“According to research, the projected increase and decrease in rainfall in the Philippines in 2020 and 2050, as a result of the phenomenon known as climate change, could lead to flood occurrences and prolonged drought spells. The rise in global temperature, melting of ice glaciers and rise of the sea level all contribute to the devastating disasters we have recently experienced in the Philippines, such as typhoons ‘Ondoy,’ ‘Quiel’ and ‘Sendong.’ Hence, this scenario compels us to be prepared and be ready to adapt to climate change.”

This was expounded by Mr. Dennis Dela Torre, Head of the Research and Policy Development Division, Climate Change Commission, who discussed the impact of climate change during the second quarter SWD Forum entitled, “Adaptation of Families and Communities to Climate Change,” organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, held recently at the Manila Manor Hotel, Malate, Manila.

Mr. Dela Torre presented an overview of the Climate Change Commission as the sole policy-making body of the government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the programs and action plans of the government relating to climate change. He also explained the initiatives of the government in addressing the issue of climate change, such as the formulation of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, National Climate Change Action Plan and the establishment of the Climate Finance Group.

“Climate change is inter-related with social protection measures, which are considered as investments in the improvement of the quality of life of families and communities, “ Mr. Dela Torre stated.

The forum also highlighted the DSWD’s initiatives in addressing climate change, namely the implementation of the environmental Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) which encourages beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program to actively participate in programs to mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change, such as reforestation of denuded watersheds.

“Disaster preparedness is also discussed during Family Development Sessions (FDS), which Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are required to attend,” Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera said.

Aside from this, the DSWD exercises careful project planning in implementing the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) to ensure the protection of the environment.

The Social Welfare Development Forum is held quarterly to bring together the DSWD and its various partners and stakeholders in a vehicle to discuss urgent SWD issues. ###