international research forum plenary talk by dennis dela torre, planning officer v, office of the...

GENDERIZING CLIMATE ACTIONS AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

17 October 2013Catanduanes State UniversityVirac, Catanduanes

Climate Change Mitigation vs. Disaster MitigationSection 3 of the DRRM Act/RA 10121Structural and non-structural measures undertaken to limit the adverse impact of natural hazards, environmental degradation, and technological hazards and to ensure the ability of at-risk communities to address vulnerabilities aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters. Such measures include, but are not limited to, hazard-resistant construction and engineering works, the formulation and implementation of plans, programs, projects and activities, awareness raising, knowledge management, policies on land-use and resource management, as well as the enforcement of comprehensive land-use planning, building and safety standards, and legislation.Section 3n of the Climate Change Act/RA 9729Mitigation in the context of climate change, refers to human intervention to address anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all GHG, including ozone depleting substances and their substitutes.

Adaptation refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.

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Climate Change Adaptation:

Reduce vulnerability to:Disaster Risk Management

Reduce vulnerability to:Gradual changes in climatic parametersExtreme weather events with increased frequency and severityRising mean temperatureChanges in precipitation patternsSea level riseClimate- and weather-related hazardsGeophysical hazardsEcological hazards

Direct connectionPotential connections

Exploit connections using co-benefit strategiesConceptual Linkages of Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management (CCA-DRM)Top-down / National govt policies.Bottom-up / Community-based(SOURCE: Castillo, Charlotte Kendra G, 2007)

Global GHG emissionsSource: IPCC AR4, Synthesis Report (shares are for 2004)

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Share in the current emissionsG8 nations about 45%Source: CDIAC 2007

Chart1

0.209

0.053

0.043

0.028

0.022

0.02

0.016

0.013

0.173

0.088

0.048

0.046

0.001

0.016

0.015

0.015

0.015

0.013

0.011

0.011

0.011

0.011

0.004

0

Australia 1.1%

Brazil 1.1%

Spain 1.1%

Iran 1.5%

Indonesia 1.3%

South Africa 1.5%

Mexico 1.5%

Korea 1.6%

China 17.3%

USA 20.9%

Japan 4.3%

Germany 2.8%

Canada 2.2%

UK 2%

France 1.3%

Italy 1.6%

Nigeria 0.4%

Poland 1.1%

Russia 5.3%

India 4.6%

Latin America and Carribean 4.8%

EU 8.8%

Sheet1

USA20.90%

Russia5.30%

Japan4.30%

Germany2.80%

Canada2.20%

UK2.00%

Italy1.60%

France1.30%

China17.30%

EU8.80%

Latin America and Carribean4.80%

India4.60%

Peru0.10%

Korea1.60%

Mexico1.50%

South Africa1.50%

Iran1.50%

Indonesia1.30%

Brazil1.10%

Spain1.10%

Australia1.10%

Poland1.10%

Nigeria0.40%

Kenia0.00%

Sheet1

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0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

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EU 8.8%

Latin America and Carribean 4.8%

India 4.6%

Russia 5.3%

Poland 1.1%

Nigeria 0.4%

Italy 1.6%

France 1.3%

UK 2%

Canada 2.2%

Germany 2.8%

Japan 4.3%

USA 20.9%

China 17.3%

Korea 1.6%

Mexico 1.5%

South Africa 1.5%

Indonesia 1.3%

Iran 1.5%

Spain 1.1%

Brazil 1.1%

Australia 1.1%

Sheet2

Sheet3

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More powerfulLess powerfulMore Supportive (e.g. 2oC)Less supportive (e.g. 2oC) ChinaUSJapanAustraliaCanadaS.KoreaMexicoIndiaBrazilS.AfricaClimate leaderse.g. NorwayOther EUSaudi/OPECRussiaProgressive G77IndonesiaAOSISAfrican GroupOther G77 Progressive EU

Climate championsImportant swing statesRogues/deal-breakersCore/deal-makersUNFCCC - Mapping the playersPhilippinesNew Zealand

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NET: 21,767.41 Gg CO2-E

*Source: NFSCC, 2010

PAGASA-DOST

MEAN TEMPARATUREPERIODA1BA2202028.428.1205029.429.1210030.530.8BASELINE27.40

Change in Mean Temperature

Under the A1B scenario the seasonal mean temperatures in the Philippines are expected to rise by about 0.8C to 1.3C for 2020 and 1.5 C to 2.6 C by 2050.

