Aklan LGU Developing Data-Driven Climate Change Policies, Initiatives

KALIBO, Aklan — Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores said the province is currently developing data-driven policies and initiatives to forecast patterns related to global warming.

In an interview Tuesday, Miraflores said he learned about this initiative during a training program he attended in Canada last week. The activity was sponsored by Canada’s Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience (GOVCDR). At least six governors were invited to the training.

Aside from Aklan, the other delegates included Gov. Erico Aumentado of Bohol, Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque of Bukidnon, Gov. Raul Mabanglo of Davao de Oro, Gov. James Edduba of Kalinga, and Gov. Sharee Ann delos Santos of Samar.

“I have already instructed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to gather data on past climate-related impacts in the province so we can study trends and project future conditions. This way, we can make reliable forecasts of what may come,” Miraflores said.

According to PAGASA, Aklan was among the first areas in the Philippines to experience severe effects from climate change. On June 21, 2008, the province was struck by Typhoon Frank, which carried Signal No. 4 intensity.

Miraflores said the training in Canada was held on June 11–13.