UP, LCCAD Forge Partnership to Strengthen Climate Action and Sustainable Development in LGUs

MANILA — The University of the Philippines (UP) and Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at empowering local government units (LGUs) across the country through science-based climate action planning and sustainable development initiatives.

The collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and grassroots implementation by helping LGUs formulate evidence-based Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), while also unlocking access to climate and disaster financing.

Under the partnership, UP’s research expertise will be combined with LCCAD’s extensive community networks to strengthen local capacities in addressing climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable economic growth.

Nong C. Rangasa, Executive Director of LCCAD and Global Senior Advisor for International and Government Affairs of the United Nations Associations of the Philippines (UNAP) Global, said the initiative is designed to ensure that local policies are grounded in scientific evidence while providing communities with practical solutions to climate challenges.

A key component of the collaboration is the translation of scientific research into local policy. Through UP’s academic and scientific capabilities, LGUs will gain access to localized, risk-based data, including hazard mapping and vulnerability assessments, enabling them to implement anticipatory actions and climate adaptation measures.

The partnership will also focus on enhancing the capabilities of local governments through specialized training modules and practical tools. These include conducting greenhouse gas inventories, implementing climate expenditure tagging, and accessing funding opportunities such as the People’s Survival Fund.

Beyond climate planning, the initiative seeks to accelerate the development of creative industries, expand e-commerce opportunities, promote bio-circular green and blue economy initiatives anchored on nature-based solutions, and encourage sustainable tourism investments.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen disaster resilience efforts by scaling support for local Climate Smart Hubs, particularly in highly disaster-prone areas across the country. By combining academic expertise with on-the-ground implementation, the partners aim to build more resilient and climate-adaptive communities.

The UP-LCCAD partnership reflects a growing emphasis on integrating science, innovation, and community engagement to address the impacts of climate change while creating pathways for inclusive and sustainable development.

LCCAD is a development organization focused on local climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development programs for communities and local governments nationwide.