In a major step toward building a safer and more climate-resilient province, Pampanga has entered into a new partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the SHIELD initiative — or Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change.
Representatives from the UNDP recently met with officials at the Pampanga Provincial Capitol to formalize the collaboration. The two-year program, implemented in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), UN-Habitat, NRC, and PBSP, aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate adaptation among local government units (LGUs).
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda emphasized the urgency of addressing current risks, noting that the Pampanga River, now heavily silted, has become a greater flooding threat than Mount Pinatubo.
Through the SHIELD program, Pampanga will benefit from improved land-use planning, hazard mapping, and access to resilience funds for infrastructure projects such as drainage systems, sea walls, and early warning systems. The initiative also includes training and capacity-building for LGU officials and community members to enhance preparedness before, during, and after disasters.
Digital tools and mobile applications will also be introduced to enable faster coordination and alerts during emergencies. Importantly, the program promotes inclusive participation, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other sectors have a voice in planning and implementation.
According to the UNDP, SHIELD is more than a project — it’s a call for collective action to help communities withstand and recover from the growing threats of climate change. Backed by the Australian Government and the Pampanga Provincial Government, the initiative underscores a shared vision: a stronger, safer, and more resilient Pampanga ready to face the challenges of the future.
