The Road to Transformation: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the Philippines [1]

In September 2015, the United Nations (UN) formally adopted “Transforming our World: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” also known as “Global Goals for Sustainable Development”. The 2030 Agenda was launched during the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York City, USA, and the Philippines was among the 193 UN Member States that unanimously approved the global agenda to end poverty by 2030.[i] The newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which is touted to be a universal call to action to “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity”, came to effect in January 1, 2016. After its launch, the Philippines immediately mobilized its national government agencies for its adoption and full implementation in the country.

This paper presents insights on the different policies and institutional arrangements made by the Philippines as it pursues the attainment of the 17 Goals espoused by the 2030 Agenda. It tries to provide a perspective on the ability of the Philippine Government and the entire country to attain its targets, as well the challenges faced by the Filipinos in pursuing the SDGs.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDG)[ii]

In September 2000, 191 Member States of the United Nations agreed to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women by 2015 in a landmark declaration dubbed as the “United Nations Millennium Development Goals”[iii]. Upon its expiration, the MDG which consists of 8 goals was hailed as the most successful anti-poverty movement in history [yet]. According to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the MDGs helped in uplifting more than one billion people out of extreme poverty, allowed more girls to attend school, and protected the planet. However, he also admitted that despite the remarkable gains, inequalities around the world continues to exist, and progress has yet to reach everyone.[iv]

The Philippines, led by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) launched various programs and interventions to achieve these goals such as: Conditional Cash Transfer (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program); Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program; Universal Health Care (Kalusugan Pangkalahatan); and the K to 12 Program. As NEDA’s Cecil Reyes said: “The biggest contribution of the MDG is making politicians, the leaders, the general public aware of the importance of looking at these [development] areas.”[v] While the MDGs may not have been a complete success in achieving its targets, it provided governments like the Philippines, with a solid framework on which they can anchor their efforts to combat poverty, illiteracy, diseases and hunger in their respective countries. The MDGs may be too narrow according to its critics but it has achieved remarkable success in many aspects of socio-economic development.

The Philippines, as one of the member states that adopted the 2000 declaration, vigorously worked on achieving the MDGs but after 15 years of implementation, it too was unable to fully attain its targets. Nonetheless, it reported to have halved the proportion of Filipinos with no access to basic sanitation when the MDG expired in 2015. It also claimed to be on track in providing universal access to primary education and educational opportunities for girls; and in reducing infant and under-five mortality, reversing the incidence of malaria, increasing tuberculosis detection and cure rates; and increasing the proportion of households with access to safe water supply. Despite these relative successes, it admitted having failed in meeting targets on gender equality, prevalence of underweight preschool children, maternal mortality, access to reproductive health, incidence of income poverty, and elementary education among others.

The Philippines has learned many valuable lessons from the implementation of the MDGs. It helped the government in identifying and prioritizing the people’s development needs, on a national and subnational context. In a 2016 report submitted by the country during the High- Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HPLF)[2], it cited the need for good governance as one of the key lessons in attaining its goals. It said that achieving the MDGs required a sustained commitment from all stakeholders- government, non-government, private, civil society and development partners. Implementing the MDGs also needed a clear implementation plan that contains institutional arrangements, communication and advocacy strategies, financial plan and programs that help build the resiliency of the Filipinos against natural calamities and disasters. Moreover, it highlighted the need for an appropriate data monitoring system to make it more responsive to the demand for data disaggregation. [3]

The Sustainable Development Goal

“Sustainable Development” came into popularity after it was defined by the Brutland Report (Our Common Failure) as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."[vi]. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was then developed by UN Member states and officially came into force in January 1, 2016, four years after it was launched. The 2030 Agenda, as its Preamble says, “is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity that seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom”. It has more goals (17), targets (169), and indicators (230), than the MDG. Food security and agricultural development is at the core heart of the 2030 Agenda as it aims to address the root causes of poverty and hunger, promote equality in the society and leaving no one behind.[vii]

Upon its full implementation, the Philippines embarked on its own journey towards the attainment of the SDGs. With 15 years of experience in MDG implementation behind it, the country is confident it would be able to implement the SDGs more efficiently and effectively. It has committed itself towards the pursuit of much a bigger challenge, and has been vigorously trying to integrate the various aspects of sustainable development (social, economic, technological, environmental) to propel the country towards a higher level of progress.

