President Arroyo approved Climate Change Act of 2009

Last Friday, Philippine President Arroyo approved the Climate Change Act of 2009. This is the answer of her administration to the need for a full-scale national plan to support the global warming activities and to reduce disaster losses. This Climate Change Act of 2009 or Republic Act No. 9729 that would boost the Philippines’ capacity to brave threats posed by climate change.

“The signing into law of the Climate Change Act of 2009 ushers in a new era in the way the Philippines will tackle climate change in both the short and long terms, for the benefit of Filipinos today and for Filipinos yet unborn,” she said.

The law, which was mainly authored by Senator Loren Legarda, provides the creation of the Climate Change Commission, which is an independent and autonomous policy-making body. The commission then will coordinate, monitor and evaluate programs and action plans to address climate change.

A total of 16 government agencies, local government units and representatives from the academe, business sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs) will compose the body’s advisory board to ensure accountability.

Legarda, who is also aspiring for the vice presidency in the 2010 election said in an interview that she was happy that the climate change law was signed. However, she was also saddened since the signing happened only after a series of typhoons wrought havoc to country’s infrastructures and rendered thousands of families displaced.

In my own opinion, this is a good start by the government as well all the concerned public officials to promote projects related to climate change. But then, I hope this will really materialize and be implemented accordingly. I also wish that the next administration will put more focus on the project, whoever he may be.

Lastly, I hope this is not just about politics but rather political will.

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