Manila, Philippines – Highlighting the growing role of local governments in climate action, Provincial Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem participated in the 103rd National Assembly of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines on December 5 at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City, where the Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the crucial contributions of vice governors in disaster and climate governance.
In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on December 9, Odiem noted that while the province has several good practices in safeguarding natural resources, upgrading personnel and equipment for disaster readiness and response, and related efforts, there remains a need for more effective legislation and policies at both the provincial and local levels.
“Masapul tayo ti nabilbileg nga policies, legislation to improve Kalinga’s climate change resilience… Ado ti naadal tayo kadagiti fellow vice-governors in the country and I think we can adopt some of their strategies as well as policies in climate change resilience. We can also tap into our traditional practices and indigenous knowledge tapno mas effective dagiti maaramid tayo nga polisiya,” Odiem said.
The annual event of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) serves as a platform for provincial leaders to exchange knowledge and coordinate initiatives aimed at improving governance and public service—gathering vice governors from across the country to share best practices, policies, and discuss pressing governance challenges.
With Kalinga Province still recovering from recent calamities, particularly Super Typhoon Uwan in November—which devastated large portions of the agricultural sector and infrastructure and claimed lives—the vice governor joined fellow legislators with hopes of adopting additional approaches to strengthen the province’s preparedness for future challenges.
Among the topics discussed during the assembly were the responsibilities of provincial legislators in strengthening climate strategies, enhancing local resilience, and ensuring information-driven actions that support provincial development, among others.
CCC Executive Director and Vice Chairperson Robert E.A. Borje stressed that vice governors play significant roles in coordinating plans, priorities, and legislative frameworks that support climate adaptation across provinces.
Meanwhile, this year’s gathering placed strong emphasis on climate resilience, disaster readiness, and the growing importance of local legislative bodies in shaping long-term environmental strategies. Through these engagements, the KPLGU continues to strengthen provincial governance and foster coordinated action in addressing both provincial and local challenges.
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