Under the A2 emission scenario the seasonal mean temperatures in the Philippines are expected to rise by about 0.5 C to 0.9 C for 2020 and 1.2 C to 2.0 C by 2050.

Widespread warming is projected in most parts of the country in 2020 and 2050.

Projected seasonal temperature increase is quite consistent in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao throughout the four different seasons with higher increase expected in 2050.*

Projected seasonal temperature increase (in C) in the Philippines in 2020 and 2050All areas of the Philippines will get warmer

All areas in the Philippines are expected to rise by 0.9 C to 1.1 C in 2020 and by 1.8 C to 2.2 C in 2050Source: PAGASA

Projected rainfall change (increase/decrease) in % in 2020 and 2050 in the PhilippinesUsually wet seasons become wetter which could lead to flood occurrences

Usually dry seasons become drier which could lead to drought spellsSource: PAGASA

SEA LEVEL RISE

Source: Francoise Gemenne, Policy responses to climate-induced migration: Findings from ADB Project and relevance to the Philippines Philippines Country Workshop on Climate-Induced MigrationManila, 13 September 2011, quoting NASA*

A sea level rise of 1 cm puts 1 million people at risk of displacement*

Increasing Intensity of typhoons and precipitation (1945-2006)Source: PAGASAA total of 1128 tropical cyclones entered the PAR and 56 % of this tropical cyclone reached typhoon intensity. Each year, the Philippines is hit by an average of 20 typhoons. Most of the deadliest and exceptionally damaging typhoons that hit the Philippines occurred in the last two decades: Over US$2 Billion in direct damages and causing the deaths of over 25,000 Filipinos (excluding damages from Ketsana and Parma)

The Philippines experience the Most number of the most intense typhoons and precipitation

Red = category 5 *

Before Sendong and After Sendong. HOUSES on Isla de Oro, a sandbar, were swept away by rampaging waters of Cagayan River when Tropical Storm Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro on Dec. 17. Photo by Yeb Sao*

Before Sendong and After Sendong. FEW OF the houses on a bank of Cagayan River in Sitio Calacala remained after the storm. Photo by Yeb Sao*

Climate Change Act of 2009October 23, 2009 * Malacaang

R.A. 9729R.A. 10174Mainstreaming climate change into government policy formulations

Creating the Climate Change Commission

Formulating the National Strategic Framework on Climate Change

Formulating the National Climate Change Action Plan

Creating the Peoples Survival Fund

Climate Change CommissionSole policy-making body of the government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the programs and action plans of the government relating to climate changeIndependent and autonomous body attached to the Office of the President

Simplified Vulnerability Assessment Approach

Figure above presents a simplified vulnerability assessment approach as recommended by the IPCC, as discussed in an unpublished report of Dr. Kendra Gotangco to the CCC (Philippines)*

Natural Hazards Risk-Based Approach

Dr. Gotangco: biophysical vulnerability has much in common with the concept of risk as elaborated in the natural hazards literature. The principal difference: natural hazards risk-based approach is that risk is generally described in terms of probability. Whereas the IPCC and the climate change community: (biophysical) vulnerability simply as a function of certain variables. Nonetheless, the determinants of both biophysical vulnerability and risk are essentially the same, which are hazards and social vulnerability. Overall, Dr. Gotangco emphasized the need for adaptation planning and assessment because a system with high adaptive capacity, does not necessarily translate to adaptation. Adaptive capacity must encompass all the processes that determine whether or not adaptation takes place, and to what extent, including those associated with different scales and systems, representing the environmental, economic and geopolitical context in which the system of interest is embedded. *

IPCC Biophysical Vulnerability Approach

The (IPCC) approach is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate change and variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity

