The People’s Survival Fund (PSF) approved PHP 42.35 million to support the ‘Building Ormoc’s Community Resilience through Green Riverscaping and Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Mitigation’ project in Ormoc City, which aims to restore rivers and watersheds, improve drainage systems, and support sustainable livelihoods for residents vulnerable to floods and typhoons.
“By combining nature-based solutions with community-led initiatives, we are helping residents manage climate risks more confidently while promoting sustainable livelihoods that protects lives, livelihoods, and the future of Ormoc’s communities,” PSF Chair Frederick D. Go said.
The project targets the city’s vulnerability to extreme rainfall and typhoons, which often cause Pagsangaan, Anilao, and Malbasag Rivers to overflow, flooding 74 low-lying barangays and causing storm surges in 17 coastal communities.
Existing flood control measures implemented by the local government unit (LGU) from 1998 to 2001 helped manage some of these risks. But this project will complement these structures more, while further strengthening drainage along Haubon (Jaobon), Anilao, and Malbasag Rivers based on the Ormoc LGU’s recent feasibility study.
With a total project cost of PHP 57.58 million—PHP 42.35 million of which is funded by the PSF grant and PHP 15.2 million from the LGU —the initiative focuses on several key components including the Integrated Watershed Restoration and Management program, which involves a delineation study of the Haubon Watershed and the reforestation of 180 hectares of denuded upland areas in Brgy. Cabintan.
The project also includes Sustainable Agricultural Livelihoods by planting a 10.39-kilometer bamboo and fruit tree buffer system along the Pagsangaan River to reduce soil erosion. There will also be community nurseries in partnership with farmer associations in Brgy. Curva and Brgy. Macabug will ensure a steady supply of seedlings.
To bolster disaster preparedness, five Local Weather Monitoring Systems (LWMS) will be installed across five barangays, supported by capacity-building programs for local residents.
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.
In the same meeting, the PSF Board approved policy reforms recommended by the PSF Secretariat in response to stakeholders’ call for a more responsive, accessible, and efficient fund.
These reforms include streamlining PSF processes by reducing processing time, enhancing project application templates, and updating the PSF Prioritization Criteria to align with national climate adaptation plans. The Board also approved the launch of its next Call for Proposals by April 2026 with details to follow.
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.
