VM Bebot proposes ordinance on climate resilience, nature-based solutions

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez is pushing for the enactment of Cagayan de Oro Climate Resilience and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Investments Mechanism Ordinance.

The proposed ordinance seeks to establish an annual Climate Resilience Obligation (CRO) for registered large and medium covered enterprises and create a mechanism for investments in nature-based solutions to address climate risks such as flooding and drought.

During the joint meeting of the committee on trade and commerce, committee on climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk reduction, and committee on environment, data on the city’s greenhouse gas emissions was presented based on the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan. Cagayan de Oro recorded 2,321,280 tCO₂e in 2025, up from 1,429,704 tCO₂e in 2023 and 1,101,438.22 tCO₂e in 2016.

“There has been no decrease because we still do not have a policy in place specifically to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,” Vice Mayor Bebot said.

Once approved, the said measure will provide for cooperation with upstream municipalities in Bukidnon, including Talakag, Baungon, and Libona, for joint monitoring, benefit-sharing, and management of shared water resources.

The joint committee meeting was attended by CLENRO, ORO-TIPC, DENR, and other concerned stakeholders, with Congressman Jose Manuel Alba of the 1st District of Bukidnon, who serves as Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change, among the invited resource persons. (SPE/SP)