V = f ( E, S, AC )

Source: The IPCC framework (IPCC AR4, TAR WG2). The IPCC framework is defined by the above equation wherein: V - Vulnerability is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes.E - Exposure is the nature and degree to which a system is exposed to significant climatic variationsS - Sensitivity is the degree to which a system is affected, either adversely or beneficially, by climate variability or change. The effect may be direct (e.g., a change in crop yield in response to a change in the mean, range or variability of temperature) or indirect (e.g., damages caused by an increase in the frequency of coastal flooding due to sea level rise).AC - Adaptive Capacity is the ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.*

Natural Hazards Risk-Based Approach

Dr. Gotangco: biophysical vulnerability has much in common with the concept of risk as elaborated in the natural hazards literature. The principal difference: natural hazards risk-based approach is that risk is generally described in terms of probability. Whereas the IPCC and the climate change community: (biophysical) vulnerability simply as a function of certain variables. Nonetheless, the determinants of both biophysical vulnerability and risk are essentially the same, which are hazards and social vulnerability. Overall, Dr. Gotangco emphasized the need for adaptation planning and assessment because a system with high adaptive capacity, does not necessarily translate to adaptation. Adaptive capacity must encompass all the processes that determine whether or not adaptation takes place, and to what extent, including those associated with different scales and systems, representing the environmental, economic and geopolitical context in which the system of interest is embedded. *

Differences and SimilaritiesV = f ( E, S, AC )

Dr. Gotangco: biophysical vulnerability has much in common with the concept of risk as elaborated in the natural hazards literature. The principal difference: natural hazards risk-based approach is that risk is generally described in terms of probability. Whereas the IPCC and the climate change community: (biophysical) vulnerability simply as a function of certain variables. Nonetheless, the determinants of both biophysical vulnerability and risk are essentially the same, which are hazards and social vulnerability. Dr. Gotangco key message: emphasized the need for adaptation planning and assessment because a system with high adaptive capacity, does that necessarily translate to adaptation. Adaptive capacity must encompass all the processes that determine whether or not adaptation takes place, and to what extent, including those associated with different scales and systems, representing the environmental, economic and geopolitical context in which the system of interest is embedded. *

National Framework Strategy on Climate ChangeGovernment policy and countrys roadmap towards climate change mitigation and adaptation, with emphasis on disaster risk reduction (DRR)Basis for the program on climate change planning, research and development, extension, and monitoring of activities on climate change

VISION:A climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous and self-reliant communities, and thriving and productive ecosystems

Capacity DevelopmentKnowledge ManagementResearch and DevelopmentTechnology TransferFinancingPolicy, Planning andMainstreaming CROSS-CUTTING STRATEGIES

National Framework Strategy on Climate ChangeMulti-stakeholderPartnershipsMEANS OF IMPLEMENTATIONIEC andAdvocacyGenderMainstreamingValuation

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NCCAP: Ultimate Goal*The NCCAP

Successful transition towards climate-smart development.

Food SecurityWater SufficiencyKnowledge and Capacity DevelopmentEcosystem and Environmental StabilitySustainable EnergyClimate-Smart Industries and ServicesHuman SecurityUltimate OutcomesIntermediate Outcomes

National Climate Change Action Plan 2011-2028

Strategic Actions on Food Security for 2011 to 2028

Strategic Actions on Ecosystem and Environmental Stability for 2011 to 2028

Strategic Actions on Human Security for 2011 to 2028

Cap Dev as a Strategic Priority NEDA study, conducted through the MDGF 1656: Strengthening the Philippines Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change project, found 3 core issues that have to be addressed (NEDA 2010):

the need for the participating institutions to formulate their CCA Policy which would serve as a guide for them to effectively address climate change adaptation and mitigation; the need for relevant, timely and accessible data and information is critical for the planning and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation; the need to build knowledge and capacities of staff and officers of agencies on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Cap Dev as a Strategic Priority Second, building communities capacities for climate adaptation also builds their ability to cope with the impacts of climate change. Where these capacities have been destroyed due to economic failure and natural disasters, the focus of capacity development is on retaining existing capacity assets and motivating a return of capacity. The basic principle during times of crises is to building back better capacities so that communities are able to recover faster from the crises.

