Taguig city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called for increased investments in climate adaptation, emphasizing the importance of these measures in safeguarding Filipino homes, livelihoods, and food security, especially for vulnerable sectors.
According to Philippines News Agency, DENR Undersecretary Analiza Teh stressed the need for targeted interventions in agriculture, water management, and ecosystem protection. These efforts can provide immediate benefits to low- and middle-income households. During the Adaptation in Action Investment Forum in Taguig City, Teh stated, "Climate adaptation is not an abstract policy; it is a lifeline for families who depend on small farms, informal work, and local markets." She further explained that investments in resilient irrigation, watershed protection, and climate-smart farming could help reduce shocks that often force households to sell assets, skip meals, or pull children out of school.
Teh highlighted the necessity of scaling up adaptation financing to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable communities. She underscored that financing adaptation within the water-food nexus is a crucial climate action, as climate change significantly impacts food systems through water scarcity, pollution, and increased climate variability. "With sustained and scaled adaptation, we protect the steady production of key crops such as rice, sugarcane, and corn," she noted, outlining the benefits of improved water management and irrigation systems in increasing crop reliability and reducing seasonal hunger.
Teh also pointed out the importance of financial tools like microfinance, insurance, and risk-mitigation measures in reducing losses during disasters. "When farmers have access to affordable credit and weather-indexed insurance, they are less likely to resort to distress sales or high-interest loans after a storm," she added. Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and soil conservation, were also cited as key strategies to protect farmlands and minimize damage from floods and droughts.
According to the DENR, the development of 'bankable' projects is essential to attracting private sector investments and supporting public-private partnerships. "We must translate national priorities into clear, investable opportunities that deliver jobs, food security, and ecosystem services at the local level," Teh emphasized.
Teh also noted that climate adaptation initiatives could generate jobs, particularly in rural areas, through projects like watershed restoration, irrigation system maintenance, and small-scale infrastructure development. The forum called for standardized investment criteria, performance-based incentives, and integrated risk mitigation measures to ensure efficient and inclusive delivery of funds.
Organizers of the event stated that the proposed Adaptation Investment Platform aims to institutionalize these approaches and scale up financing for climate resilience initiatives, translating national adaptation goals into tangible benefits for communities. The event was organized by the DENR in collaboration with the Climate Change Commission, Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy, with support from the British Embassy.
