PCP4NbS Special Fund for Nature-based Solutions: Site-based Grants for Negros Oriental (English)

Deadline of Submission: Extended to April 21, 2025

Download the .pdf file

Click to read the Negros Oriental RFP in Cebuano/Bisaya

Click to read the Negros Oriental RFP in Filipino

I. Background and Objectives

The Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Situated along the typhoon belt and ring of fire in the Pacific Ocean, the country is prone to natural hazards such as flooding, cyclones, droughts, and landslides. To withstand and thrive in the face of the climate crisis, the Philippines must continue to strengthen its climate resilience through a comprehensive approach involving mitigation of impacts and adaptation strategies.

Climate change adaptation is fundamental to transform Filipinos’ way of life and forge a path towards building resilience and achieving sustainable development. Adaptation efforts must be based on improving collective understanding of climate impacts, capacity building for adaptation measures, reinforcing governmental support through policies and resources, and ensuring inclusivity in decision-making, particularly by engaging women and local communities.

In the context of such developmental challenges in a biodiversity-rich country, Forest Foundation Philippines (“Forest Foundation” or “the Foundation”), funded by the Government of Canada, is implementing the Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS) (“the “Program”). Running from 2024-2028 and amounting to CA $8 Million, the Program will contribute to strengthening climate resilience of communities, particularly rural and indigenous women, while ensuring co-benefits from, and for, natural resources and healthy ecosystems. Grounded in the guiding principles of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, the initiative will specifically target the three wins of biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and ensuring gender equality in natural-resource management (NRM).

The PCP4NbS Program has identified Negros Oriental as one of its priority areas. Negros Oriental is part of the Negros-Panay faunal region in Central Philippines, a conservation priority due its high concentration of endemic species and the severity of threats it faces, including human activities degrading the environment, and climate change impacts affecting flora, fauna, women, and communities.

In particular, efforts will be focused on the Ocoy and Banica River Watersheds, which have been identified as the program’s target sites in the province. PCP4NbS will ensure that nature-based solutions are implemented in the target sites, and generate results that are aligned with the Logic Model of the Program (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Logic Model of PCP4NbS

II. Special Funds for NbS

To support participatory development, implementation, and enhancement of NbS projects for climate change adaptation, a Special Fund was established under the program. The Special Fund aims to:

• Increase capacities of women and communities in developing/designing and implementing NbS with biodiversity co-benefits;
• Ensure women and community participation in protecting, enhancing, and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity; and
• Protect and enhance biodiversity that provides multiple ecosystem goods and services.

The design and implementation of projects under the Special Fund will be aligned with the Foundation’s Results Framework 2023-2027, while expanding the sustainable management of forests to coastal and marine ecosystems for water, land, and biodiversity, and fostering nature-based climate action. It will support projects that can establish participatory and coordinated strategies on a large scale, enabling the Program to meet a range of local needs, while contributing to national commitments and targets.

The Special Fund will support three types of grants over the Program lifetime: (1) site-based grants to implement NbS; (2) thematic grants to demonstrate NbS; and (3) grants to sustain public support for NbS. This Request for Proposals pertains to applications for Site-based Grants in Negros Oriental.

