Breaking Through the Lost Decade of Environmental Sustainability

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Breaking Through the Lost Decade of Environmental Sustainability

Breaking Through the Lost Decade of Environmental Sustainability

Financing Climate Change Actions in the 2011 General Appropriations Act

Prepared by the La Liga Policy Institute for the Alternative Budget Initiative – Environment Cluster and Social Watch Philippines.

September 2010.

The ALTERNATIVE BUDGET INITIATIVE – ENVIRONMENT CLUSTER is a part of the Budget and Advocacy led by the Social Watch Philippines.  The Cluster, composed of advocates and organizations engaged within the environment.  Cluster members include:  Alyansa Tigil Mina, AMRSP-JPICC, Earth Savers Movement, EcoWaste Coalition, First Philippine Conservation Incorporated (FPCI),  Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), Haribon Foundation, Mother Earth Foundation, Kilusan Para sa Makatarungang Lipunan at Gobyerno (KMLG), Partido Kalikasan Institute (PKI), Partnership for Clean Air (PCA), Phil. Federation for Environmental Concerns (PFEC), Phil. Network on Climate Change (PNCC), Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), Saganang Buhay sa Liga ng Bayan Foundation (SBSB), Sustainability Watch, Upholding Life and Nature (ULAN) and  Tanggol Kalikasan, Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIBAT).

The La Liga Policy Institute serves as the secretariat of the cluster.

Also at:

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2011 budget for environment, natural resources ‘insensitive to climate change’ – Group wants P4 Billion more for adaptation, mitigation measures

As congress starts hearing today (Tuesday) the proposed 2011 budget for the environment and natural resources, budget activists reiterate the call for a more “climate sensitive” national budget saying Malacanang’s proposed P13.1 Billion remain insensitive to the threats of climate change.

La Liga Policy Institute (La Liga), which acts as the secretariat of the Environment Cluster of the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI-Envi) led by Social Watch Philippines said the budget for the environment and natural resources sector should at least be equal to 1% of Malacanang’s total proposed budget amounting to P1.645 trillion.

The group is proposing an additional P4 billion on top of Malacanang’s proposed budget across the DENR, DOE, DA, DOST-PAGASA and the Climate Change Commission to enable the government to implement climate change adaptation and mitigation measures that will cushion the effects and impact of climate change such as super typhoons, flash floods and drought.

According to Ronquillo, financing climate change actions remain crucial especially in the face of the worst impacts of climate change.

He said no less than Pres. Aquino recognized the urgency of the situation in his budget message when he said the proposed national budget was designed to promote “a sound environment today and for the future.” While we welcome President Aquino’s pronouncement that environment will be one of the priority items in his reform budget, we would like to see this commitment translated through a climate-sensitive 2011 GAA, Ronquillo stressed.

In addition, to prepare the country for natural calamities, such as Ondoy which ravaged Luzon including the National Capital Region in the last quarter of 2009, La Liga is proposing an allocation of P1 billion for the Office of the Civil Defense’s revolving fund for disaster risk reduction as mandated by the DRRM Act; increase to P100 million the allocation of the newly-formed Climate Change Commission for national and local climate change action plan participatory processes; an additional P50 million new item for nationwide information, education and communication campaign on climate change; and P100 million new item for the rehabilitation of the Marikina Watershed.

For biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry, the group is proposing that P1 billion from the P8 billion allocation of the Department of Agriculture under the item “development of crops sector” be earmarked to climate adaptation actions that include setting up of community based early warning systems, training on climate resilient crops and assistance to farms damaged by extreme weather events.  La Liga also proposed to earmark P100 million from the P4.3 billion DA-Office of the Secretary budget to set up a sustainable agriculture coordination office and increase to P1 billion the allocation for the promotion and development of organic agriculture.

La Liga said since food security is crucial to the country’s sustainable development, there should also be a budget increase amounting to at least P50 million for various agricultural research and development projects, particularly on climate resilient crops; increase by P50 million allocation for the conservation, regulation and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources; increase by P50 million allocation for the production and dissemination of technical and popular materials in the conservation and development of natural resources including environmental education that will include climate change literacy program.

