On November 23, 2018, I was tasked to Speak for the Mayor at SMX Aura to share best practices on Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), along with Mayor Sally Ante Lee of Sorsogon City and Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, during the 2nd National Convention on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction.

I learned right there and then that we all have the same problems in Implementing Programs Projects and Activities (PPAs) for our Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation-the funds. While we have the Climate Change Action Plan, there is no specific source of funds for it, causing unimplemented projects in other Municipalities.

So I went to share How La Trinidad do it: incorporating PPAs of the CCAM to the Development Plans. And the rest is History.

But then, it’s not about what your Government can do about it. Its what you can do as an individual to help Adapt and Mitigate effects of Climate Change. Conserve Electricity, Water, Fuel, and Gas. Segregate waste and Compost Biodegradables. Minimize Gas emissions by not using motor vehicles. And similar gestures promoting natural ways of living.