DSWD Allocates P790 Million for Climate-Resilient Communities in Quezon Province
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has earmarked a substantial P790 million to fund climate-resilient community projects across Quezon Province, a move expected to benefit thousands of families in vulnerable areas including Lucena City.
The funding, announced in mid-June 2026, is part of the agency’s broader initiative to strengthen local disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures in regions frequently affected by typhoons, flooding, and other weather-related hazards. Quezon Province, situated along the eastern seaboard of Luzon, remains one of the most disaster-prone areas in the Philippines.
Under the program, local government units in Quezon will receive technical and financial assistance to implement community-based disaster risk reduction projects. These include the construction of flood-resistant infrastructure, early warning systems, evacuation facilities, and livelihood programs designed to help residents cope with the effects of climate change.
DSWD officials emphasized that the allocation prioritizes communities with high poverty incidence and those that have been repeatedly devastated by natural calamities. The agency aims to ensure that climate adaptation efforts reach the most vulnerable sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous communities.
Lucena City, as the capital of Quezon Province, is expected to play a central role in the implementation of several key projects. City officials have expressed support for the initiative, noting that the funding will complement existing local disaster management programs.
The P790-million allocation also covers capacity-building activities for community volunteers and local disaster response teams. Training sessions on first aid, search and rescue operations, and emergency management are planned in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and other national agencies.
Environmental groups have welcomed the funding but called for transparent monitoring of project implementation. They urged the DSWD to ensure that the projects are completed on time and that the funds are used efficiently to maximize impact for affected communities.
This latest investment underscores the national government’s commitment to building climate-resilient communities across the archipelago, particularly in regions that bear the brunt of the country’s increasingly severe weather patterns.
Source: Inquirer.net