Philippine Journal of Science
151 (4): 1523-1539, August 2022
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 23 Feb 2022

 

Development of a Climate Responsiveness
Framework for the Philippines’ Environment
and Natural Resources Management Sector

 

Florencia B. Pulhin¹, Ma. Criscia D. Alonte², Elenida R. Basug³,
Aldrin D.C. Bayangos², Rex Victor O. Cruz⁴, Alfi Lorenz B. Cura²,
Maria Victoria O. Espaldon⁵, Rodel D. Lasco², Marco D. Macapagal²,
Millicent Joyce Q. Pangilinan², Analiza Rebuelta-Teh³,
and Perpilili Vivienne A. Tiongson²

¹Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR),
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
²Oscar M. Lopez Center, Ortigas Ave., Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines
³Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Visayas Ave., Vasra, Quezon City, Philippines
⁴Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR),
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
⁵School of Environmental Science and Management,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

*Corresponding author: fbpulhin@up.edu.ph

[Download]
Pulhin F et al. 2022. Development of a Climate Responsiveness Framework for the Philippines’ Environment and
Natural Resources Management Sector. Philipp J Sci 151(4): 1523–1539. https://doi.org/10.56899/151.04.19

 

ABSTRACT

The Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change necessitates the adoption of strategies to strengthen the most vulnerable sectors and diminish severe climate change impacts in the future. This study assessed the implications of recent findings of climate change science on the country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 10 priority programs through a landscape and ecosystem-based approach. The assessment was done by defining the impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems through a comprehensive review of relevant literature at the global to national scale, as well as the development of a framework for assessing the climate responsiveness of programs. Using a set of 12 criteria for climate responsiveness and a four-point rating scale (0/none to 3/high), the programs were assessed through a literature and document review, conduct of a series of workshops, and interviews and self-rating surveys with key actors, such as officers of the divisions and attached agencies of DENR. Results of the assessment showed that most of DENR’s programs were found to have low ratings in terms of flexibility, a longterm scope of impacts, the ability to address interconnected risks and vulnerabilities, the ability to stimulate migration to green development pathways, and the promotion of incremental and transformational adaptation. To improve the ratings, it is recommended that decision support systems be developed, and plans and programs be integrated and harmonized through multiagency/multi-stakeholder collaboration and a robust system for developing climate-responsive policies – including the National Land Use Act, Sustainable Forest Management, Payment for Environmental Services, and the Carbon Offset Law.