Climate projects OKd by People’s Survival Fund

Empowering Climate Resilience PSF Approves $2.5M for 4 LGUs

As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of climate c
change, it's heartening to see initiatives that prioritize community resili
resilience and adaptation. The Department of Finance-supervised People's Su
Survival Fund (PSF) has done just that, approving over PHP 127 million (app
(approximately USD $2.5 million) in new financing for climate adaptation pr
projects across four local government units (LGUs) in the country.

Bridging the Gap between Climate Science and Local Action

Established through Republic Act 10174 in 2012, which amended the Climate C
Change Act of 2009, the PSF aims to bridge the gap between climate science 
and local action. This fund helps vulnerable communities strengthen their c
capabilities to survive extreme weather events by supporting innovative pro
projects that promote sustainable livelihoods.

New Financings A Bold Step towards Climate Resilience

At its 24th board meeting last month, the PSF board authorized funding for 
projects in the cities of Ormoc, Iriga, and Kidapawan, as well as the munic
municipality of Goa in Camarines Sur. These new approvals bring the total a
approved grants to PHP 127.3 million, adding to the cumulative financing co
commitments reaching PHP 1.549 billion.

Project Highlights A Bold Approach to Climate Adaptation

The largest allocation, PHP 42.35 million, was for a project in Ormoc on fl
flood mitigation through river restoration, watershed management, and susta
sustainable livelihood development. This bold initiative addresses recurrin
recurring flooding caused by overflowing rivers during extreme rainfall and
and typhoons, which affect dozens of low-lying and coastal communities.

Iriga will receive PHP 32.48 million to support a watershed-based climate a
adaptation project near Mt. Iriga. The program includes reforestation, orga
organic farming initiatives, and training for more than 2,000 farmers, alon
alongside the installation of early warning systems to improve disaster pre
preparedness in upland barangay.

Meanwhile, Kidapawan secured PHP 27.74 million for its ecosystem restoratio
restoration and disaster readiness program, which will expand forest cover 
and install early warning systems in hazard-prone areas, particularly those
those near the Mt. Apo Natural Park.

In Camarines Sur, the municipality of Goa was granted PHP 24.73 million to 
strengthen its disaster response capabilities through the development of an
an integrated emergency operations system, real-time weather monitoring, an
and improved community alert mechanisms.

PSF Chairman's Vision Empowering Communities

By combining nature-based solutions with community-led initiatives, we are
are helping residents manage climate risks more confidently while promoting
promoting sustainable livelihoods that protect lives and communities, said
said PSF Chairman Frederick Go. His words encapsulate the fund's bold appro
approach to tackling climate change – a step towards empowering communities
communities to take charge of their resilience.

Policy Reforms Streamlining Processes for Efficient Funding

The PSF also approved a set of policy reforms to improve the accessibility 
and efficiency of the fund. These include measures to streamline processing
processing timelines, enhance project application templates, and update pri
prioritization criteria to better align with national climate adaptation st
strategies.

Next Steps Expanding the Pipeline of Climate Resilience Initiatives Nati
Nationwide

The board is poised to open its next call for project proposals by April, a
aiming to expand the pipeline of climate resilience initiatives nationwide.
nationwide. This move underscores the fund's commitment to supporting innov
innovative projects that promote sustainable livelihoods and community resi
resilience in the face of climate change.

As we continue to grapple with the complexities of climate change, it's hea
heartening to see initiatives like the PSF's bold approach to empowering co
communities. By supporting innovative projects that prioritize community re
resilience and adaptation, we can create a foundation for a more sustainabl
sustainable future.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.