In view of the current effects of climate change in the Philippines, the study recognizes the important role of local government units (LGUs) on mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study further recognizes that the concept of low carbon cities has just been lately recognized in the Philippines, as the focus on the role of climate change mitigation has always been assumed by the National Government. The study is driven by recent discussions on climate change to shift from global and national playing field to local spheres highlighting the notion that “the local” is also an important site in governing global environmental problems. Furthermore, the study stressed the importance of LGU participation in crafting and implementing mitigation strategies given that LGUs are “first line” of effort in reducing GHG emissions.
The findings of the research showed that the three identified common barriers and constraints in introducing low carbon city in the Philippines based on the interview with resource persons and selected case study area are as follows: i.) Lack of national framework to establish a low carbon city, ii.) Technical capacity, and iii.) Integration of low carbon city concepts in the planning process. This was further supported by the conduct of stocktaking tool and review of the LGUs internal process through the relevant documents from the LGU (i.e. GHG Management Plan).
Moreover, the study also showed that electricity, transportation, and waste are the main opportunities for cities to conduct their own mitigation strategies through programs/projects. Since most of the electricity source comes from outside of the city, they are limited to demand-side management. On the other hand, a schematic mapping of NG-LGU roles on implementing mitigation strategies showed that the city would have a greater role on implementing low emission development strategies in the transportation and waste sector.