By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the bright morning sun in San Francisco, Cebu, farmers gathered in a modest hall to talk about something close to their daily lives — water, crops, and survival. For many of them, farming is not just work. It is how they feed their families and send their children to school.
The Local Government Unit of San Francisco, Cebu, led by Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr., recently held a collaborative discussion to assess the impact of the People’s Survival Fund (PSF)-supported project titled “Building Resilience through Community-Based Ecological Farming,” also known as Build Reef. The meeting brought together project planners, farmer beneficiaries, and key partners to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.
The Build Reef project focuses on strengthening climate resilience through ecological farming practices and improved water resource development. In a coastal and island municipality like San Francisco in the Camotes Islands, access to water remains a critical challenge, especially during prolonged dry seasons. Limited freshwater supply directly affects crop production and household needs.
The People’s Survival Fund, established under Republic Act No. 10174, is a national financing mechanism that supports local government units in implementing climate adaptation projects. It aims to help vulnerable communities cope with the impacts of climate change, including droughts, stronger typhoons, and shifting weather patterns.
During the meeting, representatives from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) provided technical inputs to guide discussions. Their insights focused on sustainable agricultural practices, resource management, and community-based approaches to climate adaptation.
Local officials highlighted that the Build Reef project integrates ecological farming methods that reduce dependence on chemical inputs and promote soil health. It also includes initiatives to improve water systems, such as small-scale water impounding and conservation measures. These efforts aim to ensure that farmers have more stable water access even during dry spells.
Farmers who attended the discussion shared their experiences on how the project has helped them adopt better farming techniques and manage limited resources more efficiently. Some beneficiaries noted improvements in crop yield and reduced production costs due to the use of organic and locally available inputs.
The presence of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and other municipal officials underscored the whole-of-society approach being promoted by the local government. By involving farmers directly in planning and assessment, the LGU seeks to ensure that policies respond to actual needs on the ground.
Mayor Arquillano emphasized that building resilience is a long-term commitment. Climate change continues to pose risks to agriculture, fisheries, and water security in island communities. Strengthening local capacity through partnerships with institutions like SEARCA and active community participation is seen as a practical way forward.
As climate challenges grow more complex, initiatives like Build Reef demonstrate how local action, supported by national funding and expert guidance, can make a difference. For the farmers of San Francisco, resilience means more than a policy term. It means having enough water for their crops, stable income for their families, and hope for a secure future.
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