On April 7, 2015, the U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC) led by Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering turned over Geographic Information System (GIS) generated maps to the Province of Batanes. The high resolution maps are a part of the U.S. government’s support to several CCC “eco-towns” throughout the Philippines. They provide visual information on Batanes' physical landscape, topography and political boundaries and serve as a guide to local government units as they plan for low-carbon development that is more resilient to climate change and natural disasters.

Director Steele explained that the U.S. and Philippine governments are working in partnership for long-term, transformative development while slowing the increase of greenhouse gas emissions in the short-term and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the medium to long term, a true partnership for the planet. Supporting eco-towns is anchored in the CCC-USAID partnership to implement the Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS). “The U.S. government is committed to help the Philippines accelerate inclusive, resilient economic growth,” Director Steele said, adding: “Growth and resiliency go hand in hand to ensure that prosperity reaches all people, and that it’s here to stay.”

During the visit, USAID also conducted an orientation on the Geospatial Toolkit (GsT) and Wind Prospector for local government officers and key stakeholders in Batanes, including representatives from the Batanes Electric Cooperative, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Batanes Heritage Foundation. The GsT and Wind Prospector are publicly available tools (http://1.usa.gov/1HPreRt) that include detailed datasets and maps to support government energy planning and industry investment in the emerging wind energy sector.

“The U.S. government encourages public private partnerships particularly in capital-intensive energy projects.” Director Steele said. “With the availability of these free tools, we expect that investors will have greater confidence in the province and contribute to long-term and sustainable economic growth.”

CCC Secretary Sering quoted, “Sa simpleng mapa, nagkaroon ng mas malawak na pananaw ang mga tao para sa kanilang maliit na isla.” (With these simple maps, the people started to see the bigger potential of their small island.)

Batanes officials led by Congresswoman Henedina Abad and Governor Vicente Gato acknowledged the technical assistance from USAID and for being chosen by CCC as an Eco-town site. The activity was also timely since Batanes is vying to be part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its natural and man-made landscape and seascapes.

About USAID

The United States Agency for International Development is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to create a more stable, prosperous and well-governed nation. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

Follow all the U.S. Embassy’s efforts to help the Philippines improve environmental protections for all its citizens by looking for our #1Earth.