THE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT
In implementing the SDGs, the Philippines first focused on developing policies and creating an enabling environment by securing the support of policymakers and stakeholders. Since its implementation in 2016, various efforts have been undertaken to by the Philippine Government and its partners to promote awareness and generate support for the agenda by enhancing communications and advocacy initiatives, and intensifying engagements with various stakeholders. Other initiatives include incorporating the SDGs into the national framework and developing institutional mechanisms to ensure its thorough implementation.

The Philippines adopted various approaches in implementing the SDGs particularly the whole-of-government, multi-sector and multi-stakeholder approaches. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) acts as the lead agency in performance monitoring, while other national level government agencies spearhead the implementation of programs under each thematic goal. Early in 2016, the NEDA Technical Secretariat held various consultation meetings and dialogues with national agencies and departments and representatives of Non-Government Organizations (NGO), Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and the private sector to identify and prioritize areas of implementation. This initiative brought about positive response and encouraged different stakeholders to support the campaign. It has become a solid platform on which various advocacy groups have anchored their own social development programs.

Building constituency for the SDGs is crucial to its implementation. As such, vigorous efforts are being undertaken by the lead agencies to create a community of supporters and advocates at the national and subnational level. Continuous briefings and information campaign are being held with other national agencies. Universities and other institutions of learning, and different partners are being engaged to broaden the stakeholder base. Various symposia, fora, dialogues and workshop-consultations are continuously being held across different sectors and interest groups. The quad-media (radio, TV, print and internet) are being tapped propagate information as far and as inclusive as possible. At the global and international level, the country is actively collaborating with other countries in the development of SDG indicators. It has been consistently engaging in discussions and expert group meetings at the global and regional arena to share and learn from best practices, and enhance its own capabilities for implementing the program.

Although the country has gained many lessons from the implementation of the MDGs, it has a long way to go in terms of effective, efficient and proper identification, assessment and prioritization of SDG indicators. Technical workshops with concerned agencies, academe, civil society, NGOs, UN Agencies and the private sector are being conducted to hone competencies in these areas. Meanwhile, the national and subnational level consultations on the implementation of the SDGs resulted to the Philippines’ current list of Priority Goals.

THE POLICY ENVIRONMENT

Policy support is vital in pursuing any development program because it serves as the backbone for its implementation. Implementing the SDGs in the country calls for the formulation of different policies and development of new strategies at different echelons of government and levels of community.

The launching of the SDGs coincided with the first year of the President Duterte’s administration which saw the agenda being integrated into the country’s long-term vision dubbed as “AmBisyon Natin 2040”. The 17 goals were subsequently incorporated in different national, subnational and sectoral plans, programs, policies and frameworks such as in the successor Medium- Term Development Plans (Philippine Development Plan[4], Public Investment Plan, Budget Priorities Framework). The SDGs were also included in the Philippine Statistical Development Plan 2011- 2017 to ensure government support in the generation of data an which enable other stakeholders to plan for and contribute to its attainment. An Implementation Plan, Financing Plan, Monitoring Plan and other institutional mechanisms were likewise developed and established as primary means of implementing the Agenda.

The Philippines held a review of the different institutional mechanisms established for the implementation of the MDGs to serve as the same bodies for the implementation of the SDGs. It was found out that, first, there is no centralized coordinating and reporting body for the SDGs hence the need to create a dedicated oversight committee and technical secretariat. Second, there is a need for the establishment of SDG Mechanism at the Subnational Level which includes mainstreaming the goals in development budgeting.

Among the initiatives undertaken by the Philippine to address the lessons learned from the past development goals is the issuance of various policy pronouncements across all government agencies including Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) to support the implementation of the SDGs specifically through data support and performance monitoring. A webpage was created to further strengthen the monitoring and reporting mechanisms while SDG Watch has been developed to monitor relevant and available indicators. SDG Focal Points were identified from each data- source agency to facilitate coordination and data gathering. A high-level interagency NEDA Committee that will plan and oversee the coordinated implementation of SDG- related policies and programs is currently on the works.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Records show that the Philippines was not able to fully attain all MDG targets when it lapsed in 2015. As it embarks on a journey to pursue a new set of goals, it is once again faced with an extensive list of issues and concerns, some of which were the same challenges encountered in the MDG implementation. On top of the list is the availability of data and data disaggregation. Most depressed communities are in hinterlands and far-flung islands were transportation and communication remain as major concerns which hampers the timely collection, integration, submission and processing of data. There is also a need for optimal use of information technology to maximize the utilization and dissemination of the SDG indicators. Lack of clarity of the assorted technical terms used in the indicators is also a major challenge as well as the overlaps and inconsistencies of the concepts. Misconception and misinterpretation of these parameters result to varying degree of implementation and consequently, to errors in reporting as well. Still, accountability and ownership remain as among the top obstacles to be hurdled by the country. It is not surprising for different government agencies and offices to pass on responsibility to each other and blame one another when it comes to performance issues. Lastly, budgetary constraints hinder the country from speedily attaining its targets. The SDGs will reach unprecedented success if and only if it is backed up by a sustainable financing plan.

