MALACAÑANG on Wednesday welcomed the Philippines’ first-ever grant from the global Adaptation Fund, calling the USD10 million climate resilience project in Tawi-Tawi a “major step” in securing the future of vulnerable communities.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the project, “Harnessing the water-energy-food nexus to address and adapt to climate change impacts in Tawi-Tawi,” would support two of the country’s southernmost and most climate-affected areas – Sibutu and Sitangkai.
Castro cited the importance of ensuring stable water access for these island municipalities, saying the initiative reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to long-term climate adaptation and sustainable development.
“Partikular na susuportahan nito ang bayan ng Sibutu at Sitangkai para masiguro ang ligtas at matatag na access sa tubig sa harap ng tumitinding mga hamon dala ng climate change, isang malaking hakbang para sa mas matatag na kinabukasan ng ating mga komunidad sa Tawi-Tawi tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas (It will specifically support the municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai to ensure safe and reliable water access amid growing climate change challenges – a major step toward a more resilient future for our communities in Tawi-Tawi under a Bagong Pilipinas),” she said.
The project was officially approved during the 44th Board Meeting of the Adaptation Fund held in Bonn, Germany from April 8 to 11, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Finance leading the effort to secure the grant.
The Adaptation Fund finances projects and programs that help vulnerable communities in developing countries adapt to climate change. Initiatives are based on the country’s needs, views, and priorities. (Darryl John Esguerra)
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