The People’s Survival Fund (PSF) will help fund the Strengthening Climate Resilience in Kidapawan City through the ‘Canopy ’25 Ecosystem Restoration Program and Installation of Early Warning Systems’ project, an initiative aimed at addressing the city’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards through reforestation and improved early warning systems.
“This initiative highlights how nature-based solutions and technology can work together to protect communities, strengthen resilience, and secure a more sustainable future,” said PSF Chair Frederick D. Go.
The project will enhance the survival and growth of forest areas covering at least 700 hectares (ha) across the city. This covers maintenance of approximately 400 ha planted with an estimated 1.1 million indigenous and native forest seedlings in 2025 under the local government’s Canopy ’25 initiative, and planting of at least 579,000 of native and endemic seedlings across 300 ha of open and degraded forest area and river easements as well as upland ancestral domain area.
These areas were particularly highly exposed to climate impacts and human-induced pressures such as slash-and-burn practices. These sites are located mainly within and adjacent to the Mt. Apo Natural Park.
To further strengthen climate adaptation and disaster preparedness, the local government unit (LGU) also proposes the installation of seven Early Warning Systems (EWS) in identified flood- and landslide-prone barangays. This will enhance community resilience by improving risk monitoring and enabling timely responses to potential hazards.
The total project cost amounts to PHP 38.59 million, with the PSF providing PHP 27.74 million in funding support and the LGU allocating a counterpart of PHP 10.85 million.
Launched during the city’s 25th Charter Anniversary in 2023, the Canopy ’25 program is a flagship initiative to boost local climate resilience. Since its inception, approximately 3.3 million seedlings have been planted across an estimated 1,400 ha, including around 1.1 million seedlings in 2025 alone.
The LGU aims to further expand this effort, targeting 5 million seedlings by 2028.
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 financing commitments of PHP 1.549 billion, covering both 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.