Meanwhile, the country also sees major areas or venues on which it would be needing technical support. Capacity- building on the technical aspects of the SDG monitoring and implementation, and the improvement of database systems remain as top priorities. Data collected no matter the quality and quantity, will only matter if it is processed, analyzed and converted into ‘edible’ statements for the consumption of policymakers and relevant agencies. Advocacy and information communication as well as enhancement of human resources are critical areas of concern as well. Stakeholder engagement should not be a single and stand-alone activity if we want to maximize its impacts and benefits. Constituency and ownership must be encouraged and built up to the lowest echelons of the government and society. Furthermore, the timely, effective and efficient implementation of a comprehensive list of goals and targets is heavily reliant on the availability of well-trained, skilled and dedicated personnel throughout the country. Investing on human capital is always paramount in these kinds of undertaking.

THE WAY AHEAD

The Philippine Development Framework aims for inclusive growth, focusing on national security, good governance and ecological integrity. To make this happen, market access must be improved (through trade agreements and trade fairs, etc.) and innovation must be encouraged especially in agricultural research and development and product design. Our competitiveness must be enhanced particularly in infrastructure (roads, ports, airports, communications, power, energy etc.), and flagship programs such as the K-12 and CCT must be supported. Likewise, we must continue developing our socioeconomic resiliency through capacity-building and information campaigns as we continue efforts to promote good governance to encourage investments and create jobs; and increase social participation in the growth process.[viii]

The implementation of the SDG in the next 13 years will face more challenges along the way but the Philippines is gradually adapting to it. Although expert opinion is divided on whether the country is on track in attaining its targets, it is beyond debate that it needs to pursue as clear strategic direction for its implementation. For one, it should be able to develop, establish and consistently abide with an SDG Implementation Roadmap. The roadmap shall at the minimum, contain the requisite objectives, courses of actions, tasks and responsibilities and array of resources, and serve as framework for its successful implementation. It shall pursue the creation of a dedicated high-level committee chaired by NEDA to oversee the synchronized implementation of all plans, programs, activities and policies. The committee shall also lead the monitoring and evaluation of the country’s progress in terms of each target until its closure.

Another area which the government will have to focus on is the refinement of the SDG Indicators to further fine-tune it vis-à-vis our national priorities. Having a clearly defined set of indicators will help in ensuring ownership and accountability from implementing bodies and other stakeholders. Continuously harmonizing the SDGs with the national development frameworks, and the enhancement of the indicators must also be attended to. Existing policies must be regularly reviewed to determine its relevance to SDG implementation. Meanwhile, the Philippine should be relentless in building partnerships and promoting ownership among its stakeholders. A strategic communication plan must be able to raise awareness and mobilize mass support for the 2030 Agenda. Lastly, the leadership capacity of local leaders, the cooperation of communities, and the technical expertise of pertinent government agencies and other private and public institutions need to be strengthened to make them more capable of contributing to the attainment of these aspirations.

At present, it is still too early to tell whether the Philippines will be able to successfully deliver on each of the 17 SDGs. The level of optimism varies from sector to sector but in general, the 2030 Agenda was buoyed by the promise that came with the new administration. A good enabling environment has already been created to promote ownership of the SDGs. It has already been integrated into the national development framework which puts the country into a more solid position for its implementation. With its experience in MDG, the country is now more adept at mapping out SDG indicators for a more efficient national monitoring. Moreover, it has been generally successful in engaging the participation of stakeholders from various sectors.

