By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the heat of the midday sun in San Francisco, Cebu, farmers gathered in a modest hall to talk not about the weather—but how to survive it. For coastal and farming communities, stronger typhoons, longer dry spells, and sudden heavy rains are no longer rare events. They are part of daily life.
In February 2026, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) met with the Local Government Unit of San Francisco, Cebu to strengthen the town’s climate resilience programs and assess the progress of a project funded by the People’s Survival Fund (PSF).
The visit was part of the Commission’s coordination mission in Cebu aimed at improving local capacity for climate action. Officials said stronger coordination between national and local governments is key to preparing communities for climate risks.
A major focus of the visit was the impact assessment of the PSF-supported project called “Building Resilience through Community-Based Ecological Farming” or Build ReEF. The project supports water resource development and promotes sustainable farming practices in the municipality. It aims to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while protecting natural resources.
During the discussions, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje stressed that project evaluation does not end when funding is completed. He said government support should continue even after implementation.
“Just because the project is done does not mean that the support of the government is over,” Borje said, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and guidance.
He explained that post-implementation assessments are important to determine whether climate adaptation measures are truly improving resilience. These include checking if farming communities are better prepared for droughts and heavy rains, if local institutions are stronger, and if the benefits of the project are sustained over time.
San Francisco Mayor Alfredo A. Arquillano Jr. echoed the same view. He said the completion of Build ReEF should not be seen as the end but as a foundation for broader climate action.
“The completion of Build ReEF is not the finish line,” Arquillano said. “It is a strong foundation that allows us to deepen our climate resilience initiatives and sustain gains made by our farming communities.”
The meeting brought together project planners, technical staff, and farmer-beneficiaries. This multi-sector discussion allowed participants to identify operational challenges and explore ways to expand ecosystem-based and community-driven adaptation strategies.
As part of the engagement, the CCC handed over copies of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 to the local government. The NAP serves as the country’s long-term blueprint for climate adaptation. It guides national and local governments in using science-based and risk-informed strategies to protect communities from climate impacts.
The Commission said that beyond compliance and reporting, PSF-supported projects must contribute to long-term institutional strengthening and improved climate governance. The goal is to ensure measurable resilience outcomes, especially for vulnerable communities such as small farmers and coastal residents.
The Philippines is among the countries most exposed to climate risks, including typhoons, flooding, sea level rise, and drought. Strengthening local climate action is seen as one of the most effective ways to reduce disaster losses and protect livelihoods.
For the farmers of San Francisco, climate resilience is not just a policy term. It means stable harvests, secure water supply, and a safer future for their families.
As climate challenges continue, sustained cooperation between national agencies and local governments will be crucial. Projects like Build ReEF show that when planning, science, and community participation come together, local resilience can grow stronger.
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