Cap Dev and Strategic Knowledge The following are the key issues that should be addressed under strategic knowledge:

Having access to relevant information and localizing it from the Philippine perspective

Creating a good data management and reporting system

Disseminating relevant information

Strategic Actions for Knowledge and Capacity Development for 2011-2028

RA 9729 (Climate Change Act) Sec. 14: Local Climate Change Action PlanBarangayMunicipal and CityProvincialPrioritize CC issues and identify and implement best practicesDirectly involved w/ municipal and city governments

Consider CC adaptation as one of their regular functionsProvide technical assistance, enforcement and information management in support of municipal and city climate change action plansAn inter-local government unit collaboration shall be maximized in the conduct of climate-related activitiesNational GovernmentExtend technical and financial assistance to LGUs for the accomplishment of their LCCAP

RA 9729 (Climate Change Act) Sec. 14: Local Climate Change Action PlanLGUs shall be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the Framework and the National Climate Change Action Plan

ECO-TOWNSEcologically Stableand EconomicallyResilient Towns

Food SecurityRenewable Energy from:HydroSolar & Wind

Environmental CCTConditionalityE-CCT beneficiaryFamily vs. CommunitySetting the maximum that a family or a community can sustainably protectBenefits vs. incentive for behavior changeHow much is sufficient incentive?

Implementation Phase: CC Resilient Communities & Local EconomyIdentifying measures of resilienceIncreased income of beneficiaries from livelihood activitiesDecreased in ecosystem damageReduced disruption to economic activities during extreme climate eventsIncreased municipal / provincial incomeDesigning eco-town performance monitoring and evaluation frameworkNatural resources accountsGross provincial income accounts

NOTES The Peoples Survival Fund Bill can be a possible source of financing for LGUs.

Mainstreaming of CCA-DRR is also being done by NEDA and DILG.

The CCC is currently engaging with the HLURB regarding updating the CLUP process to make it climate-smart. Next would be DILGs CDP process.

CCA and DRR Integrationin LGUsIntegrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) in Local Development Planning and Decision-making Processes

Slides taken from: NEDA - REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION STAFF, NDRRMC, DILG, UP MSI, WB, CHRISTIAN AID, UN HABITAT, FLORIDA DEP

NAP on CC(Output 4/Activity 4.1)Multi-stakeholder mechanism for CC on local level(Output 5/Activity 5.1/5.2)Capability building(Output 1/Activity 1.2)Integrating framework(Output 2/Activity 2.1)IEC/Advocacy(Output 1/Activity 1.1)

10 CC adaptation projects demonstrated in 10 pilot communities(Output 3/Activity 3.2/3.3)Documentation of best practices in community level CC adaptation projects(Output 3/Activity 3.4)

DRR/CCA Integration

Sectoral Impacts

DRR/CCA PlansDemonstration Projects

CC ScenariosVA Tool(Integrated DRR/CCA)VnA Tool(Integrated DRR/CCA)

SNCMDG-FDRR/CCA Project

Adaptation Strategies

Biophysical effects

DRR/CCA IntegrationSpatial/temporal variabilityHazard characterization using CC scenarios (e.g., hydrologic modeling)Inclusion of creeping or slow-onset events

Biophysical Effects

DRR/CCA IntegrationAgricultureForestryCoastal

Sectoral ImpactsWaterHealth

UN

HABITAT

Strengthening Climate Resilience developed by Christian Aid*

Urban Risk Assessment Approach

Source: URBANRISK ASSESSMENTS AN APPROACH FOR UNDERSTANDING DISASTER & CLIMATERISK IN CITIES, Urban Development & Local Government UnitFinance, Economics and Urban Department, The World Bank*

Zones of coastal regulation

Adaptation thru policy intervention/regulationSource: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as cited in POLICY FRAMEWORKS FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN COASTAL ZONES:THE CASE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO (Ellina Levina, OECD John Jacob, Luis Enrique Ramos Bustillos, and Ivonne Ortiz)*

