Pandan Scores P86-M Climate Fund with Backing from CatSU ACE-HEMS
AdministrationWith former councilor Michael Tidon as the Lead Proponent, the Municipality of Pandan clinched a major climate win—₱86.1 million from the People’s Survival Fund (PSF)—greenlit during the 23rd PSF Board Meeting chaired by the Department of Finance on July 18. The project, endorsed by the Climate Change Commission, was backed technically and scientifically by the ACE-HEMS Program of Catanduanes State University, led by Professor VI Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca. Tidon, lead proponent for the LGU, said the proposal addresses both storm surge and drought risks—challenges long faced by Pandan’s coastal and upland farmers. The PSF grant covers the twin-pillar initiative: mangrove rehabilitation in six barangays and climate-smart farm infrastructure that includes solar irrigation, gravity-fed water systems, and greenhouses. A mangrove nursery in Brgy. Balagñonan and a new agri-learning center are also in the pipeline. Over 1,200 local residents stand to benefit, including fisherfolk and farmers linked to 30 people’s organizations across the municipality. In a related development, Baras town also moves forward with its own ₱7-M PSF proposal, now up for field appraisal—another mangrove-driven climate solution in the works, also guided by CatSU’s climate science experts. Pandan's funding approval places Catanduanes in the national spotlight as a rising model in grassroots climate resilience, with the University, local government, and community groups working in stride.
