CCC highlights vice governors’ role in risk governance

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The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the vital role of vice governors in advancing risk governance and building climate-resilient communities during the 103rd Year-End National Assembly of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP).

Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said vice governors sit at “the critical intersection where plans meet priorities, where evidence meets action, and where strategy becomes alignment across the entire province.”

He said this strategic position empowers vice governors to lead efforts that protect lives, sustain livelihoods, and secure the future of their provinces.

Borje linked this leadership role to national policy frameworks, especially the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which helps communities identify locally appropriate adaptation projects based on their specific climate vulnerabilities.

The NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reflects the administration’s vision and strategy for 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,” Borje said.

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

Such alignment, he said, strengthens risk governance by ensuring that adaptation measures are responsive, measurable, and sustainable.

Borje also highlighted the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) as a key financing mechanism for local adaptation efforts.

From 2023 to 2025, the PSF Board significantly accelerated the approval of projects and Project Development Grants (PDGs), raising fund utilization from just over 30% to near full commitment.

As of May 2024, the initial PHP 1 billion allocation had been fully committed and exceeded by PHP 321.6 million.

To support this expanded pipeline, an additional PHP 1 billion was appropriated under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, bringing the total portfolio to 15 projects and nine PDGs, valued at approximately PHP 1.4 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.

Borje acknowledged that there remains room for growth in the PSF application process.

He reiterated the CCC’s commitment to working with the Department of Finance—as PSF Board chair and secretariat—and other board members to improve support mechanisms for local government units (LGUs) in project application and implementation.

While encouraging vice governors to continue leading efforts in resilience and good governance, Borje also stressed the need for whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to ensure systems remain responsive and contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience.

The LVGP, a national organization of vice governors, serves as a platform for sharing experiences, coordinating policies, addressing common challenges, and promoting best practices in provincial governance.

For more information on the CCC’s climate initiatives, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.