The People’s Survival Fund (PSF) is supporting the ‘Securing Water as Adaptive Mechanisms for Survival and Sustainability (SWAMSS)’ project in Iriga City, an initiative that aims to restore and strengthen the ecosystem services and watershed functions of Mt. Iriga to better protect the lives, livelihoods, and assets of local communities.

“By strengthening watershed systems and empowering communities, we are investing in long-term resilience that safeguards lives, supports livelihoods, and ensures sustainable development,” said PSF Chair Frederick D. Go.

The project will establish demonstration farms for organic vegetable production, provide training to more than 2,000 farmers, and set up tree nurseries to support climate resilient farming and sustainable livelihoods. It will also implement reforestation and environmental protection efforts in Mt. Iriga, including the capacity building of 25 forest rangers, establishment of native tree nurseries, revegetation of river easements and gullies to prevent erosion and strengthen watershed management.

To enhance disaster preparedness, the project will install three Early Warning Systems (EWS) in upland areas and train local government unit (LGU) personnel in Iriga, along with barangay officials, on their use, maintenance, and emergency response benefiting Iriga City’s 21 barangays.

The PSF will provide PHP 32.48 million with the LGU providing in PHP 2.8 million in support to the project which has a total cost of PHP 35.23 million.

The project proposal was approved during the 24th PSF Board meeting on March 31, 2026. To date, the PSF is supporting 28 projects with total PSF financing commitments of PHP 1.549 billion covering full projects and project development grants.

The PSF, created under Republic Act No. 10174, finances climate adaptation programs and projects of LGUs and accredited community organizations, empowering them to design and implement localized solutions that address the country’s evolving climate challenges.