The approval of six additional climate adaptation projects through the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) is testament to the Philippines’ commitment to global environmental responsibility, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said Thursday.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Eric E.A Borje made the statement following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s allocation of over PHP541 million to the PSF.

“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,” Borje said.

“If countries like the Philippines can unlock public domestic climate finance, then developed countries must ramp up delivery on their commitments under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the Paris Agreement.”

The new projects include a PHP271.15 million grant for the Provincial Government of Mountain Province to build a Climate Field School (CFS), aiming to boost agricultural and fisheries sectors.

The Municipality of Maramag, Bukidnon, secured PHP126.40 million for drainage systems and agroforestry development, while Borongan City, Eastern Samar, received PHP117.96 million for embankment infrastructure and reforestation along the Lo-om River.

Other approved projects include a solar-powered lamp project in Cabagan, Isabela (PHP21.28 million), and mangrove rehabilitation in Catanauan, Quezon (PHP2.64 million).

A project development grant worth PHP2 million has also been recently approved for the Water Harvesting Structures Project in Besao, Mountain Province.

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.

Project proposals are recommended for approval by the PSF Board 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 or community organizations to access the PSF. (PNA)