The Iloilo City Government is strengthening preparations for the projected Super El Niño through a two-day scientific forum focused on climate risks and their potential effects on the city.
Organized by the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the forum brought together government officials, private sector representatives, academics and technical experts to discuss possible impacts on water supply, food production, fisheries, livelihoods and residents’ daily activities.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city needs to identify potential risks and use updated scientific data in planning its response to the anticipated weather phenomenon.
Among the measures being undertaken is the allocation of P6 million for a delineation survey and review of waterways in the city.
The local government is also implementing programs on urban greening, mangrove rehabilitation, coastal greening, rainwater harvesting, waste management and solar energy initiatives.
These include the I-GREENS Program, EcoCycle waste management initiative and SunRISE solar initiatives.
Private sector representatives also emphasized coordination with the local government to protect communities, businesses, livelihoods and the local economy from climate change and other disasters.
The scientific forum was conducted under the city government’s KABALAKA (Kahublagan sa Barangay para sa Lapnagon nga Kahandaan sa Kalamidad) Program, which forms part of its disaster risk reduction and management framework.
Among the resource speakers were Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Ma. Antonia Loyzaga, Manila Observatory Senior Research Fellow Dr. Rosa Perez, Marine Heatwave Tracker co-developer Dr. Charina Lyn Amedo-Repollo, Manila Observatory Executive Director Rev. Fr. Jett Villarin, Visayas PRSD Weather Services Chief Alfredo Quiblat Jr., Ateneo de Manila University Professor Emeritus Dr. Emma Porio, and National Resilience Council Resilience Fellow Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla.IMT