Marita P. Rodriguez with Marie M. Nuez5th Consultation Series: Community-Based Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment ToolsNovember 21, 2011, SMX Convention Center

Summary of Major Changes and Perceived Causes

Sitio Ibuan (Agricultural)Sitios Cabgan & Mahaba (Fisheries)Perceived CausesSitio IbuanSitios Cabgan & MahabaDecline in crop harvestsDecline in fish catch and seaweeds harvestIntense rain and intense heatClimate and non-climate factors such as illegal fishing and polluted watersPests in rice, some viral diseases in banana Diseases in fish catch and seaweedsIntense rain and intense heatIntense rain and intense heat; illegal fishing; polluted waters; increasing sea surface temperatureHigh tide level moving inwardRising tidal levelsCannot fish during amihanStrong waves during typhoons

What Oxfam Found OutWomen and men are differently affected by climate change hence it is important to look into their nuanced situation:Women concerns: immediate family needs like settlement, health and food securityMen concerns: long-term needs like sustainable livelihood; childrens educationAdaptation measures need not be new as long as this addresses needs and vulnerabilities of women and menYuha Tu BanwaFish sanctuary, WMA, herbal and vegetable gardening

Women: camote, mangroveMen: abaca, corals/seaweeds*

Therefore...VNA or any tools need to involve women if we want a holistic picture of community situationAsking appropriate questionsSeparate sessions for women and menThis would ensure women benefits as much as the men in the adaptation projects that will be identified

- End of Oxfam presentation

Epilogue

Photos taken from http://pinoytrees.blogspot.com/2009/07/manilas-long-lost-resident.html

it is widely accepted that the term Tagalog came from the word 'Taga-Ilog' o river dwellers, (referring to thePasig Riverof former Rizal province towns and Manila) http://philreview.blogspot.com/2008/07/tagalog-origin.html

The city's name , originally Maynilad , is derived from that of the nilad plant , a flowering shrub adapted to marshy conditions , which once grew profusely along the banks of the river; the name was shortened first to Maynila and then to its present form http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/~noemie/alignment/data/test/hum/manila-hum.txt

it is widely accepted that the term Tagalog came from the word 'Taga-Ilog' o river dwellers, (referring to thePasig Riverof former Rizal province towns and Manila) http://philreview.blogspot.com/2008/07/tagalog-origin.html*

Epilogue


Climate Change OfficeClimate Change CommissionRm 238 Mabini Hall, Malacaang CompoundSan Miguel, ManilaTelefax: 736-1171Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

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*Source: NFSCC, 2010Change in Mean Temperature

Under the A1B scenario the seasonal mean temperatures in the Philippines are expected to rise by about 0.8C to 1.3C for 2020 and 1.5 C to 2.6 C by 2050.

Under the A2 emission scenario the seasonal mean temperatures in the Philippines are expected to rise by about 0.5 C to 0.9 C for 2020 and 1.2 C to 2.0 C by 2050.

Widespread warming is projected in most parts of the country in 2020 and 2050.

Projected seasonal temperature increase is quite consistent in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao throughout the four different seasons with higher increase expected in 2050.*Source: Francoise Gemenne, Policy responses to climate-induced migration: Findings from ADB Project and relevance to the Philippines Philippines Country Workshop on Climate-Induced MigrationManila, 13 September 2011, quoting NASA*A sea level rise of 1 cm puts 1 million people at risk of displacement*The Philippines experience the Most number of the most intense typhoons and precipitation

