President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with the LGU recipients of PSF and members of the PSF Board. (Photo from the Office of the President)

MANILA, 29 November 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) commends the approval of additional climate adaptation  projects under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. through the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), saying this was a “demonstration of leadership in transformative climate action via a dedicated public domestic climate finance mechanism.”

The allocation of over PHP 541 million for six (6) new climate adaptation initiatives signifies the Marcos administration’s commitment to proactive governance and strengthening the nation's adaptive capacity against climate change.

“The PSF and the projects it funds will serve as a safeguard as we adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects. We can proudly say that the Philippines is a trailblazer in domestic climate finance for adaptation, showcasing our nation's commitment to global environmental responsibility,” emphasized by President Marcos.

“The approval of these projects sends a powerful message that the Marcos Administration can mobilize critical domestic resources to advance adaptation measures at the local and community levels, especially at a time when risks and challenges posed by climate change demand immediate and urgent actions,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Eric E.A Borje 

“Succinctly put, the clear message here is that the Philippines is unlocking domestic climate finance to serve the interests of vulnerable and at risk communities. With just a few days left for COP28, developed countries should do more. If countries like the Philippines can unlock public domestic climate finance, then developed countries must ramp up delivery on their commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement,” clarified Secretary Borje. 

The new projects include a PHP 271.15 million grant for the Provincial Government of Mountain Province to construct a Climate Field School (CFS), aiming to boost agricultural and fisheries sectors. The Municipality of Maramag, Bukidnon, secured PHP 126.40 million for drainage systems and agroforestry development, while Borongan City, Eastern Samar, received PHP 117.96 million for embankment infrastructure and reforestation along the Lo-om River. 

Other approved projects include a solar-powered lamp project in Cabagan, Isabela (PHP 21.28 million), and mangrove rehabilitation in Catanauan, Quezon Province (PHP 2.64 million). Additionally, a project development grant worth PHP 2 million has been recently approved for the Water Harvesting Structures Project in Besao, Mountain Province.

As the Philippines prepares to participate in the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), President Marcos emphasized the nation's leadership role: "We will use this platform to rally the global community and call upon nations to honor their commitments, particularly in climate financing."

At the ceremonial turnover of PSF Board Resolutions in Malacanang today, the President extended his congratulations to the beneficiaries of the PSF, acknowledging their dedication to climate-related projects and expressing continued support for their efforts.

He urged the beneficiaries to ensure the successful implementation of their respective projects, emphasizing the national government's commitment to providing guidance and assistance. 

"We are behind you and ready to do all that we need to do and to assist you to guide you so that these projects will be successful and will lead on to greater and bigger mitigation efforts for climate change effects," he stressed.

Reflecting on the global importance of climate change efforts, President Marcos further highlighted the Philippines' context as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. 

"We must do our part here in the Philippines. But we must also take the lead when it comes to the global move and the global aspiration that those most vulnerable communities around the world will somehow be assisted by the developing countries when it comes to these measures to mitigate and to adapt to climate change,"  he emphasized.

President Marcos encouraged other local government units to view the challenges brought about by climate change as opportunities for renewal and advancement: "Through the PSF, we can realize our dream for a sustainable and climate-resilient Philippines. We can showcase the transformative change that the united people can achieve."

Established under Republic Act No. 10174, the PSF is a special fund in the National Treasury that provides long-term finance streams to enable the government to effectively address the problems of climate change through adaptation programs and projects.

The CCC reviews and evaluates project proposals submitted for PSF. With concurrence and endorsement from the majority of CCC Commissioners, project proposals are recommended for approval by the PSF Board. The CCC also formulates mechanisms towards transparency and public access to information, and develops guidelines to accredit local/community organizations to access the PSF.

The recent fast tracking of PSF approvals reflects a streamlined approach in engaging local government units and ensuring efficient utilization of climate finance.

For more information on the PSF, visit the CCC’s website at https://climate.gov.ph or the People's Survival Fund Facebook page