Other proposals:

• Increase to P191 M (2010 level) CBFM allocation
• Increase by P300 M allocation to soil conservation and watershed management
• Allocate a total of P35 M or P 5M each for the following protected areas: a) Tubbataha reef; b) Apo Reef; c) Mts. Banahaw and San Cristobal; d) Mt. Kitanglad; e) Northern Negros National Park; f) Central Cebu National Park; g) Mt. Kanlaon National Park
• New Item: Total of P60 M or P10M each for the establishment of Marine Sanctuary and coastal resource management in six (6) critical coastal habitats:  Lingayen Gulf (Pangasinan), Tayabas Bay (Quezon), Visayan Sea (Panay-Masbate), Cebu Strait (Cebu-Bohol), Panguil Bay (Misamis Occidental)
• Increase by P50 M allocation to the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy to include budget for Coral Triangle Initiative

Finally, to lead the country to a more low-carbon, climate sensitive development path, La Liga is proposing to allocate P2 B under the Department of Energy for the Renewable Energy Trust Fund as mandated by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, and the allocation of the P5 million for the operational requirements of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau to coordinate and implement the law.

Bayanihan: Experts urge P-Noy to make strong policy vs. climate change

Experts urge P-Noy to make strong policy vs. climate change

AUGUST 26, 2010

in ENVIRONMENT

MANILA, Aug. 25 – The La Liga Policy Institute (La Liga) on Wednesday asked President Benigno S. Aquino III to issue a firm policy on climate change as it noted that predictions on weather patterns point to disastrous impact on agriculture and fisheries.

La Liga noted that the Philippines is considered one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and this alone should compel the President to issue his policy on combating climate change, with El Niño alone affecting 43 percent of all agricultural land.

An expert from the Department of Agriculture had already predicted that up to 20 percent of farmland may be inundated due to La Niña.

La Liga is a policy research and advocacy group engaged in various development interventions promoting effective governance towards sustainable development.

Working in partnership with national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), citizens’ groups, community organizations and donor agencies, La Liga helps bring together the expertise and resources of different actors on specific projects addressing rural development and agriculture, environment and climate change, budget and taxation and urban community development.

Formed in 2000 by citizen leaders and social reformers with extensive experience in government, social movements and private sector work, La Liga drew inspiration from the reform-oriented “La Liga Filipina” led by Dr. Jose Rizal during the Spanish occupation.

Through its initiatives, La Liga provides support to those working inside and outside of government and engages them in a collaborative effort towards meaningful social reforms.

Jonathan Ronquillo, environment campaigner of La Liga said that while climate change has been listed among the seven crucial economic issues that the Aquino administration intends to address in the next six years, there is a need for the President to make an official policy pronouncement on climate change adaptation and mitigation. (PNA) vcs/JCA

Retrieved from:

http://bayanihan.org/2010/08/26/experts-urge-p-noy-to-make-strong-policy-vs-climate-change/

Ugnayan.CA: La Liga asks P-Noy: reveal environment, climate change policy

La Liga asks P-Noy: reveal environment, climate change policy

August 25,2010

ALARMED by recent reports that the Philippines is considered the most disaster-prone country in the world, the La Liga Policy Institute (La Liga) said President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III should make public his administration’s plans to deal with severe weather events brought about by climate change.

Jonathan Ronquillo, environment campaigner of La Liga said that while climate change has been listed among the seven (7) crucial economic issues that the Aquino administration intends to address in the next six years, there is a need for Pres. Aquino to make an official policy pronouncement on climate change adaptation and mitigation and more importantly, translate such policy pronouncement into adequately funded climate-sensitive programs.

“And President Aquino can do this by ensuring that a sound climate change adaptation framework is integrated in the new Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and translated in the General Appropriations Act of 2011,” Ronquillo suggested.

Ronquillo expressed concern that the issue of the environment and climate change were not among the priority initiatives mentioned during Pres. Aquino’s inaugural speech as well as in his first state of the nation address (SONA).

La Liga, which acts as secretariat of the Environment Cluster of the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) led by Social Watch Philippines (SWP) is advocating for increased budget allocation for the environment and natural resources sector.