Red = category 5 *

*Before Sendong and After Sendong. HOUSES on Isla de Oro, a sandbar, were swept away by rampaging waters of Cagayan River when Tropical Storm Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro on Dec. 17. Photo by Yeb Sao*Before Sendong and After Sendong. FEW OF the houses on a bank of Cagayan River in Sitio Calacala remained after the storm. Photo by Yeb Sao*Figure above presents a simplified vulnerability assessment approach as recommended by the IPCC, as discussed in an unpublished report of Dr. Kendra Gotangco to the CCC (Philippines)*Dr. Gotangco: biophysical vulnerability has much in common with the concept of risk as elaborated in the natural hazards literature. The principal difference: natural hazards risk-based approach is that risk is generally described in terms of probability. Whereas the IPCC and the climate change community: (biophysical) vulnerability simply as a function of certain variables. Nonetheless, the determinants of both biophysical vulnerability and risk are essentially the same, which are hazards and social vulnerability. Overall, Dr. Gotangco emphasized the need for adaptation planning and assessment because a system with high adaptive capacity, does not necessarily translate to adaptation. Adaptive capacity must encompass all the processes that determine whether or not adaptation takes place, and to what extent, including those associated with different scales and systems, representing the environmental, economic and geopolitical context in which the system of interest is embedded. *Source: The IPCC framework (IPCC AR4, TAR WG2). The IPCC framework is defined by the above equation wherein: V - Vulnerability is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes.E - Exposure is the nature and degree to which a system is exposed to significant climatic variationsS - Sensitivity is the degree to which a system is affected, either adversely or beneficially, by climate variability or change. The effect may be direct (e.g., a change in crop yield in response to a change in the mean, range or variability of temperature) or indirect (e.g., damages caused by an increase in the frequency of coastal flooding due to sea level rise).AC - Adaptive Capacity is the ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.*Dr. Gotangco: biophysical vulnerability has much in common with the concept of risk as elaborated in the natural hazards literature. The principal difference: natural hazards risk-based approach is that risk is generally described in terms of probability. Whereas the IPCC and the climate change community: (biophysical) vulnerability simply as a function of certain variables. Nonetheless, the determinants of both biophysical vulnerability and risk are essentially the same, which are hazards and social vulnerability. Overall, Dr. Gotangco emphasized the need for adaptation planning and assessment because a system with high adaptive capacity, does not necessarily translate to adaptation. Adaptive capacity must encompass all the processes that determine whether or not adaptation takes place, and to what extent, including those associated with different scales and systems, representing the environmental, economic and geopolitical context in which the system of interest is embedded. *Dr. Gotangco: biophysical vulnerability has much in common with the concept of risk as elaborated in the natural hazards literature. The principal difference: natural hazards risk-based approach is that risk is generally described in terms of probability. Whereas the IPCC and the climate change community: (biophysical) vulnerability simply as a function of certain variables. Nonetheless, the determinants of both biophysical vulnerability and risk are essentially the same, which are hazards and social vulnerability. Dr. Gotangco key message: emphasized the need for adaptation planning and assessment because a system with high adaptive capacity, does that necessarily translate to adaptation. Adaptive capacity must encompass all the processes that determine whether or not adaptation takes place, and to what extent, including those associated with different scales and systems, representing the environmental, economic and geopolitical context in which the system of interest is embedded. *

*Strengthening Climate Resilience developed by Christian Aid*Source: URBANRISK ASSESSMENTS AN APPROACH FOR UNDERSTANDING DISASTER & CLIMATERISK IN CITIES, Urban Development & Local Government UnitFinance, Economics and Urban Department, The World Bank*Adaptation thru policy intervention/regulationSource: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as cited in POLICY FRAMEWORKS FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN COASTAL ZONES:THE CASE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO (Ellina Levina, OECD John Jacob, Luis Enrique Ramos Bustillos, and Ivonne Ortiz)*Women: camote, mangroveMen: abaca, corals/seaweeds*Photos taken from http://pinoytrees.blogspot.com/2009/07/manilas-long-lost-resident.html

it is widely accepted that the term Tagalog came from the word 'Taga-Ilog' o river dwellers, (referring to thePasig Riverof former Rizal province towns and Manila) http://philreview.blogspot.com/2008/07/tagalog-origin.html

The city's name , originally Maynilad , is derived from that of the nilad plant , a flowering shrub adapted to marshy conditions , which once grew profusely along the banks of the river; the name was shortened first to Maynila and then to its present form http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/~noemie/alignment/data/test/hum/manila-hum.txt

