The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has urged the local government units (LGUs) to continue enhancing their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) and integrating with broad national efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and preparedness.

The CCC made this call as it commended the LGUs and private sector organizations in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for their outstanding contributions to climate resilience.

These efforts were recognized through the prestigious 24th Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal and Special Awards held on Dec. 17.

The Gawad KALASAG Awards, organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), are the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster preparedness and resilience.

For 2024, 74 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) councils and 13 special awardees were honored for their achievements in advancing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The CCC underscored the significance of these achievements, noting that 95.18 percent of LGUs in CAR have submitted their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP), a vital requirement for the Gawad KALASAG Seal.

“This reflects the effectiveness of your local policies on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CCAM-DRR). This also serves as the backbone for your risk-informed actions, from tech innovations in disaster response to the deep community engagement that truly saves lives,“ CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, said as quoted in a news release on Monday.

He further encouraged stakeholders to sustain their efforts in the fight against climate change.

“Resilience is not built overnight—it requires continuous effort, collaboration, and innovation. Let’s aim for a Cordillera where every LGU, every community, and every citizen is prepared for the uncertainties ahead,” Borje added.

Regional Director Albert A. Mogol, chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), underscored the importance of unified response in a global crisis.

“In this situation, a unified response is crucial to confront these challenges, particularly as multi-stakeholder efforts pave the way for effective disaster management,” Mogol said.

He underscored that the collaboration and active involvement of various stakeholders are vital to enhance readiness and ensure swift action.

Awardees include LGUs from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province for their exemplary leadership and initiatives in disaster risk reduction management.

The CCC said it remains committed to supporting LGUs to translate climate plans into actionable strategies and encourages greater participation in resilience-building programs. (PNA)