NEWS Feature: Round Table Conference on Climate Change

YPEC was given the opportunity to become part of the organizing committee of the recently concluded round table conference on climate change. The said activity was held at the Pacific Mall convention hall, Legazpi City last April 17-18, 2008. It was the first time that YPEC participated in an event of national significance. The event was covered by the national tri-media. Correspondents from major media groups, such as Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN, Radio Veritas, and Bombo radio, were present.

The said conference was officially dubbed: “1st Scientists and Community Developments Practitioners on Climate Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Round Table Discussion.” It was attended by the eminent scientists of the country, including Dr. William Pandolina (IRRI chief and former DOST secretary), Dr. Angel Alcala (marine biologist and former DENR secretary), and Dr. Rosa Perez (PAGASA climate change expert). The said activity was also attended by some of the top leaders of the country, including Sec. Angelo Reyes of the Department of Energy and Hon. Richard Gordon, Philippine senator and president of the Philippine National Red Cross. Local chief executives, various NGO’s, and church leaders were also among the delegates. The academe sector was represented by the president of Xavier University, the Chancellor of UPLB, the president of Siliman University, and professors from Bicol University.

The conference was the initiative of the provincial government of Albay under the leadership of Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda. However, the actual planning and execution of the said conference were administered by CIRCA (Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change). One of the commendable things about the conference was the minimal expense incurred by the provincial government. Majority of the funding came from various corporate and NGO sponsors.

Although majority of the delegates were from the province of Abay, the output of the said conference will be applied to the 76 provinces of the Philippines. Among the accomplishments of the conference were the signing of various MOA’s and MOU’s. One significant MOA was signed between the province of Albay and UPLB. The said MOA tackles the streamlining of the education curricula from the elementary to the tertiary level. Climate change adaptation concepts and findings will be integrated into the various subjects of all school levels. Albay will serve as the pilot province. The conference also rallied the delegates to contribute to the drafting of a senate bill regarding climate change. On the other hand, the local chief executives were expected to integrate the presented scientific findings in the local development plans of their respective localities.