(BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Borongan is stepping up its climate resilience initiatives after joining an international training program on climate adaptation technologies organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Seoul, South Korea from May 25 to 29, 2026.
The five-day program brought together local government representatives from the Philippines to enhance knowledge and skills on climate change adaptation, innovation, and sustainable environmental planning.
Borongan City was represented by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, City Environment and Natural Resources Office Head Forester Jojito Acla, and City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Maria Anne Lopez, following an invitation under KOICA’s Philippine Climate Resilient Cities Project.
During the training, the Borongan delegation presented its ongoing and proposed climate initiatives, including the project titled “Strengthening Borongan City’s Capacity for Sustainable Integrated Water Resource Management and Climate-Smart Agriculture.”
The proposed initiative aims to improve water resource management systems, strengthen climate-smart agriculture practices, and explore renewable energy solutions such as small-scale hydropower development. It also seeks to enhance irrigation systems and optimize river resources to help ensure stable water supply for communities.
The training included expert-led discussions on climate adaptation strategies, case study presentations, peer learning sessions, action planning workshops, and field visits to key Korean environmental facilities such as the Nowon Eco Center and the Han River Flood Control Office.
Mayor Agda underscored the urgency of proactive climate action, particularly for local government units in the Philippines that remain highly vulnerable to typhoons and other extreme weather events.
“We, the local government units of the Philippines, must be adaptive—we have to be proactive. That’s the most essential part of preventing the damage that climate change threatens to bring to each region,” Agda said.
He also encouraged fellow LGU leaders to pursue stronger investments in climate resilience programs to safeguard communities and ensure long-term sustainable development.
The city government said its participation in the KOICA training reflects Borongan’s continuing commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and climate adaptation, as it seeks to build a more resilient future for its residents.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