III. Site-based Grants: Geographic Scope and Priority Issues

Ocoy and Banica River Watersheds
Municipality of Dauin	Brgy. Baslay Brgy. Boloc-boloc  Brgy. Magsaysay
Dumaguete City	Brgy. Bagacay  Brgy. Balugo  Brgy. Bantayan  Brgy. Batinguel  Brgy. Bunao  Brgy. Cadawinonan  Brgy. Calindagan  Brgy. Camanjac  Brgy. Candau-ay  Brgy. Daro  Brgy. Junob  Brgy. Looc  Brgy. Motong	Brgy. Piapi  Poblacion No. 1 (Barangay 1)  Poblacion No. 2 (Barangay 2) Poblacion No. 3 (Barangay 3) Poblacion No. 4 (Barangay 4) Poblacion No. 5 (Barangay 5)  Poblacion No. 6 (Barangay 6)  Poblacion No. 7 (Barangay 7)  Poblacion No. 8 (Barangay 8)  Brgy. Pulantubig  Brgy. Tabuctubig  Brgy. Taclobo
Municipality of Sibulan	Brgy. Agan-an  Brgy. Bolocboloc  Brgy. Calabnugan  Brgy. Cangmating  Brgy. Enrique Villanueva  Brgy. Looc	Brgy. Magatas  Brgy. Maslog  Brgy. Poblacion  Brgy. San Antonio Brgy. Tubigon  Brgy. Tubtubon
Municipality of Valencia	Brgy. Apolong  Brgy. Balabag East  Brgy. Balabag West  Brgy. Balili  Brgy. Balugo  Brgy. Bongbong  Brgy. Caidiocan  Brgy. Calayugan  Brgy. Cambucad	Brgy. Dobdob  Brgy. Lunga  Brgy. Malabo  Brgy. Malaunay  Brgy. Mampas  Brgy. Palinpinon  Brgy. Puhagan  Brgy. Pulangbato

To ensure the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Program in contributing to climate, biodiversity, and gender-equality outcomes through appropriate and gender-responsive NbS, a Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) and Gender-Based Analysis-Plus (GBA Plus) have been conducted in the target sites.

The results of the assessments, summarized below, provide a basis for identifying priority issues that need to be addressed and types of interventions that may be supported.

Highlights of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment

• For flooding, barangays situated along areas of low topographic relief are susceptible to significant flood hazards. Water flow follows natural topographic depressions, making areas in barangays near such features (i.e., rivers and streams) highly susceptible to flood. However, during extreme rainfall events, inundation from two river systems comprising the Ocoy and Banica River Watersheds confluences along Barangays Palinpinon (Municipality of Valencia), Balugo (Municipality of Valencia), and Candau-ay (Dumaguete City). Significant overland flows as a result of water convergence elevate the flood hazard levels of these barangays. Significant flood waters also flow toward the northwestern region of the watershed, covering mostly the barangays of the Municipality of Sibulan. Particularly, coastal barangays situated at the mouth of the watershed receive most of the flood waters, making them susceptible to flood. These include Barangays Poblacion, Cangmating, Maslog, Agan-an.

• Hazards associated with rain-induced landslides predominantly exist on the headwater of the watershed in the Municipality of Valencia. High rain-induced landslide hazard levels occur in these areas due to elevated and steep terrains. Ridges, valley margins, and river banks that splay along Barangays Sagbang, Palinpinon, and Balili are also susceptible to rain-induced landslides. High rain-induced landslides also occur in Barangay San Antonio in the Municipality of Sibulan. The undulating terrain, which results in rapid change in elevation and slope, makes this barangay susceptible to landslides.

• Storm surge affects low-lying coastal zones and populated areas along the coast of the watershed making them highly susceptible. Widespread inundation due to storm surges is most significant in Barangay Agan-an in the Municipality of Sibulan. Naturally low-lying open beach fronts with no coastal protection are prone to high storm surge hazards. This includes coastal barangays of the Municipality of Sibulan and Dumaguete City.

• Future sea level rise is projected to aggravate storm surge events in Ocoy and Banica River Watersheds. All coastal barangays within the watershed can be affected by this phenomenon.

• The exposure to severe wind events is uniform across the watershed. However,  their intensities would vary based on their return periods. Less frequently occurring but more severe wind events are detrimental. 

Highlights of the Biodiversity Assessment

In the Ocoy and Banica Rivers Watersheds, the majority of recorded plant species were trees, with fewer herbs and shrubs observed. A total of 322 morpho-species, representing 233 genera and 105 families, were identified along the trails. With regards to their conservation status, a total of 21 species were identified as threatened species, wherein two (2) species are critically endangered, five (5) are endangered, eight (8) are vulnerable, and six (6) are other threatened species. 

