On October 12, OML Center held a multisectoral symposium that highlights co-production of knowledge to help Philippine communities toward climate and disaster adaptation—the very ethos of the Center—in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

By inviting experts and climate change actors from different sectors, participants were able to gain awareness on various perspectives on climate risks, how each sector is being affected, and the importance of inclusivity in climate change action.

Titled “Future-Proofing PH Communities: A Multisectoral Dialogue on Bridging Climate Knowledge to Action,” the symposium was divided into three parts to strategically guide the participants toward a science- and risk-based approach to climate change adaptation planning.

The first session provided foundational knowledge on the current climate change trends and projections, as well as their sectoral impacts to the Philippines. Dr. Marcelino Villafuerte II of the DOST-PAGASA and Ms. Lourdes Tibig of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) both delivered the latest data on how the climate is changing especially in the Philippines.

This was followed by a panel discussion with climate actors from different sectors. Ms. Kristine Sabillo of Oxfam Pilipinas moderated the panel composed of Atty. Allan Barcena (Energy Development Corporation), Mr. Julius Casabal (National Economic and Development Authority), Mr. Kairos dela Cruz (ICSC), and Mr. Ramon Lorenzo Guinto, MD (St. Luke’s Medical Center and Sunway Centre for Planetary Health).

After the panel discussion, participants were divided into two groups for the concurrent sessions on climate adaptation tools and developing climate information for adaptation.

The session on climate adaptation tools was moderated by Ms. Pia Faustino of Thinking Machines and Mr. Ryan Bestre of the OML Center. Ms. Faustino talked about how tools help in the climate change space while Mr. Bestre spearheaded the launch of the eCCET Helper and Upturn Tool—tools that are co-produced by OML Center to help local government units (LGUs) and local planners adopt a science- and risk-based approach in their climate change adaptation and disaster risk planning.

Meanwhile, the session on the development of climate information for adaptation was led by Dr. Carlos Primo David (University of the Philippines-Diliman) along with Ms. Rachelle Anne Miranda (DOST), Ms. Ping Manongdo (Eco-Business), and Ms. Golda Hilario (ICSC).

Representatives from the academe, local and national government sector, civil society organizations, and private and business sectors were in attendance during the event.

The event was held via Zoom with the first two parts of the event live-streamed on OML Center’s Facebook page. You may watch the Facebook live stream here.

Related links:

• The Philippine Climate Change Assessment
• eCCET Helper
• UpturnTool