The Climate Change Commission joins the 35th Annual National Convention of the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines to discuss the National Adaptation Plan and People's Survival Fund.

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) urged local planning officers to fully utilize the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the People's Survival Fund (PSF) to strengthen climate resilience at the 35th Annual National Convention of the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines held recently in Tacloban City.

Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, CCC Deputy Executive Director, highlighted the NAP and PSF as key tools for enhancing local climate resilience.

The NAP aims to steadily reduce climate-related loss and damage and build the country’s adaptive capacity towards transformative resilience and sustainable economic development by 2050. On the other hand, the PSF is a dedicated finance mechanism that supports various community-based adaptation projects to strengthen the resilience of localities and ecosystems.

“The NAP provides a long-term strategy for climate adaptation, while the PSF provides financial support for local projects. As one of the most climate-at-risk countries, the Philippines must maximize these frameworks to enhance preparedness and adaptive capacity,” Cuenca said.

He emphasized the vital role of local planning and development coordinators in ensuring these programs are effectively implemented.

The CCC continues to educate and equip LGUs with the necessary tools and knowledge through mentorship, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen climate resilience and disaster response across the country.

“The success of NAP implementation and PSF access depends on the collective efforts of local governments. Proper compliance with PSF requirements is necessary to ensure the effective utilization of funds for climate adaptation initiatives,” Cuenca emphasized.

Meanwhile, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of CCC, emphasized the importance of these programs for local planners. 

"With proper integration, utilizing the PSF and NAP in local plans will strengthen resilience and support sustainable recovery,” Borje said, noting that the NAP was developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The convention gathered around 800 local planning and development coordinators and other LGU representatives nationwide. With the theme “Beyond Building Back Better: Utilizing Lessons of Resilience in Development Planning," the event focused on disaster preparedness, particularly drawing insights from Tacloban's experience recovering from Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.