Local government officials here welcomed their counterparts from Makati City to discuss the PHP118.86-million Lo-om River Flood Protection, Reforestation and Livelihood project supported by the People’s Survival Fund (PSF).

The city government here shared Monday that officials from Makati visited this city on Friday to learn the strategies employed by Borongan that gained approval from the PSF board.

“They solicited important advice on how to go about the PSF application process, recognizing Borongan’s efficacy in securing the highly sought-after board approval,” Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said in a statement.

The Borongan project seeks to address the downtown area’s susceptibility to flooding due to the river’s location and coverage.

Application for the PSF grant began in March last year and was approved eight months later after an assessment by the PSF board.

The fund was turned over on Nov. 29, 2023.

Recently, Agda signed a financing agreement with Department of Finance Secretary and PSF Chair Ralph Recto, formally setting the tone for the implementation of the project.

Makati City Councilor Ed Marquez led the visitors who went to the Lo-om River within Siha and San Gabriel villages.

“Getting the right people to do the job, along with a dedicated team leader, is a paramount consideration when entering into such undertaking,” Agda added.

The drafting of the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP), according to Agda, should also be given the extra care and attention.

He said that the PSF board is very particular with the LCCAP, ensuring that it is unique, feasible, and reflective of the local government’s true needs.

The city government said Makati’s visit is a strong manifestation of what partnership between cities can bring to their respective endeavors.

“This was highlighted by Makati City Councilor Marquez, who said that the purpose of their visit was to learn from Borongan, while at the same time, sharing relevant ideas as regards their achievements for Borongan to learn from,” Agda said.

The PSF was created by Republic Act (RA) 10174, which amended RA 9729 or the Climate Change Act.

It is an annual fund intended for local government units and accredited local/community organizations to implement climate change adaptation projects, supplementing the annual appropriations for climate-change-related programs and projects. (PNA)