Albay launches climate change guidebook

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  – Scientific research can mitigate the risks from natural disasters and global warming on vulnerable communities in Albay, according to Gov. Joey Salceda.

Salceda was referring to the launching of a climate change guidebook, which was produced through the cooperation of the Manila Observatory, Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings Inc. and the provincial government.

The Albay Sustainable Development Guidebook was a product of two-year research conducted by scientists at the Manila Observatory at the Ateneo de Manila University on the Albay towns of Malinao and Tiwi. Chevron provided P5 million for the study.

The handbook is a pioneering planning and scenario construction tool which can help vulnerable communities address climate change and disaster risks through effective resource management, Salceda said.

“The test of this guidebook is to use it so as to achieve sustainable development,” said Salceda.

He said he wants a series of research by the Manila Observatory on the flood plains of Polangui, Oas, Libon and Ligao City, and the lahar plains on the southwest quadrant of Mayon volcano from Guinobatan up to Sto. Domingo town.

He added that an economic study on the upper areas of Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi City also has to be done.

Salceda said Bohol province was the first to come out with this kind of guidebook, adding though that Albay’s guidebook is far more advanced than that of Bohol.

“We are using scientific knowledge as a tool in the development process in order to make it sustainable,” said Salceda during the guidebook’s launch last May 16 at the Climate Change Academy at Bicol University.