In terms of fauna assessment results, there are 92 identified species, of which 10 species are threatened. Among these are three (3) critically endangered  species, six (6) endangered species, three (3) vulnerable species, and one (1) other threatened species. 

The biodiversity of the Ocoy and Banica Rivers Watersheds in Negros Oriental is highly vulnerable to various ecological pressures. Key threats include the proliferation of exotic and invasive species and dominance of early-second growth forest, which not only degrades habitat quality, but also exacerbates the watersheds’ susceptibility to climate-related hazards further threatening the ecological integrity of these critical ecosystems.

The following table further summarizes the above findings of the biodiversity assessment:

Biodiversity in Ocoy and Banica Rivers Watershed	Vulnerability
A. Flora Species – 322 morpho-species – 65 Philippine endemic species – 173 Philippine native species – 43 exotic species – 21 threatened species (2 critically endangered, 5 endangered, 8 vulnerable, 6 other threatened species)	Presence of significant number of exotic species Prevalence of kaingin-farming practices Dominance of early-secondary growth forest
B. Fauna Species – 92 fauna species – 43 Philippine endemic species – 42 Philippine native species – 7 exotic species – 10 threatened species (3 critically endangered, 6 endangered, 3 vulnerable, 1 other threatened species)

Highlights of the Gender-Based Analysis-Plus

• Gender-based violence (GBV) in households and organizations. Despite progress in women-led initiatives, patriarchal norms in Negros Oriental continue to perpetuate violence, intimidation, and the exclusion of women in various spaces. Reports indicate gender-based violence at the household level, with underreporting remaining a concern due to a culture of shame and stigma. Additionally, women environmental defenders face threats and harassment, particularly when opposing reclamation projects and other environmental issues.

• Women’s participation in local organizations remains constrained by male-dominated leadership and decision-making structures. While women express interest in engaging in decision-making bodies, communication gaps and lack of support often silence their concerns. In some cases, speaking up has led to tension and even physical altercations, discouraging their further involvement. However, despite these barriers, some women have managed to become key leaders in people’s development councils, demonstrating resilience. On the other hand, the PCP4NbS Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study results showed that there are also efforts to ensure that everyone is consulted and involved at each stage of the project/program cycle. Overall, there is a need to strengthen the support system for said women leaders in these male-dominated spaces.

• Patrol and ranger groups are predominantly male, with only a few women involved, which reinforces gender disparities in environmental conservation initiatives. Although efforts have been made to establish female ranger groups, their presence remains minimal, hindering diverse perspectives and inclusive approaches in conservation. The lack of enforcement in promoting women’s participation not only limits their role in natural resource management, but also perpetuates the exclusion of women from key environmental protection efforts, despite their critical knowledge and contributions to sustainability. 

• Gender gaps in policy implementation and resource allocation. Women play a crucial role in gender-responsive environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Rural women, reliant on natural resources for survival, lead watershed management, tree-planting, and community-based DRR efforts, prioritizing both family and community well-being. However, gaps in policy implementation and resource allocation hinder their full participation, as local gender and development (GAD) plans and budgets remain underutilized, limiting institutional support for women-led initiatives.

• Gender health disparities in the community. Women and children face heightened health risks due to limited access to nutritious food, clean water, and healthcare services. Maternal malnutrition, household stress, and unsafe drinking water may lead to illnesses like diarrhea and cholera, disproportionately affecting women and children. These challenges are worsened by geographic isolation and the lack of reliable public healthcare, leaving vulnerable groups with few options for medical support and increasing their overall health burden.