Still, the country cannot rest on its laurels yet because there is more work to be done. Poverty, hunger, diseases, illiteracy and inequality persist alongside a multitude of other social ills. Real socio- economic development has yet to be felt in the farthest villages across the country where access to electricity is decades away, where cellular phones are rare, and where internet is unknown. In many urban and rural areas, access to clean and safe water is still a luxury for many, and shelter is just a place under a bridge. Religious and ideological conflict pervades in many regions, and violent extremism is rapidly gaining a solid foothold. While some of our government institutions have shown stability through the years, many have yet to achieve maturity and reliability as political dynasties and traditional politics continue to thrive.[5]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is an ambitious list of aspirations for a country known for its resilience. Still, in a competitive, dynamic and rapidly- changing global and regional environment, the country is poised to take on such goals- armed with the best weapon ever made.

HOPE.

Notes:

[1] Most of the information presented here were based on the report “Voluntary National Review at the 2016 High-Level Political Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Philippines”. Available at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/memberstates/philippines. Also, the presentation entitled “PSDP Chapter on the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs/SDGs)” made by Romeo S. Recide, Deputy National Statistician, Sectoral Statistics Office Philippine Statistics Authority; and the report entitled “Philippine Initiatives in the Implementation of the SDG by Rosemarie G. Edillon, PhD Deputy Director-General National Economic and Development Authority were extensively used.

[2] The High- Level Forum Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the UN platform for the global follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda. It provides political leadership, guidance and recommendations for sustainable development. It reviews progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim to integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The HLPF meets every year under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and every four years under the auspices of the UN General Assembly, when Heads of State and/or Government attend the Forum. Information available at http://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/intergovernmental-support/hlpf-on-sustainable-development

[3] The lessons learned were cited by the Philippine Report submitted to the Voluntary Review of the 2016 HLPF from the National Report prepared for the Annual Ministerial Review during the High-Level Segment of the 2015 Session of the UN Economic and Social Council.

[4] The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 is the blueprint for the country’s development under the Duterte Administration which largely stems from the 0-10-point Socioeconomic Agenda. It is the first of four medium-term plans geared towards the realization of AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years. Its implementation is mandated by Executive Order (EO) No. 27 as well as the Public Investment Program (PIP) for 2017-2022.

[5] Please See Annex 1: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Philippines: Insights and Assessment. This is based on different Philippine SDG Reports particularly from the “Voluntary National Review at the 2016 High-Level Political Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- Philippines”. Available at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/memberstates/philippines.

References:

[i] https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2015/09/historic-new-sustainable-development-agenda-unanimously-adopted-by-193-un-members/

[ii] http://www.unescap.org/events/media-launch-report-millennium-development-goals-2015-and-asia-pacific-mdg-report-2015

[iii] “Millennium Development Goals”. Available at http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sdgoverview/mdg_goals.html

[iv] “Were the Millennium Development Goals a Success? Yes! Sort Of!” Available at https://www.wvi.org/united-nations-and-global-engagement/article/were-mdgs-success

[v] “Special Report: PHL to adopt new development targets despite difficulties in achieving MDGs. Available at https://www.pids.gov.ph/pids-in-the-news/1332

[vi] “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future”. Available at http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf.

[vii] “FAO Philippines and the Sustainable Development Goals”. Available at http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6756e.pdf

vii. “Towards Achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Lecture presentation of Myrna Clara Asuncion, Social Development Staff National Economic and Development Authorithttps://www.pep-net.org/sites/pep-net.org/files/CBMS/Conference/12th/Presentations/Asuncion.pdf 

Climate Change, the Military, and Behavioral Change

I agree with Elise Gilchrist of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication when she boldly said that:

The same is being echoed by Cara Pikem, Bob Doppelt and Meredith Herr, author of “Climate Communications and Behavior Change” A Guide for Practitioners”. These authors said that cognitive and behavior change challenge is at the heart of global warming.

This is based on their observations that addressing global warming necessitates a shift in the thinking and behavior among people and organizations (even at the household levels) to motivate them to engage in climate preparedness actions or activities that reduce the carbon emissions. Furthermore, they believe that addressing global warming calls for changes in beliefs, assumptions and thinking not only about the environment but also about economy and overall well-being.[i]

Global warming and climate change (the two are different), are still relatively unpopular discourses in the military including the Philippine Army. Its understanding of the impact of climate change is often associated with the role it performs in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR). It has yet to determine the impact and implications of climate change on the organization, as well the security risks associate with the phenomenon. It is still wanting of empirical studies on the effects of climate change on its military bases/ camps despite the perennial devastation its suffers due to climate change-induced disasters. Moreover, it has yet to develop a clear-cut strategy and policy on how to manage such security risks, including managing its own “negative” contribution to conditions that damage the environment and trigger changes in the climate.

