The Climate Change Commission (CCC) called on vice governors to take a more active role in climate risk governance, citing their strategic position in driving policies that protect communities from climate impacts.

During the 103rd Year-End National Assembly of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said Vice Governors occupy “the critical intersection where plans meet priorities, where evidence meets action, and where strategy becomes alignment across the entire province.”

According to Borje, this strategic position empowers Vice Governors to spearhead efforts that protect lives, sustain livelihoods, and safeguard the long-term future of their provinces.

Borje connected the leadership role of vice governors to national policy frameworks, citing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as a key guide for communities in identifying locally appropriate adaptation practices and projects tailored to specific vulnerabilities.

CCC said the NAP embodies the administration’s vision and plan of action for achieving a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.

“These insights allow Vice Governors to understand—not vaguely, but precisely—what hazards your provinces face and how those hazards intersect with population, livelihoods, and infrastructure,” he stated.

Per Borje, the Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) must be anchored in the NAP to ensure provincial strategies are science-driven, evidence-based, and aligned with national priorities.

“Such alignment strengthens risk governance by making adaptation actions responsive, measurable, and sustainable,” CCC said.

As such, Borje underscored the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) as a key financing mechanism for local adaptation initiatives.

“From 2023 to 2025, the PSF Board significantly accelerated the approval of projects and Project Development Grants, resulting in a sharp increase in fund utilization from just over 30 percent to near full commitment,” the agency said.

“By May 2024, the initial Php 1 billion allocation had been fully committed and exceeded by Php 321.6 million.”

The CCC said an additional P1 billion was appropriated under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to sustain the expanded pipeline, raising the portfolio to 15 projects and nine Project Development Grants (PDGs) with a total value of approximately P1.4 billion.

“These developments make the PSF a more accessible and reliable financing option, helping local governments secure funds to strengthen climate resilience in their communities,” he said.