Approximately 18 million households in the Philippines are set to benefit from new efforts aimed at reducing vulnerability to natural disasters, following the launch of the World Bank-supported Philippines Community Resilience Project, also known as “Pagkilos.”
The project will involve communities in identifying risks related to climate and natural hazards and developing resilience plans. These plans will then be eligible for grants, with a focus on strengthening infrastructure and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
"By empowering local communities to take the lead in building resilience against climate change and disaster risks, the Philippines is not only addressing immediate environmental challenges but also fostering a culture of proactive engagement and resilience," said Zafer Mustafaoğlu, Division Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. “Communities play a critical role in preparing for and responding to disasters. Their ability to anticipate risks, organize themselves, and collaborate with local and national authorities is essential for effective climate change and disaster risk preparedness and recovery efforts.”
The types of investments under Pagkilos may include flood control systems, drought mitigation projects, slope protection measures, breakwaters, windbreakers, retrofitting infrastructure for extreme weather events, erosion control initiatives, agroforestry projects, community forest management programs, wetland restoration efforts, marsh conservation activities, waterway improvements, water conservation strategies, and nature-based solutions.
Some solutions supported by Pagkilos are designed not only to address environmental threats but also help improve livelihoods. For example, sustainable agriculture techniques such as climate-smart farming practices or small-scale irrigation systems can both increase food security and strengthen community resilience.
"Investing in community-level resilience is crucial for a country like the Philippines that is highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters, as it safeguards lives, protects economic stability, and empowers local communities to recover swiftly and sustainably," said Ditte Marie Fallesen, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist. "Ensuring community capacity and opportunity for participating in resilience planning is critical as communities are on the frontlines of climate and natural hazard risks."
The initiative will provide technical support—including training—for volunteer groups at the community level as well as capacity building for local government units. The goal is to improve planning capabilities so that communities can better respond when faced with severe weather or other disasters.
Pagkilos will target 500 municipalities across 49 provinces identified as being particularly vulnerable due to high poverty rates or exposure to frequent hazards. Of these areas targeted by the project’s support mechanisms—including financial assistance—177 municipalities have an indigenous population representing at least 10 percent of residents; overall this represents about one-third of all Indigenous Peoples in the country.
The project aims to ensure inclusion by focusing on populations considered most at risk: Indigenous Peoples; women; recipients of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (a government cash transfer program focused on health and education); among others. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will oversee implementation using a model that emphasizes voluntary participation from people living in poor communities throughout each stage—from planning through execution—of local projects meant to meet basic needs.
Total funding amounts to $874.35 million: $700 million comes from a loan issued by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), part of the World Bank Group; $174.35 million will be provided by the Philippine government.
According to recent global assessments such as the World Risk Index https://www.preventionweb.net/news/philippines-remains-top-world-risk-index-2023-report-highlights-country-susceptibility-disasters , the Philippines remains among those countries most exposed globally due its geography—with regular typhoons https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/overview#1 , floods https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-floods-and-landslides-flash-update-no-2-11-january-2023 , droughts https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/849311/adbi-wp1346.pdf , earthquakes https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/gip-pubs/research-publications/reports/earthquake-bulletin , volcanic eruptions https://volcano.si.edu/gvp_currenteruptions.cfm —and experienced significant disaster-related displacement last year primarily caused by major typhoons or flooding events.
"Ensuring community capacity and opportunity for participating in resilience planning is critical as communities are on the frontlines of climate and natural hazard risks," Fallesen added.