While there have been a number of climate change studies undertaken, the results and recommendations [of the said studies] have yet to see light.  These studies and initiatives however, only focused on broad strategies to contribute to environmental protection and conservation such as what has been mentioned by Gilchrist. In particular, the human behavior aspect of the issue is often put on the sidelines to highlight policy and infrastructural solutions to the problem. 

Pikem, et.al, had proposed a plan to address the need for a behavioral change mechanism to address the behavioral aspect of climate change which can be used by the author to complement the RANAS Framework (Risks, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, Self-Regulation). It contains tools and recommendations that can be applied to manage the impact of climate change on the Philippine Army by influencing the behavior of its stakeholders. 

1.     Creating the tension required to motivate people to address global warming- General concern about global warming in the Philippine Army is not enough and there is a need to highlight its impact on doctrine, organization, training, leadership, equipment, facilities and personnel, as well as on policy.

2.     Building Efficacy for Addressing Global Warming- This entails connecting global warming to other priority issues in the organization especially in military reservations such as the influx of illegal settlers, solid waste management, and poor infrastructures. It will take a closer look at the cause and effects of climate change other than the usual notion, and focus on tangible solutions to manage its impacts. Moreover, it will also give the stakeholders a clear role in the overall strategy.

3.     Building the benefits of addressing global warming- This might require making people directly experience or observe the positive benefits of mitigating or adapting to climate change. It will also require making stakeholders understand the consequences of their actions to the environment. For example, what are the consequences if energy in the camp is not managed properly? What happens of forests are denuded rapidly?

Managing the security risks posed by climate change on the military could be a costly undertaking initially. The organization must invest a significant portion of its resources to tackle various aspects of the organization (DOTMLPF) affected and highly vulnerable to climate change effects in the future. Human resources- the foremost resource available to the Army, will be the focal point of all efforts to manage the impact of climate change on the organization. Aside from the manpower needed to pursue these efforts, the utmost support and cooperation of all personnel particularly at Fort Magsaysay is paramount. Furthermore, aside from technical knowhow, climate change planning and advocacy requires immense level of passion and commitment hence the need for careful selection of champions and focal persons. Sustainable financing is also critical to ensure the continuity of programs, activities and projects. Logistical and/or materiel resources as well as facilities are necessary to ensure sustainability of climate change management initiatives.

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[i] https://climateaccess.org/system/files/Climate%20Communications%20and%20Behavior%20Change.pdf

Climate Change and the Philippine Army (Part 2)

In 2013, a US Department of Defense (DoD) concluded that “the effects of climate change will adversely impact military readiness and natural and built infrastructure unless these risks are considered in decisions”. It said that planning, design, and operations of military facilities must consider future climate conditions. It should also be factored in making strategic infrastructure decisions across military services. The country’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change, and the geographical disposition and location of PA’s vital installations highlights the need for similar studies to be conducted, and for immediate actions to be undertaken. However, the PA has yet to consciously develop sustainable and environment- friendly installations and facilities, and build and operate camps that has a sustainable waste management system, efficient and effective energy management system and a system to manage its vital resources like water and forest reserves.

Climate change poses serious security risks to critical military installation of the PA. It threatens the mission, resources and capabilities of the installation as well as the operations, readiness, and strategies of its tenant units. The mandates, tasks and functions of the forces that the installation hosts, especially the combat and combat support or sustainment units are vulnerable to its effects.

Climate change has significantly altered the way military operations and warfighting as a whole is being conducted, hence, the need for an immediate review, revalidation or revision of doctrines to fully- integrate the role of military installations in operations. The increasing frequency of climate change-induced disasters requires PA’s more vigorous participation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Operations thus underscoring the need to have a thorough look into its doctrine on the proper employment, deployment, safety and security of its assets for HADR. Climate change affects the quality of trainings received by individual soldiers and units, as well as the actual operations of tenant units which subsequently affects overall mission accomplishment. It also highlights the need for more effective supply management system to manage the risk of spoilage, loss, destruction, damage and wear and tear of equipment, as well as the associated increase in the Life Cycle Cost of equipment. Climate change-induced disasters compromise the security of strategic assets inside installations which has long-lasting impacts on the organization’s strategy and national security. Cost and availability hinders the immediate re-acquisition and rebuilding of these assets. The PA will have to invest huge resources on robust equipment that can withstand adverse weather conditions, as well as for the construction of climate-resilient infrastructures and facilities including storage and/or warehousing facilities.

