MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda sounded the alarm over the severe economic and social impact of climate change in the Philippines, urging stronger local action to address the crisis.

“It previously reported that between 2014 and 2023, nearly 43 million Filipinos were displaced due to disasters. By 2030, the projected cost of productivity loss here in the Philippines from extreme heat alone could reach P466 billion annually,” Legarda said during the launch of the ACT Local Programme in Sibalom, Antique.

Citing the World Risk Index, Legarda noted that the Philippines has been named the most at-risk country to climate change globally for the 16th consecutive year, primarily due to frequent and destructive storms.

She warned that failure to act decisively could result in climate change slashing up to 13 percent from the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2040.

Legarda also emphasized the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, noting they are often the first responders during natural calamities.

To support local initiatives, the Climate Change Commission launched the ACT Local Programme, aimed at assisting LGUs in crafting their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs).

“Ang pagpapatibay ng LCCAP ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang matiyak na ang Antique ay magiging mas ligtas at higit na handa sa pagtugon sa mga hamon at suliraning may kinalaman sa kalikasan,” said Legarda, author of the Climate Change Act of 2009.

“While resources may be provided by the national government, it is equally important that actions are community-driven as solutions are proven to be more effective when grounded in the needs, experiences, and active participation of people at the local level,” she added.