The Philippines emphasized the importance of community-led climate adaptation at an Asian Development Bank side event during COP30. DENR Assistant Secretary Noralene Uy said local-level efforts are highly effective but must be scaled with national support, including finance, training, and inclusive decision-making.
Uy highlighted the Philippine National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, which targets eight vulnerable sectors, from agriculture to energy. Key support mechanisms include the People’s Survival Fund, community-driven projects by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and convergence budgeting that pools resources across agencies.
She also cited pilot initiatives using blended financing, such as desalination projects managed by local women’s groups, as examples of scaling resilience through grants, partnerships, and local revenue. Uy stressed that international partners like ADB and AFD are crucial for collaboration, but local ownership remains essential.
The ADB event brought together governments, experts, and development partners to share strategies for scaling local-level adaptation and achieving resilient outcomes.