Climate change compels the PA leadership to implement measures to secure its assets such as personnel, equipment and facilities against disasters, and prods them to develop and implement effective ways to preserve and protect the environment. It affects the decision-making ability and morale of combat leaders especially those who are exposed to adverse weather conditions. However, its effects are more significantly felt by soldiers whose health, morale and welfare put on the line every time extreme weather events occur.

Installations are heavily dependent on civilian utilities and infrastructures which puts them in jeopardy whenever extreme weather events occur. When resources such as water and energy are compromised, other installation assets are affected as much. Prolonged dry spells induce water scarcity which causes the deterioration of living conditions, and creates stress and tension among personnel. Power outages demoralize households and compromises daily operational activities.

Nonetheless, the environmental awareness and consciousness of the military has also increased due to the increase in climate change awareness. Military activities particularly training and operations disturb and damage the natural ecosystem. Ammunition and explosives residue contaminate soil and water bodies. Noise generated during training triggers stress in humans and animals alike. Massive use of heavy equipment and vehicles causes soil erosion and enormous carbon emission to the environment. Solid wastes and chemical residues produced or emitted during these activities pollute the environment.

The PA remains, and will continue to be vulnerable to the different security risks posed by the effects of climate change. Hence, it needs to immediately assess the impact of climate change, and manage the security risks it poses to the organization. Current efforts and interventions, and environmental protection and preservation initiatives such tree-planting/growing, clean and green, implementation of “Carless Day”, closing down and banning open pit dumping and burning, installation of solar lamps, and implementation of Solid Waste Management System and establishment of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) must be enhanced and sustained.

The PA may look at the feasibility of implementing a Net Zero Program to manage its utilization of water and energy, as well as the disposal of its wastes. Perennial water shortage prompts the organization to develop alternative sources of water and innovative water-generating technologies for its installations. Water conservation measures and efficient water use must be implemented in all tenant units and households. Water re-use and recycling in offices and households shall be promoted. The organization must also study, design, develop and implement rainwater harvesting system, and plan for a suitable wastewater treatment facility inside its bases. It needs to conduct relevant studies and develop strategic approaches to manage its energy usage in all military installations, and implement viable energy conservation measures such as replacing old lighting fixtures with modern, energy efficient ones. Old “electricity-hungry” equipment must be replaced gradually, while installation of solar lamps and other proven energy saving systems inside camps must be pursued. The feasibility of establishing a solar energy plants inside military reservation areas must be considered.

Absolute ban on non-environment compliant public transport system inside camps such as jeepneys and tricycles must be implemented. To reduce carbon emission, old military vehicles must be gradually phased out, while use of electricity-powered vehicles inside camps should be promoted. Efficient transport system to minimize trip generation should be designed and implemented. Anti-smoke belching campaign must be seriously implemented, while non-motorized transportation such as cycling and walking should be encouraged and incentivized. The installation’s power infrastructure designs should be improved by using climate change resilient materials. Transmission lines may be reinforced, re-directed or redesigned to reduce energy loss and decrease chances of being damaged during disasters. Moreover, the PA shall develop and implement formal asset management approaches that incorporate effects of climate change and other environmental factors.

The implementation of the Solid Waste Management System must be sustained in collaboration with the local government unit. Special hospital MRFs must be put up and secured to avoid hospital wastes and other hazardous materials from leaking into the open environment. Appropriate Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with suppliers for the collection and disposal of hospital wastes and other heavy pollutants shall be pursued to compel suppliers and contractors to be responsible for collection and/or recovery of waste materials and residues of the products that they sell to the PA.

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[i] With excerpts from the author’s MRR: A Strategy to Manage the Climate Security Risks of Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation

Climate Change and the Philippine Army

LET’S FACE IT! Climate Change is real, and it is here to stay unless we stop it. It is irreversible, and it is yet to show any signs of slowing down. Its effects have claimed lives by the thousands and damaged properties by the billions. It is bound to affect all of mankind regardless of where we live or what we do. It is real, and it is scarier than we think.

