BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Local climate action is gaining ground across Baguio’s barangays, with communities implementing environmental programs and several barangays formulating Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), according to a legislative monitoring report on Resolution 259-2011.
The resolution called on the City Government and the city’s 128 barangays to formulate and implement local climate change action plans to guide measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Prepared by the Baguio City Council’s Legislative Monitoring and Evaluation Section, the monitoring report found that the resolution was complied with, while participating barangays recommended stronger coordination, monitoring, capacity-building, resource allocation, and community participation to further improve implementation.
Among the climate-related initiatives reported by Burnham-Legarda Barangay are regular cleaning and clearing of waterways, tree planting, composting and information campaigns, recycling and other circular economy practices, community gardening, rainwater harvesting, and water conservation.
The barangay also reported the enactment of local measures supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, the strengthening of barangay committees and councils, and the allocation of funds for climate-related programs, projects and activities.
Imelda Village Barangay noted that climate change remains relevant to Baguio as the city continues to face flooding, landslides, water shortages, and environmental degradation. It reported that different city offices and barangays are implementing climate-related programs, but these are not always coordinated under one plan.
The barangay also observed inconsistent reporting of activities such as tree planting, waste segregation, drainage cleaning and disaster preparedness, as well as the need for more training and technical assistance for barangay officials in preparing and monitoring climate action plans.
Several barangays submitted their LCCAPs as part of the monitoring. These included Campo Filipino, Padre Burgos, Middle Rock Quarry, Sto. Niño Slaughter, and Quezon Hill Proper. Padre Burgos also submitted resolutions adopting disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures into its policies, programs, and activities and approving its 2026 LCCAP.
City Camp Central Barangay submitted its Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan for 2026 to 2028.
Gibraltar Barangay likewise reported continuing environmental activities such as tree planting, community cleanups, urban gardening, solid waste management, and creek and waterway cleaning. It recommended additional financial support, tools and equipment, regular training and capacity-building, and incentives or recognition to encourage community participation.
The barangay also proposed establishing task forces at the city’s major entry points to remind visitors to properly dispose of their waste or bring it home.
Based on the barangays’ recommendations, the monitoring report called for a standardized reporting and monitoring system for climate initiatives, regular training and technical assistance, stronger coordination between the City Government and barangays, and the integration of climate-related programs into barangay development plans.
The recommendations also include adequate or dedicated funding, financial and logistical support, stronger community participation through information and education campaigns and recognition programs, and regular assessment to identify good practices and areas for improvement.
A proposed resolution incorporating the recommendations was attached to the monitoring report for consideration by the Baguio City Council. (By Jordan G. Habbiling)
