'Local execs at ground zero during catastrophes'
Loren lauds LGU-led Aspac conference on climate change mitigation

Senator Loren Legarda commended today efforts by local government units (LGUs) led by the provincial government of Albay in convening the Asia-Pacific Conference on Climate Change Adaptation to be held in Manila this November.

Legarda expressed elation that LGUs are standing at the forefront of the campaign to mainstream climate change mitigation measures on government policies, budgeting and legislative priorities.

"And why not?" asked Legarda. "Local government officials are the ones who are immediately at ground zero during floods, fish kills, drought and other climactic upheavals."

She has filed a resolution urging the Senate to laud the LGUs for initiating the conference. Legarda specifically credited Albay Governor Jose Sarte Almeda for his follow-up effort on the Oct. 22-24 2007 first National Conference on Climate Change.

Legarda cited the devastating typhoons and floods that hit the province of Albay in 2006 with, according to those who experienced them, "a ferocity never before seen in the province."

The typhoons started deadly mudslides that descended the slopes of Mayon Volcano, burying homes and farmland, costing the lives of 100 people and displacing 10,000. The event served as a wake-up call for Albay authorities.

"We are working on disaster-proof, climate-proof adaptation. Albay province is the first to launch a climate change initiative. It's called 'Albay in Action for Climate Change,'" Salceda was quoted as saying.

A contribution of P2 million from the Senate president's fund had been made for the November conference.