Data Management in Local Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines: Scenarios and Strategies

Within the administrative structure of the Philippine government, local government units (LGUs) play a crucial role as frontline agencies for disaster risk reduction - climate change adaptation (DRRCCA). However, many LGUs continue to struggle with data management, an essential component of effective DRR-CCA interventions. This study explores this challenge by examining emerging trends and issues in the local DRR-CCA data management landscape through a futures thinking lens, adding value to the existing body of knowledge by looking into a myriad of factors that affect data management for local DRR-CCA and by systematically imagining and describing potential future scenarios. Drawing from literature reviews and key informant interviews, the study identifies five key driving forces—or influential factors—that affectlocal DRR-CCA data management: institutional capacity, level of digital technology diffusion, standards for data management, the digital divide, and emerging technologies. These factors served as the foundation for developing potential future scenarios, including a preferred scenario, along with corresponding goals and strategies for the year 2050 that can guide future institutional and policy reforms. These outputs were validated through consultations with scholars and practitioners via email interviews.