• Rural women face limited access to productive resources and technology, relying on livestock programs and women-led village banks managed to gain financial independence. However, dependence on technical experts raises concerns about sustainability. While budgets for maternal care, reproductive health, and disaster response exist, accessibility remains a challenge. In conservation, gender-inclusive training in biodiversity management highlights the need for equitable access to tools and resources across sectors. Similarly, in fisherfolk communities, women play a crucial but often overlooked role in handling sales and distribution, while men dominate fishing activities. This gendered division of labor reinforces disparities in resource access and economic opportunities, emphasizing the need for greater recognition and support for women’s contributions across industries.

IV. Site-based Grants: Eligible Activities

Each site-based grant shall be between Php 2 Million and PhP 6 Million, with an implementation period of up to two (2) years, from July 2025 onwards. 

Site-based grants under the Program shall directly support community-based and gender-responsive NbS to help reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to climate change impacts in the target sites. These NbS shall respond to the results of the VRA and GBA Plus, as summarized above. 

The table below enumerates the key hazards and corresponding level of risk identified through the VRA, and potential NbS that may respond to these hazards. Site-based grants shall be awarded to projects that seek to implement, but are not limited to, these potential NbS. Proponents are encouraged to introduce other tested or innovative NbS, especially those supported by local experiences and expertise.

Hazard	Risk	Potential NbS
Flooding	51/52 (98%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have intermediate to high risk from flood hazard  Approximately 5,599 to 20,907 households are at intermediate to high risk from flood hazard  Forest areas of 25/26 (96%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have intermediate to very high risk from flood hazard across all scenarios* Agricultural areas of 28/41 (68%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to high risk from flood hazard across all scenarios Coastal areas of 17/17 (100%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have intermediate to high risk from flood hazard across all scenarios	Flood mitigation initiatives (e.g., women-led reforestation, afforestation, natural water retention ponds, soil erosion control) Urban greening (e.g., green spaces, green walls)  Community-based forestry and agroforestry (e.g., alley cropping, forest farming, using flood- and salt-resistant crops)
Rain-induced Landslides	18/52 (35%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to very high risk from rain-induced landslide Approximately 1,491 to 1,586 households are at low to very high risk from rain-induced landslide Forest areas of 23/26 (88%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have intermediate to very high risk from rain-induced landslide Agricultural areas of 14/41 (34%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to high risk from rain-induced landslide Coastal areas of 3/17 (18%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to intermediate risk from rain-induced landslide	Reforestation/ Afforestation (e.g., soil erosion control) of the headwaters of Ocoy and Banica Rivers, particularly in Valencia and a small portion of Dauin.Species found in the watersheds that could be used as pioneer species for reforestation/ afforestation are the: – Balinghasai (Buchanania arborescens) – Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) – Savidug (Terminalia catappa) – Balanti (Homalanthus populneus) – Ahem (Melanolepis multiglandulosa) – Rarang (Erythrina subumbrans) – Bani (Pongomia pinnata) – Narra (Pterocarpus indicus forma indicus) – Lanipga (Toona ciliata) – Salisi (Ficus benjamina) – Hauili (Ficus septica) – Tuai (Bischofia javanica) Strengthening of riverbanks that are prone to slope failure (e.g., use of vetiver grass, establishing freshwater mangrove, bamboo propagation) Species found in the watersheds that can help in strengthening riverbanks and protect soil from erosion are the: – Anabiong (Trema orientalis) – Savidug (Terminalia catappa) – Bani (Pongomia pinnata), (Aglaia elaeagnoidea) – Tanud (Morus alba) Community-based forestry and agroforestry (e.g., alley cropping, forest farming)
Storm Surge	12/52 (23%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to intermediate risk from storm surge Approximately 21 to 62 households are at low to intermediate risk from storm surge Agricultural areas of 3/41 (7%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low risk from storm surge Coastal areas of 13/17 (77%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have intermediate to high risk from storm surge	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks Species found in the watersheds that can sustain strong winds are the: – Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) – Bani (Pongamia pinnata) – Hanot (Talipariti tiliaceum) – Danupra (Toona sureni) Seagrass and coral reef protection and conservation
Storm surge (sea level rise)	12/52 (23%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to high risk from storm surge with sea level rise Approximately 59 to 243 households are at low to high risk from storm surge with sea level rise Agricultural areas of 3/41 (7%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have low to intermediate risk from storm surge with sea level rise surge Coastal areas of 13/17 (77%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have intermediate to very high risk from storm surge with sea level rise	Floating agriculture Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaksSpecies found in the watersheds that can sustain strong winds are the – Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) – Bani (Pongamia pinnata) – Hanot (Talipariti tiliaceum) – Danupra (Toona sureni) Seagrass and coral reef protection and conservation
Severe Winds	52/52 (100%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watershed have high to very high risk from severe wind Approximately 54,087 households are at high to very high risk from severe wind Forest areas of 26/26 (100%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watershed have high to very high risk across all severe wind scenarios Agriculture areas of 41/41 (100%) barangays have intermediate to high risk across all severe wind scenarios Coastal areas of 17/17 (100%) barangays within Ocoy and Banica Watersheds have high risk from all severe wind scenarios	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks Species found in the watersheds that can sustain strong winds are the: – Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) – Bani (Pongamia pinnata) – Hanot (Talipariti tiliaceum) – Danupra (Toona sureni)

