5 new climate adaptation projects approved

The country’s climate adaptation projects backed by the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) have increased to 21, including five new projects in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Finance said the PSF Board approved a total grant amounting to P1.421 billion to implement the projects.

Recently, the Board green-lit the release of P99.7 million for five projects in Pandan in Catamarans, Tagum in Davao del Norte, Basay in Negros Oriental, Claver in Surigao del Norte, and Rizal in Kalinga.

“I thank our hardworking PSF Board and the participating local government units for working together to turn these projects into a reality,” said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

Projects

The projects include the 10-hectare mangrove reforestation in six barangays in Catanduanes and a mangrove nursery in Barangay Balagñonan. The latter is seen to generate sustainable income for 519 individuals from 10 fisherfolk associations and five multi-sectoral associations.

A climate smart infrastructure project will also be built in the province, consisting of solar-powered irrigation systems, gravity-fed water supply systems, smart greenhouses, and a learning center.

Davao del Norte will use the funds to restore 55 hectares of mangrove ecosystems damaged by strong tides. This project is seen to benefit more than 1,000 fisherfolks in five barangays: Busaon, Liboganon, Madaum, San Isidro and Bingcungan.

Calamity early warning systems will also be installed in the province to protect more than 36,000 residents in Barangay Apokon, Canocotan, Madaum and San Miguel from the worst effects of natural disasters.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental will use the funds to rehabilitate Basay River and Watershed in preventing landslides and massive flooding in nearby areas.

A similar project will be implemented in Surigao del Norte, while Rizal in Kalinga will be provided irrigation networks to help its farmers minimize production losses due to drought.

Annual fund from the national budget

Created under Republic Act 10174, PSF consists of at least P1-billion annual fund from the national budget to local government units and accredited community organizations which they will use to implement climate change adaptation projects.