To improve the capacity of local government units to respond to impacts of climate change, the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) or Republic Act 10174 was enacted on 16 August 2012. Eight years after the enactment of the law, only a limited number of LGUs were able to access the fund due to strict requirements. To illustrate, Section 24 of the act provides the following criteria in prioritizing PSF allocation:
1. level of risk and vulnerability to climate change,
2. participation of the affected communities in the design of the project
3. poverty reduction potential
4. cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the proposal
5. identification of potential co-benefits extending beyond LGU territory
6. maximization of multi-sectoral and cross-sectoral benefits
7. responsiveness to gender-differentiated vulnerabilities
8. availability of climate-change adaptation action plan
To increase the chances of LGUs accessing the fund, the People Survival Fund Board headed by the Department of Finance (DoF) simplified the requirements which made the process more manageable. From the initial 14 requirements, the PSF Board reduced it to four. These include: letter of intent, accomplished project proposal template, annual investment plan (AIP), and adaptation references (any of the following: Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments, CCA-DRR-enhanced Comprehensive Land Use/Development plans, and Local Climate Change Action Plan). The DoF also created the PSF unit to receive the submissions and answer queries about accessing the fund. Acceptance period runs for two cycles (April-May, October-November).
The Climate Change Commission, which heads the PSF Secretariat, encourages LGUs and community organizations to submit their proposals. For soft copies of the PSF proposal template, PSF proponents’ handbook, and other informational materials, kindly visit the LCP website or click the link: bit.ly/AccessingPSF.
For real-time updates and information on the PSF, kindly check the following:
· facebook.com/PeoplesSurvivalFund
· email to psf.ccc@gmail.com
· Telephone No.: (02) 8420-5513.