Groups call on P-Noy to implement people's survival fund law

MANILA, Philippines - Civil society organizations have urged President Aquino to immediately implement the People’s Survival Fund Law to address dangers and problems of natural calamities and disasters.               

Lawyer Elpidio Peria, convenor of the civil society network Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, said not only are heavy rains expected to continue, the weather bureau has also warned of a looming El Niño by yearend. “The signing of this law indicates the strong commitment of President Aquino to rebuild and prepare the country for more contingencies from the worsening weather patterns and those from climate change,” he said.              

Peria said Republic Act 10174, the People’s Survival Fund Law, which Aquino signed into law last Friday, will amend the Climate Change Act of 2009 and establish a smart fund with an initial P1 billion per year. 

“We trust that the Department of Finance will work with the Climate Change Commission to ensure that the law becomes operational at the soonest possible time. Aksyon Klima is willing to help out in any way we can to make this happen, as our communities cannot afford to wait,” he said.

Local governments and communities can tap the fund directly to support their initiatives to adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risks.                

Peria heads the General Santos City-based civil society group Biodiversity, Innovation, Trade and Society Policy Center.              

Aksyon Klima Pilipinas is a national network composed of 40 civil society organizations working on climate change and development issues.