Local Climate Action Planning in the Philippines

A growing number of countries and municipalities want to enhance multi-level climate governance. Real-life examples and experiences can help them learn from pioneers in this area. The V-LED Real Practice series responds to the growing demand for this practical knowledge. The series answers the question: How have local and national governments addressed challenges in their collaborative climate actions? By delving into the details of practical initiatives, examining the challenges they face and highlighting key lessons for replication, the series extends knowledge to policy makers and implementers in order to improve collaborative action between local, national and global actors.

Local governments in the Philippines use their local climate action plans – and the planning and coordination processes behind them – as a collaborative tool to drive transformative actions on the ground. Despite the existence of an elaborate local planning scheme that municipalities are required to follow, a siloed approach continues to be the norm, which represents a major challenge to effective and collaborative climate action planning at the local level. Cross-sector coordination was improved by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) taking over a role as intermediary between national agencies and local government. But the CCC does not yet have the full capacity to fulfil this role and effectively facilitate two-way communication.

This case study offers insight from the practical experience of Ormoc City, the second most populous city in Leyte Province. It introduces local-level strategies and measures that can facilitate collaborative climate action and inform initiatives aimed at improving climate action planning across different contexts. The study presents Ormoc City’s experiences related to planning and implementing a successful climate response. It delves into Ormoc’s experience delivering practical solutions for addressing barriers and opportunities to strengthen the city’s technical capacity, improve coordination structures, promote participatory and meaningful engagement, and approach planning with implementation in mind. 

Listen to Rea Uy Epistola, former V-LED Project Coordinator and Lead Author of the Philippines Real Practice Study on local climate action planning and the success case of Ormoc City.

Background on Local Climate Governance in the Philippines

Functioning and Challenges of Climate Governance

Good Practice: the Ormoc City Case

Lessons and Recommendations