reforestation Project in Brgy. Campuestuhan  and a guided tour around the  Tana  Dicang Museum.

The Integrating DRR/CCA Project of the NEDA, UNDP and AusAID  started way back in 2010 with the purpose of mainstreaming the integrated concerns of DRR/CCA into the PDPFPs.