BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday said individual discipline remains one of the most effective ways to address the localized impacts of climate change.

Speaking during the Presentation and Recognition of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Initiatives at Baguio City Hall, Magalong said that while the city's contribution to global climate change is relatively small, the cumulative effect of irresponsible daily practices causes significant environmental damage.

He noted that the Philippines has become one of the world's leading contributors to plastic pollution, underscoring the need for greater environmental responsibility.

Magalong cited persistent problems in the city, including creeks and rivers clogged with plastics, single-use sachets, and other waste. He also condemned the practice of opening septic tanks during typhoons to discharge wastewater into waterways and recent incidents of rotten meat being dumped into rivers.

The mayor said such actions not only pollute local waterways but also contribute to broader environmental degradation.

He urged residents and visitors to adopt responsible habits such as proper waste disposal, waste segregation, and appropriate wastewater management.

Magalong also called on government officials and employees attending the forum to become advocates for environmental discipline within their communities, saying lasting environmental protection requires widespread public participation.

Meanwhile, Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Charles Carame presented the 2026 National Disaster Resilience Month theme, "Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag at Bagong Pilipinas."

Carame said the campaign focuses on four pillars of disaster risk reduction: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

He explained that "naghahanda" emphasizes building knowledge and preparedness before disasters, while "kumikilos" refers to taking safe and appropriate action during emergencies. "Panatag," he said, aims to build resilient communities where families are protected from climate- and disaster-related risks.

Carame noted that the Philippines' location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes disaster preparedness a continuing priority.

He said the CDRRMO adopts a whole-of-nation approach by working with government agencies, the private sector, local communities, and barangay officials to strengthen disaster resilience.

The official also highlighted the city's community-based training programs, including five batches of Incident Command System training for barangay officials.

Carame announced that the CDRRMO, in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, will hold a youth camp later this month to train young people in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

He thanked government agencies, local leaders, and partner organizations for supporting Baguio City's disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation initiatives.