BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA
CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has released the list of 52 municipalities in Central Visayas identified as most vulnerable to experience climate change impacts.
The result is based on the assessment conducted by the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS).
Of the total, Cebu province got the highest number with 20 municipalities, followed by Bohol province with 18, Negros Oriental has eight, and Siquijor province with six.
DENR 7 Regional executive director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said these areas should give priority for mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation to mitigate and reduce various hazards associated with climate change.
“We are releasing this list to encourage the local government units (LGUs) in these areas to be one with us in implementing environmental programs in their localities to lessen the hazards that climate change can bring to their constituents,” Montejo added.
Hazards caused by climate change may include increasing air and sea surface temperatures, storm surges, sea-level rise, more intense and frequent typhoons, changes in amount and pattern of rainfall, and ocean acidification.
For Cebu province, areas include Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, San Francisco, Catmon, Carmen, Compostela, Lapu-lapu City, Cordova, Naga, San Francisco, Minglanilla, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Oslob, Boljoon and Santander.
For Bohol province, listed are Panglao, Baclayon, Albur, Loay, Lila, Dimiao, Valencia, Guindulman, Anda, Duero, Candijay, Mabini, Loon, Maribojoc, Calape, Talibon and Bien Unido.
For Negros Oriental province include Sibulan, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan and Basay.
Lastly for Siquijor province, the municipalities of Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor and Larena were identified. (rmn/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)