CEBU CITY– Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon(3rd district)and Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting underscored the urgency of climate action and disaster preparedness in barangay governance during the Annual Provincial Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Leyte Provincial Chapter.
Rep. Veloso-Tuazon delivered an in-depth discussion on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into barangay development plans, emphasizing that climate action (SDG 13) is the defining crisis of our time.
“Our barangays serve as the gauge—measuring what matters and translating plans into reality,” she stated.
She highlighted that Eastern Visayas, despite Leyte and Biliran being excluded from the list of climate-vulnerable provinces, remains highly susceptible to climate impact drivers such as extreme temperatures, sea level rise, heavy rainfall, and stronger typhoons.
She urged barangays to recognize their critical role in data collection and project implementation, emphasizing that climate change exacerbates food security, education, and gender equality.
To institutionalize climate action across local government units (LGUs), she proposed the establishment of Climate Change Committees in every barangay. These committees would facilitate access to climate financing mechanisms, such as the People’s Survival Fund. She also cited the passage of the Low Carbon Economy Bill, which institutionalizes decarbonization strategies.
“Changes on a global scale begin with local buy-in. We must shift consumer behavior and disincentivize business-as-usual conduct that hinders our climate ambitions,” she added.
For her part, Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting reinforced the need for barangays to be proactive in disaster preparedness, outlining key measures necessary for safer and more resilient communities:
1) Strengthening Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction
Plans Mapping hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and fires Establishing early warning systems and evacuation routes
Conducting community-wide information drives on disaster risks
2) Enhancing Community Involvement
Organizing volunteer response teams for food, water, search-and-rescue, and cleanup
Utilizing technology, such as Facebook Messenger emergency chat groups
Conducting continuous workshops on first aid and CPR
Equipping barangay health centers with first aid kits
3) Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Proposing barangay-specific projects such as seawalls, flood control systems, and multipurpose buildings that double as evacuation centers
Implementing small-scale solutions like rainwater catchments and solar-powered streetlights
4) Promoting Mangrove and Bamboo Planting
Advocating mangrove reforestation for its ability to reduce wave height and storm surges while boosting marine life and eco-tourism
Promoting bamboo cultivation as a carbon-sequestering, fast-growing resource that enhances land stability and provides sustainable livelihood opportunities
In closing, Board Member Veloso-Kabigting expressed gratitude to Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Congresswoman Veloso-Tuazon, and Tingog party-list for their leadership in climate and disaster resilience. She also commended her sister, Congresswoman Veloso-Tuazon, for championing climate action beyond Leyte’s 3rd District and advocating for nationwide sustainable development.
The event reinforced the collective responsibility of barangay officials in addressing climate change and disaster preparedness, emphasizing that resilience begins at the grassroots level.
(RYAN GABRIEL LLOSA ARCENAS, Contributor)