Climate Change: What do we know?
Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperature, precipitation, wind patterns and other measures of climate that occur over several decades or longer. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says that climate change is one of the most fundamental challenges ever to confront humanity. According to Conservation International, the 2016 Carbon Dioxide concentration in our atmosphere was 400 parts per million- the highest ever recorded in millions of years. It was also the warmest year with surface temperature of 0.99 degrees Celsius- higher than mid- 20th century averages. Global temperature has risen, NASA claims. The oceans are warming, the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctic are shrinking, and the sea level has risen about 8 inches in the last century. If this trend continues, which part of the earth will remain?

At present, about 800 million people or 11% of the world’s population are living in areas vulnerable to climate change impacts such as droughts, floods and extreme weather events and sea level rise. German Watch’s Global Climate Risk Index 2015 identified the Philippines as the country most affected by climate change impact in 2013. It was hit by five of the ten deadliest typhoons in the last ten years. The 2013 Super Typhoon “Yolanda”, the strongest ever recorded typhoon in the history of mankind, killed about 6,300 Filipinos and displaced over 4 million others in only a few hours.

Poverty, Climate Change and SecurityAccording to the study “Poverty and Climate Change Reducing the Vulnerability of the Poor Through Adaptation”, poor communities are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It affects access to drinking water, health, and food security in many countries including those in Asia. Disasters drive people to hunger, health problems and poverty due to loss of or lack of jobs and livelihoods. Poverty and illness are often cited as among the root causes of insurgency. People tend to pin the blame on the government for failing to do something about their situation. This is the reason why communities heavily affected by insurgency are those in disaster-prone areas. Disasters give rise to civil unrest and armed conflict which the military will have to address. This drives the military’s need to invest on capabilities that both address internal security operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR). This is a major tradeoff for an organization that is perennially constrained in terms of resources. While it needs to develop strategic capabilities to defend the country against external threats, it is tied down with internal security problems, and must engage in disaster response as well.

Impact on, and Responses of the Philippine Army
As one of the active components of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the Department of National Defense (DND) has long recognized the key role the military plays in times of disasters. Its military arm, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) along with its major services are tasked to establish communication linkages, provide security coverage, assist in the reconstruction of damaged structures, provide transportation facilities for the rapid movement of relief, supplies and personnel and for evacuation of disaster victims, and to organize reaction teams when disasters strike. HADR is now considered as one of DND’s security concerns or Mission Areas along with Territorial Defense, Security and Stability.

How capable is the AFP to respond to the impacts of climate change? How is it affected, and how does it prepare itself to mitigate the effects of climate change? How does it affect the way the organization performs its mandate? What measures are being undertaken to make it more responsive in addressing the impacts of this phenomenon to the Filipinos?

Dr. Wu Shang-su of the The Diplomat observed that Typhoon Haiyan exposed the AFP’s insufficient capacity in addressing or responding to HADR. He said that responding to disasters and calamities in the Philippines is likened to an armed conflict with a foreign country considering its geographical location and the number of typhoons experienced by the country each year.

“…despite the AFP’s extensive experience in responding to frequent earthquakes and typhoons, its lack of capacity for airlift and sea transport limits its humanitarian capabilities in the archipelagic environment…[it] is unlikely to be able to deliver satisfactory quantities of materials and other aid to one or more affected areas…”

Andrew Jacobs of the New York Times echoed the same:

“…as American cargo planes and military helicopters zipped across the sky above this decimated city, ferrying badly needed supplies to typhoon survivors, Philippine soldiers were working with what little they had — relying on motorcycles and boats to ferry messages between the army’s provincial headquarters and stricken municipalities… some of them more than a hundred miles away.”
These kinds of observations drive the organization’s need to improve its HADR capabilities alongside efforts to modernize its capabilities for territorial defense. For its part, the Philippine Army is currently revisiting its fundamental Doctrines to incorporate HADR as one of its core competencies. The newly created Philippine Army Operating Concept identifies HADR as one of it Enabling Competencies- central and foundational abilities inherent in all Army operations. Training curriculums are continuously being developed, and trainings are being conducted to improve the organization’s capability to support the national and local government’s HADR efforts.

It is also redesigning its Organization to make it more responsive to the country’s HADR needs specifically by organizing and capacitating a National HADR unit- an engineer battalion dedicated solely for HADR Operations. Likewise, all major units across the country have dedicated active and reserve units to act as first responders in times of disasters. They are in constant communication and coordination with local government units for training and capability development.

