Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday warned that climate change could have a massive negative impact on the Philippine economy, stressing the urgency of local and national climate action.

“It previously reported that between 2014 and 2023, nearly 43 million Filipinos were displaced due to disasters. By 2030, the projected cost of productivity loss here in the Philippines from extreme heat alone could reach P466 billion annually,” Legarda said during the launch of the ACT Local Programme in Sibalom, Antique.

The senator cited the World Risk Index, which ranked the Philippines as the most at-risk country in the world due to climate change for the 16th consecutive year, primarily because of frequent and destructive storms. She warned that the country’s gross domestic product could decline by 13 percent by 2040 if inaction continues.

Legarda, author of the Climate Change Act of 2009, emphasized the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in preparing for climate threats, calling them the main point of contact during natural disasters.

“Ang pagpapatibay ng LCCAP ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang matiyak na ang Antique ay magiging mas ligtas at higit na handa sa pagtugon sa mga hamon at suliraning may kinalaman sa kalikasan,” she said, referring to the Local Climate Change Action Plan.

The Climate Change Commission introduced the ACT Local Programme to assist LGUs in developing their LCCAPs, especially those facing challenges in crafting comprehensive plans.

“While resources may be provided by the national government, it is equally important that actions are community-driven as solutions are proven to be more effective when grounded in the needs, experiences, and active participation of people at the local level,” Legarda added.