To be implemented in the Province of Albay, which was severely hit by three consecutive typhoons in October to November 2020 — Super Typhoons Rolly (Goni), Quintana (Molave) and Ulysses (Vamco) causing billion-peso damages to agriculture and infrastructures, and displacing people while increasing their exposure to COVID-19 virus in cramped evacuation areas. In the midst of the multiple and escalating risks that local governments and communities face, building resilience and “future proofing” become an institutional mandate and a moral obligation. In a capacity building setting, the above goal is intended to be met by understanding the past, present, and future state through historical narratives, vulnerability and risk assessments (VRA), and forest fragmentation analysis. VRA will use probabilistic hazard simulation and participatory approaches to assess hazard, exposure and vulnerability and their interaction on natural and human systems. Forest fragmentation will draw connections between habitat loss and risk factors to human health in a greater context. As fragmentation is the enemy of resilience, the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EBA) will be used to understand how the different systems in the province will be managed for flexibility rather than maintaining stability. Focus will also be given on the development of tools and processes to integrate the findings in utilizable form, train LGUs on its effective application, and capture best practices and lessons learned.
Project leader
Francisco E. Milla, Jr. CESO III, Regional Executive Director – DENR 5
“DENR 5 strongly supports the implementation of the identified strategies, particularly, those environment related activities in line with our priority thrusts and directions, such as adopting climate risk lens in planning and policies, up- to-date information of forest cover, watershed management and conserving protected areas and biodiversity resources.”
Associate Professor Carlos V. Cortez - Bicol University
“Due to its geographical location and physical environment, the Bicol Region is highly vulnerable to typhoons, floods, and droughts. It is not only one of the poorest regions in the country but is also known as the country’s “Disaster Paradise”. Sabi nga po (As the saying goes), you name it, and we have it in Albay!”
Rommel V. Negrete, Jr., J.D., PhD., DHum. - President, Local Association of DRRMOs in Albay
“Albay communities must continue to draw on lessons from past planning and recovery work, but they also need to prepare for longer-term, more gradual changes to our support systems and environment. For these communities, adapting to climate change is a vital part of reducing long-term disaster risk and becoming more resilient.”