EVMWB Catarman N.Samar–As El Niño conditions threaten to cut rainfall across much of the country, House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan is urging local governments and community groups to access the P1-billion People’s Survival Fund to build rainwater harvesting systems and other climate adaptation projects. “In the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Congress set aside P1 billion for the People’s Survival Fund to finance climate adaptation efforts, including rainwater collection and storage systems that can help communities cope with possible freshwater shortages,” Libanan said. He stressed that both LGUs and accredited community organizations can apply for PSF funding to support projects that reduce vulnerability to climate-related risks like drought and water scarcity. Libanan issued the call after PAGASA warned that Metro Manila and 47 provinces may face below-normal rainfall in the coming months as El Niño develops. “We should make rainwater harvesting a regular practice so communities can stock up on freshwater before severe dry periods hit,” Libanan said. “Every liter captured today can help households get through water shortages tomorrow. Rainwater harvesting is one of the simplest, most practical, and most cost-effective climate adaptation measures we have.” PAGASA, said that 47 provinces + Metro Manila at risk of ‘dry conditions. From the same PAGASA forecasts Metro Manila and the following Luzon provinces may experience “dry conditions” by November: Abra, Albay, Apayao, Aurora, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Laguna, Marinduque, Masbate, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Sorsogon, Tarlac, and Zambales. A “dry condition” means two straight months of below-normal rainfall, or 21% to 60% less than average. Camarines Sur may face a “dry spell” by November — three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall. In the Visayas, Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte are also expected to be under dry conditions by November. In Mindanao, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte face the same risk. About the People’s Survival Fund: The PSF is a special government fund managed by a board composed of: 1. Secretaries of the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Economy, Planning and Development 2. Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women 3. Vice Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission 4. Representatives from the scientific community, business sector, and NGOs The fund finances local climate adaptation projects proposed by LGUs and community organizations. Bottom line: With El Niño looming, Libanan says now is the time to invest in practical solutions like rainwater harvesting so communities won’t be caught short when taps run dry. Please share Post navigation Gonzales: CHED approval pf ESSU College of Medicine a win for Eastern Samar furure
