The Climate Change Act of 2009, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Friday, puts local government units “into the center stage of governance,” given the important roles that city, town, and barangay leaders play in the implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation programs that will soon be crafted.
The declaration of principles and codes of practice enshrined in RA 9729 set the tone and conduct of how all local government officials will be held accountable to their constituencies morally and politically, if not legally.
The climate change problem as a personal and moral problem brings all sectors into the domain of dialogue, discussion and participation regardless of political, ethnic, economic or religious bent. (PIA)