Likewise, it has also invested in major Equipment such as mobility, and command and control, communications and computer systems to further improve its ability to respond to crisis. Facilities such as Mobile Command Centers are also being developed along with Battlefield Management Systems to aide commanders in their decision-making during crisis.

On top of these initiatives, it has been engaging with its traditional allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific Region to boost disaster response capabilities. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges are being regularly held to share valuable experiences and develop capabilities jointly.

Effects on Soldiers
While the military is heavily engaged in HADR, it is also prone to the devastating effects of climate change. Its primary resource- the soldiers, are among the most vulnerable sectors when disasters strike. They often find themselves assuming the role of first responders while awaiting the arrival of appropriate disaster response agencies. They are often the first ones to arrive in disaster-stricken areas and often become victims themselves. Through the years, many soldiers have lost their lives and equipment while responding to disaster victims. Lieutenant Colonel Carangan was thankful he survived his ordeal during Typhoon Yolanda but many others weren’t as lucky. There were also some who lost their families while they, the soldiers, were saving others somewhere.

Long- term Challenges
Unfortunately, climate change advocacy is still a relatively unpopular discourse in the AFP. Awareness is yet to be incorporated in most trainings and even in daily operations. Large scale combat operations such as that of Marawi utilized some of the biggest military armaments – land, sea and air assets, that contributed enormous quantities of carbon emission. Massive amounts of gunpowder residues were left in the air contributing to environmental pollution, not to mention the noise that it created.

Internally, the organization’s budget is yet to incorporate significant resources dedicated to sustainability and climate change resistance. It has yet to develop sustainable and environment friendly bases and facilities. It has yet to establish and operate camps that consciously reduce energy, water, and paper consumption, or initiate the conduct of any research or studies to determine the short and long- term impacts of climate change to the organization.

Climate change is real. Hence, the AFP’s response should also be real. It is time we gather our acts togethers, and walk the talk before it is too late.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY PERSONAL CARBON FOOTPRINT?

Scientists, environmentalists and climate change experts have proposed numerous ways on how to reduce our individual carbon footprints. However, their applicability may vary from person to person and from place to place. Socio-economic and political condition, religion, culture, and even the environment itself may pose challenges as one strives to limit his or her carbon footprint within the household, in the community and at the workplace.

I have chosen five ways to reduce my personal carbon footprint. And this is my commitment.

1. Reduce meat consumption. I am not much of a meat eater but I shall further lessen my meat consumption. Climate change experts have proven that limiting our meat consumption can make a huge difference because agribusiness is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. It is also one of the most water- intensive industries. Agribusiness wastes not only emit hazardous gases but also contribute to the pollution of water bodies.

2. Unplug devices when not in use. Electrical equipment such as cellphones, computers and audiovisual equipment use electricity as long as they are plugged in even if they are turned off or powered down. Unplugged household equipment consume energy so it is important to check them before leaving the room. Lights should also be switched off when not in use. 

3. Drive less and/or share car rides. Driving in Metro Manila is a stressful activity due to the heavy traffic condition in almost all roads and thoroughfares. I used to bring my car going to the office but I realized it an inefficient and fuel-intensive activity. Parking is also a problem and more often than not, you will find yourself circling around or idling in parking areas waiting for a parking slot to be available. This is not only a waste of precious time but also environmentally harmful due to the carbon emitted by the vehicle. What we do is synchronize our trips from and to the house. I usually just tag along with my daughter on her way to school and wait until a member of the family is on the way back home. This not only saves energy but also allows me to spend quality time with them along the way.

5. Plant vegetables and ornamental plants in the backyard. Planting, whether common vegetables or ornamental plants helps in reducing our carbon footprint. Aside from the food that we can derive from them, plants absorb carbon dioxide– a type of greenhouse gas. It also helps cool the surroundings thereby reducing the need for air conditioning or air cooling systems. Leaves also provide natural protection against harmful dusts and particles that can cause respiratory illnesses.

6. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. This three are probably the most popular words when we talk about solid waste management and environmental protection in general. However, only a few really practice them religiously. Reducing use of household items like tissue paper, reusing items that can still be used such as plastic cups and bottles, and recycling used materials for other purposes such as newspapers can immensely contribute in lessening our carbon footprint. By practicing the 3Rs, we are able to protect the environment as it will effectively reduce the energy needed for raw materials extraction, manufacturing, packaging and other production and distribution-related processes.