The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) congratulates the newly appointed representatives to the Board of the Peoples’ Survival Fund (PSF), whose selection was announced earlier this month.

As we conclude our term as the NGO representative to the Board, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Department of Finance, the Climate Change Commission, and all PSF Board members for the privilege of contributing to the Fund’s vital work in supporting local climate action, especially in the country’s underserved areas. We extend the same gratitude to our constituency and to our network, Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, for trusting ICSC when the first call for sectoral nominations was announced. 

As the oldest serving member of the PSF Board, ICSC has been actively engaged in various capacities, from scrutinizing documents and research to leading independent field validations and fostering partnerships with the private sector, local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders. These collaborations have been essential in driving capacity building, shaping policies, and ensuring accountability within the PSF. We deeply appreciate the open, and at times fierce, debates that have fostered a culture of listening and learning across all levels of leadership—from secretaries to technical teams.

ICSC remains committed to supporting the PSF and its ongoing mission, in whatever capacity. Now as a member of the NGO constituency, we will contribute to hold our representative to the highest standards possible. We trust that the newly appointed representatives will continue advocating for transparency, fairness, and equity in the Fund, with a shared vision of empowering the most vulnerable communities to thrive in the face of the escalating climate crisis.