Specifically, as the Government’s implementing partner, WFP supports the effective implementation of the 2022-2026 Green Climate Fund (GCF) project “Multi-Hazard Impact-based Forecasting and Early Warning System for the Philippines (MH-IBF-EWS)”. The project aims to transform and enable the country’s early warning system to issue impact-based advisories, support the institutionalization of the AA approach within the national DRM framework, and enhance the inclusivity of EWS to reach far-flung communities and improve their emergency preparedness, AA and response capacities.
Under the United Nations Joint CERF Programme on AA, WFP is ready to provide unconditional cash assistance and early warning information to approximately 45,000 vulnerable households across 33 municipalities as early as three days before a severe typhoon hits. In 2024, building on the lessons learned and recommendations from simulation exercises in 2023, WFP is focusing on improving its plan of operations, strengthening joint implementation and coordination with the partner LGUs through co-developed SOPs, and generating robust evidence and knowledge material on AA.
At the policy level, WFP is leading the technical discussions and coordination with the Government for the development of the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Bill that has been filed in the Senate in February 2024. This Bill will allow national and local governments to access funding for the implementation of AA and other pre-emptive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
As part of its climate analytics and evidence generation work, WFP published the Climate Change and Food Security Analysis (CCFSA) study in 2021 that highlights the interconnectedness of climate change and food security in the Philippines, particularly the threats and opportunities its presents to food security, nutrition, and livelihood in rural and urban areas. In 2024, WFP aims to expand the development and government uptake of innovative research products focusing on climate change vulnerabilities, exposure and impact on food security and nutrition in collaboration with academia, government and other partners.
In the BARMM region, WFP collaborates closely with communities and the government to implement an integrated resilience programme through Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) projects that support the transition out of conflict, reduce food insecurity, and develop sustainable and conflict-sensitive livelihood strategies for the re-integration of former combatants and affected populations.
In addition to its food- and cash-for-work programmes, WFP Philippines is implementing a demand-driven value chain development approach by helping smallholder farmers invest in high-valued local crops, organize in cooperatives, and access potential markets with better prices and terms through Farm2Go and its wider Smallholder Agricultural Market Support (SAMS) programme.
WFP has also developed an internal Climate Risk Management Strategy that defines key programmatic priorities and opportunities under the current Philippines Country Strategic Plan (2024-2028). The CRM Strategy also highlights the substantial linkages of climate adaptation and resilience programmes with other key PHCO projects including under the EPR and Social Protection teams and the need for strong coordination to take advantage of potential synergies and opportunities for collaboration.
To further support the implementation and scale-up of its climate risk management and resilience programmes, WFP is seeking experts with proven experience in project and people management and specialized skills in AA, climate change adaptation and resilience programmes.