By Kenneth Marcos 
As more Filipino communities face floods, droughts, and rising heat, the need for accurate climate data has never been more urgent. This is why the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) are joining forces to support data-driven solutions that protect the most vulnerable provinces in the country.
In a meeting held at NAMRIA’s headquarters, both agencies agreed to strengthen their partnership to support the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, which outlines the government’s long-term strategy to manage climate risks.
Using science, not fear, to guide action
“Let’s not inform with fear, but with facts,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. “When we use science and evidence, we help Filipinos understand the risks and respond with confidence.”
Borje emphasized that NAMRIA’s geospatial maps and land data are key in making sure that policies, especially in the 18 most climate-vulnerable provinces, are based on verified and updated information.
The Geoportal PH, a national digital platform created by NAMRIA, gives the public and government access to accurate maps and geographic data to help in local planning and development.
Helping LGUs make smart, climate-ready decisions
Among the key goals of the partnership is to give local government units (LGUs) the right tools to assess environmental risks and design smart, fundable climate projects. The CCC and NAMRIA are also looking to work more closely with schools and universities to improve knowledge and training on climate and spatial data.
NAMRIA Deputy Administrator Efren P. Carandang stressed the need for consistent and verified data among agencies and LGUs. “Sometimes, data from local governments don’t match national data. We need to sit down together with mapping analysts to resolve this,” he said.
Carandang also shared that updated data on the country’s land and forest cover will be released in 2025. NAMRIA plans to assign focal persons to work directly with the CCC for better coordination.
Moving from maps to real action
As part of their collaboration, CCC officials toured NAMRIA’s facilities, where they viewed historic maps showing the country’s changing geography and development. They also paid a courtesy visit to NAMRIA Administrator Dr. Peter N. Tiangco, who welcomed the partnership.
“With this cooperation, we hope to go further in using data for real action,” Tiangco said. “We want to help build a more climate-resilient Philippines.”
Through stronger teamwork and the use of science-based data, CCC and NAMRIA aim to reduce climate-related damage, especially in at-risk provinces. Their mission is to ensure that every climate decision is backed by facts — not guesses — to protect lives, livelihoods, and communities across the country.
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