ASEAN delegates renew vow to fight climate change

Dr. Henry Adornado, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in his remarks during the forum, said climate change is a reality that people have to cope with. (Pixabay photo)

LAOAG CITY — More than 150 participants to a regional forum on urban resilience to climate change and disaster risk reduction on Thursday vowed to renew the fight against climate change by harnessing combined adaptation strategies from the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) member-states.

Dr. Henry Adornado, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in his remarks during the forum, said climate change is a reality that people have to cope with.

The forum, he added, is thus a timely response to the pressing need for different countries to discuss adaptation strategies that can help peoples to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

From December 5-7, Ilocos Norte hosted representatives from the ASEAN member-countries as they gathered here to talk about three important topics: urban resilience to climate change, disaster risk reduction, and attainment of green economy.

During the culmination of their visit to the province on Thursday, the participants coming from the countries of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines as well as Japan, India, and Bangladesh went to the different renewable energy sites in Ilocos Norte such as the wind and solar plants in Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud towns.

With Ilocos Norte dubbed as the renewable energy capital of the Philippines, local officials and residents believe “green” energy is the only sustainable option that would make the province resilient.

At present, Ilocos Norte hosts wind power farms that produce a total of 283 megawatts (MW) of power, solar power projects in the towns of Currimao and Burgos that can produce 26.7 MW, and the 5-MW Agua Grande hydroelectric plant in Pagudpud.

While touring around, the ASEAN delegates were briefed about Ilocos Norte’s best efforts to make the province livable, sustainable and resilient.

Provincial Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos, in her welcome remarks at the start of the forum, enjoined the support of all concerned sectors to unite and rise above the challenges of climate change.

“How a disaster is managed is beyond me but perhaps, all of the wisdom and expertise present here will finally come to some kind of inspiration for all these,” Marcos said.