With support from the British Embassy, La Liga is implementing the project “In Pursuit of Low Carbon Development Track and a Climate-Sensitive Budget.” As part of this project, it is currently holding consultations with both government agencies and citizen’s groups on how to effectively push for meaningful citizens’ participation in the MTPDP and budget processes.

A study conducted by the Brussels-based Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) identified the Philippines as most prone to disasters.

The Philippines topped CRED’s list after experiencing 25 typhoons last year. Among these disasters were tropical cyclones Kiko, Pepeng and Ondoy, which affected thousands and destroyed property amounting to billions of pesos.

“As we again brace for the La Nina season, now is the best time for Pres. Aquino to let the Filipino people know how he plans to address the threats of climate change. This way, citizens’ groups and other stakeholders can participate in decisions that could affect our country’s disaster preparedness,” Ronquillo said.

Retrieved from:

http://www.ugnayan.ca/NewsArticle/Detail.aspx?newsID=20121

P-Noy urged to make 2011 national budget, MTPDP more ‘climate-sensitive’

BUDGET activists welcome the new administration’s initiative to “rework” the 2011 national budget saying such move opens a new window of opportunity for a more ‘climate sensitive’ budget in the face of climate change.

More importantly, La Liga Policy Institute (La Liga) environment campaigner Jonathan Ronquillo said President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III should be able to recognize climate change as a crucial national development issue that needs to be addressed.

“This is also an opportune time for citizens groups to provide inputs to the crafting of the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) under the new administration,” Ronquillo added.

La Liga was reacting to Malacanang’s pronouncement that it is now in the process of “reworking” the 2011 national budget, giving premium to social and economic services particularly in the areas of education, health and the environment.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, in a press briefing with Malacanang reporters, announced that the proposed P1.75-trillion national budget for 2011 may be reduced as the new administration plans to observe zero-based budgeting for the entire bureaucracy.

The proposed outlay, entitled “Tungo sa Tuwid na Paggugol” of the Aquino administration will highlight transparency, accountability and good governance; and ensure funding for the delivery of basic social services like public education and health, economic services like infrastructure and stable and safe environment.

Malacanang is set to submit its proposed national expenditure program for 2011 to Congress before August 25, a month after Pres. Aquino delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

La Liga, a development policy research and advocacy nongovernment organization, acts as the secretariat of the Environment Cluster of the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) headed by Social Watch Philippines.  It has been calling for increased budget allocation for the environment and natural resources sector to prepare the country for the worst impacts of climate change.

In partnership with the British Embassy, La Liga is campaigning for low-carbon development through the project “In pursuit of low-carbon development track through the MTPDP.”

The ABI composed of over 100 citizens groups is currently conducting simultaneous consultative meetings as part of its budget advocacy.  By cluster, member groups which include La Liga are expected to come up with alternative budget proposals highlighting citizens’ view of how the budget should be spent by the government.

“The Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate change.  We have been experiencing intensifying typhoons that cause loss of lives and property and adverse impacts to the national economy.  It is about time that the government takes the challenge posed by climate change as a national development issue,” Ronquillo stressed.

Ronquillo said the country’s budget for the environment and natural resources sector should be increased to a level equivalent to at least 1% of the annual budget, saying that in other countries in Southeast Asia, the budget provided by governments are even higher.

La Liga is also pushing for the timely release of the budget to enable concerned national government agencies to implement programs on five thematic areas namely (1) Disaster Risk Reduction (2) Sustainable forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation (3) renewable energy, (4) Clean and green technology and (5) Ecological waste management.

The group is also urging Pres. Aquino to order the release of the funds that were impounded by the previous administration which could reach up to P140 Billion as of 2008.

The said amount, which include P1-Billion for forest management as promised by no less than former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for 2009 under the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), P140 million for the rehabilitation and development of some, of the country’s Protected Areas and National Parks and two wildlife conservation projects namely the Pawikan Conservation and the Tamaraw Conservation projects.

Manila Bulletin: Marikina, NGOs sign deal for disaster readiness

Marikina, NGOs sign deal for disaster readiness

By MARVYN N. BENANING

August 5, 2010, 4:57pm

Page 5

Marikina City has signed a deal with non-government organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to boost the city’s capacity to overcome disasters like the killer typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng that swamped the city last year.

