14/07/2025
Ilocos updates regional climate strategies, goals
SAN FERNANDO CITY — Government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society groups in the Ilocos Region are working to update regional environmental priorities through a data-driven consultation, as part of the 2023–2028 Regional Development Plan (RDP) Midterm Update.
Spearheaded by the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Sector Planning Committee, the July 8 meeting aimed to assess implementation gaps and realign strategies under Chapter 16 of the RDP, which focuses on climate action, natural resource management, and environmental governance. The initiative follows Regional Development Council (RDC)-1 Resolution No. 48, s. 2025, which approved guidelines for the RDP midterm update.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) presented results from the Pulso ng Rehiyon Uno survey, which gathered responses from 946 residents across the region. Respondents identified priority concerns for the next three years: food affordability (62%), wage increases (58%), inflation control (48%), affordable college education (48%), tax reduction (39%), and anti-corruption (39%).
The survey also showed that 84% of respondents were aware of the national long-term vision AmBisyon Natin 2040, and 86% were familiar with Region 1’s REACH (Resilient, All-inclusive, Competitive, and Healthy) vision.
To support evidence-based planning, participating agencies were directed to submit updated datasets covering the period from 2021 to mid-2025. These data will guide adjustments to environmental programs, including reforestation, protected area coverage, renewable energy use, and air and water quality monitoring.
Agencies must submit revised validation forms by July 18 for evaluation from August 12 to 13 using gender, governance, and human rights criteria. # (Report from Anthony Reyes/PIA Region 1)
