Senator Loren Legarda yesterday stressed that it is important and urgent to include the one billion-peso People’s Survival Fund (PSF) in the 2013 National Budget as it will help ensure significant improvements in the disaster resilience of communities in the country.
“We must immediately implement the People’s Survival Fund Act as it will help local governments’ adaptation activities, such as in the areas of land and water resources management, agriculture and fisheries, health, infrastructure development, and natural ecosystems,” said Legarda, sponsor of the PSF Act (Republic Act 10174).
“The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should take the lead, because as specified in R.A. 10174, undertaking the formulation of the annual national budget in a way that ensures the appropriate prioritization and allocation of funds to support climate change-related programs and projects in the annual program of government is their responsibility,” she added.
The Senator explained that the PSF will also support the improvement of monitoring, controlling and prevention of diseases triggered by climate change, establishment of forecasting and early warning systems, and strengthening institutional development, for local governments, for preventive measures, planning, preparedness and management of impacts relating to climate change.
In a related matter, Legarda, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, has co-sponsored the 2013 Alternative Budget Senate Presentation Forum by the Social Watch Philippines.
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