Mayor Del de Guzman and Vice Mayor Jose Fabian Cadiz led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private sector-partners creating the Marikina Disaster Readiness Alliance (MDRA).

The other signatories are Horacio R. Morales Jr. representing Resilience: Nurturing Disaster-Ready Cities and Communities, Jose B. Tayawa, president of the Marikina Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Laurencito Ragas Tiu, president of the Rotary Club of Marikina and Zaldy Cornelio, convenor of People’s Council of Marikina.

“The alliance is a pro-active approach to disaster management. The key word here is preparedness. We don’t want another “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” to catch us flat-footed again,” the mayor said.

Before Marikina was transformed into a major habitation site, it used to be dominated by farms producing rice and vegetables, particularly in the Tumana area and the zone abutting the Marikina River like the present site of the Provident Villages.

Both areas were severely damaged by Ondoy, with scores of fatalities recorded and millions of property destroyed.

Marikina City was among the hardest hit by the Ondoy and Pepeng that ravaged Luzon, including Metro Manila.

The super typhoons caused severe flooding that resulted in the deaths of thousands and destruction of billions worth of properties on Sept. 26 and Oct. 1 last year.

In forging the public-private partnerships that involves private sector, non-government organizations and citizens’ groups, De Guzman said the alliance aims to prepare for the worst impacts of climate change.

“Marikina City and the various stakeholders want to put in place strategic disaster risk reduction measures, starting with the mobilization of both financial and human resources in the quickest possible time for the city government to provide appropriate and timely interventions to its constituency,” said Morales.

“In the immediate time we are coordinating to install an early warning system and conduct flood drills. We are also eyeing partnerships around the reforestation of the Marikina watershed. We see the alliance among various development stakeholders within Marikina as partners in these endeavors,” Marikina’s local chief executive added.

The alliance sees the urgency to put in place effective disaster risk reduction and response and come up with development plans and financing towards building sustainable cities in the long term, Morales stressed.

La Liga, a development and advocacy NGO, serves as the secretariat of Resilience. Among La Liga’s core advocacy is the campaign for a “climate sensitive” plan and budget both at the national and local level. Resilience members include the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, and Education for Life Foundation and Convergence.

Also At:

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/270634/marikina-ngos-sign-deal-disaster-readiness

Letter To the Editor: Philippine Daily Inquirer

To the Editor:

Philippine Daily Inquirer

While flooding caused by Ondoy and Pepeng have subsided in most areas, people affected by these devastating typhoons have yet to get back on their feet, apparently because of, primarily, lack of fund available for disaster relief and rehabilitation of such magnitude.  Not to mention the fact that some people are still waiting to be rescued in areas that remain flooded and are highly at risk in case of another super typhoon.

While we recognize the need to provide additional funds to rebuild lives, families and communities devastated by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, and at the same time prepare for any upcoming calamities to be brought by rapidly changing weather conditions due to climate change, we believe that the quickest route to finance government’s disaster response is not via the currently proposed supplemental budget, but by simply releasing already available funds but have been impounded since 2008. There are readily available funds waiting to be tapped and all Malacañang has to do is order the Department of Budget and Management to release such funds.

It is estimated that impounded funds since 2008 amount to at least P140 billion.

Beside, these impounded funds would be enough to cover or finance climate change actions that will prepare the government to respond to disaster beyond rescue and relief, or rehabilitation, but more importantly, for disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

Apart from immediately releasing the impounded funds, mechanism for calamity fund disbursement must be reviewed.

A process must be defined where affected local government units directly receive the funds and are able to prioritize its expenditure based on their actual needs including spending for disaster preparedness and risk reduction programs and activities.

In the past, release from the calamity fund have been highly discretionary and has not been subjected to any auditing. A parallel process that reviews releases from the calamity fund which is estimated to have reached as much as P6 billion for 2009 must also be undertaken to ensure public accountability on the part of national and local officials concerned.

Roland G. Cabigas
Managing Director
La Liga Policy Institute