Gender issues and social inclusion integrated in climate change adaptation plan

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Wednesday, 22 March 2017 - 3:34:08 PM

BATANGAS CITY-Mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion in climate change adaptation and risk reduction and management (DRRM) planning is now a prime consideration of the city government as it works on integrating the updated Vulnerability Assessment DRRM Plan in the updating of Batangas City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and City Development Plan.

This is pursuant to Republic Act No. 10121 or “The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act” that mandates local government units(LGUs) among others to “adapt a disaster risk reduction management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socio-economic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially local community.” Gender equality and social inclusion factor in on the marginalized and most vulnerable sector that is highly exposed to disaster and poverty including but not limited to women, children, elderly, persons with disability and ethnic minorities. These two key aspects are taken into consideration in planning for the four pillars of DRRM such as prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.

The three-day updated Vulnerability Assessment and DRRM Planning was conducted recently by the USAID/Strengthening for Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity(SURGE) Project participated in by government and private sector representatives and Liga ng mga Barangay, led by the CDRRMO staff.

The workshop includes lectures, hazard mapping, group discussion about the vulnerability assessment of barangays most exposed to hazards using project NOAH maps and the formulation of plans and programs pertaining to the four pillars of DRRM.

From the said workshop, it was learned that some of the barangays most vulnerable to disasters are Wawa, Malitam and Cuta which are prone to flooding and sea level rise. Sta. Clara is prone to storm surge and flooding while West Pallocan and Barangays 1, 2, 3, 24 and 21 are prone to flooding. Tabangao Ambulong, Tabangao Aplaya, Simlong, De la Paz Proper, Mabacong, Ilijan, Haligue Silangan are prone to landslide and storm surge.

Some of the recommendations by the participants are the construction of flood control projects, protection dike, drainage that should be based on the comprehensive drainage master plan and other infrastructure that will strengthen the communities against calamities. More trainings and drills must also be conducted in various sectors to enhance the people’s capacity to prepare and protect themselves. Regular trimming of trees will reduce the hazards. Relocation of those living in high-risk areas is also a must.

One of the lecturers, SURGE Gender Specialist Ma. Gichelle Cruz, emphasized that relocation centers must be designed to cater to the special needs of women, like separate latrines for men and women, and of persons with disability like the provision of steel bars and ramps. Water pumps must also be installed to provide potable water supply to the evacuees which water pumps could be operated not only be men but also by women, children and those with physical handicap. Hygiene supplies as well as milk and other food for infants and children must be distributed to women.

It was also discussed that security measures must be undertaken to prevent domestic and sexual violence against women and human trafficking. Something should also be done to prevent teen pregnancy which becomes prevalent in many evacuation centers where the evacuess stay for a long period. (PIO Batangas city )

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