Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Comprehensive Development Planning of the Cities in Nueva Ecija in the Philippines

Abstract

Recent scientific consensus suggests that climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and destructive. Consequently, increasing importance is given to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in global governance. The projected global warming at 1.5 ºC and the climate variability that the Philippine archipelago experiences make DRR-CCA the key priorities of both the national and local government units. In this study, we assessed and measured the degree of mainstreaming of DRR-CCA in the comprehensive development plans (CDPs) of the five component cities in the province of Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. These are among the areas in Central Luzon that are susceptible to hydrometeorological and geologic hazards. We distributed survey questionnaires to 25 employees of the local government units in the five component cities in Nueva Ecija who are directly involved in planning activities. We triangulated their responses using archival data (review of written policies and plans). The main findings of the study indicate that in spite the presence of laws and policies on DRR-CCA, their implementation is only in the preliminary stages. The results also provide insights to policymakers and future researchers on the challenges and opportunities influencing the systemic mainstreaming of DRR-CCA in the province.