The government has pushed for more investments in climate resilience measures to safeguard Filipino homes, livelihood and food security, epecially among vulnerable sectors.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza Teh said interventions in agriculture, water management and ecosystem protection can deliver immediate benefits to low- and middle-income households.
“Climate adaptation is not an abstract policy; it is a lifeline for families who depend on small farms, informal work and local markets,” Teh said during the Adaptation in Action Investment Forum in Taguig City last week.
“When we invest in resilient irrigation, watershed protection and climate-smart farming, we reduce the shocks that force households to sell assets, skip meals or pull children out of school,” she said.
Teh noted the need to scale up adaptation financing and ensure it reaches the most vulnerable communities.
“Financing adaptation within the water-food nexus is a crucial climate action as climate change significantly impacts food systems through water scarcity, pollution and increased climate variability,” she said.
“With sustained and scaled adaptation, we protect the steady production of key crops such as rice, sugarcane and corn.”
She outlined key benefits of climate adaptation investments, including improved water management and irrigation systems that increase crop reliability and reduce seasonal hunger.
“For a smallholder, a reliable water source can mean the difference between a harvest that feeds a family and one that doesn’t,” she said.
Teh also stressed the role of financial tools, such as microfinance, insurance and risk-mitigation measures in reducing losses during disasters.
“When farmers have access to affordable credit and weather-indexed insurance, they are less likely to resort to distress sales or high-interest loans after a storm,” she added.
Nature-based solutions, including reforestation and soil conservation, were likewise cited as key strategies to protect farmlands and minimize damage from floods and droughts. PNA
According to the DENR, the development of “bankable” projects attracts private sector investments and supports public-private partnerships.
“We must translate national priorities into clear, investable opportunities that deliver jobs, food security and ecosystem services at the local level,” Teh said.
Teh said climate adaptation initiatives can also generate jobs, particularly in rural areas, through projects such as watershed restoration, irrigation system maintenance and small-scale infrastructure development.
The forum called for standardized investment criteria, performance-based incentives, and integrated risk mitigation measures to ensure efficient and inclusive delivery of funds.
Organizers said the proposed Adaptation Investment Platform aims to institutionalize these approaches and scale up financing for climate resilience initiatives, translating national adaptation goals into tangible benefits for communities.
The event was organized by the DENR in collaboration with the Climate Change Commission, Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government–Local Government Academy, with support from the British Embassy. PNA