*Baseline (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 4.5 2039 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 4.5 2065 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 4.5 2099 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP) RCP 8.5 2039 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 8.5 2065 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 8.5 2099 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP)

Priority will be given to proposed NbS that strengthen women’s capacities and encourage leadership of women in project delivery and management of their natural resources. Proponents are encouraged to refer and respond to the societal and gender-related vulnerabilities and gaps identified in the GBA Plus. Throughout implementation, gender-based activities and innovation should be introduced, tested, and/or adapted to support effective delivery of results. 

Alongside the above interventions, the proposals may also include the following or similar activities in support of NbS, while clearly prioritizing the NbS and demonstrating complementation of activities:

• Development and diversification of gender-responsive community enterprises and sustainable livelihoods, consistent with the manner of protecting biodiversity;
• Legitimization and registration activities of community organizations and groups and individual members;
• Community-based enforcement in upland and coastal/marine protection activities (i.e., patrolling, equipment, and tools);
• Localized, cross-sectoral partnerships and strengthening of organizations; and/or
• Community and gender empowerment critical to the protection of the ecosystems.

Proponents are also encouraged to develop projects that align with existing local/community plans and frameworks, and consider past projects implemented in the area.

V. Site-based Grants: Eligible Recipients

Site-based grants will be open to all eligible proponents interested in implementing projects in the target sites in Negros Oriental. Entities eligible to receive funds under the Program include:

• Non-government organizations (NGOs) active in the Philippines involved in environmental conservation, development, education, scientific research, ecosystems management, gender equality, and/or other related fields. NGOs refer to non-government organizations duly registered under Philippines laws;
• Organized and recognized community-based organizations, people’s organizations (POs), indigenous peoples’ organizations (IPOs), and/or women’s rights organizations (WROs) who work in the environment and/or development field; and
• Other appropriate local or regional entities active in the Philippines.

Implementation may be through integrated projects by one organization, or several organizations in a consortium, agreeing to perform or achieve particular outputs, for example in support of a common project outcome, conservation agreements, or a project based on local development plans.

Priority will be given to women’s rights organizations.

Proponents are encouraged to provide confirmation of support for the proposed project  from the target community or community beneficiaries, and to demonstrate established partnership or engagement with the relevant local government unit(s).

VI. Site-based Grants: Application Process

To apply for a site-based grant, eligible organizations shall complete and submit the requirements for proposals listed below:

Requirements for Project Proposals

Full Proposal	✔️
Annex A: Timeframe and Budgetary Requirements	✔️
Annex B: Activity and Budget Plan	✔️
Annex C: Project Monitoring and Evaluation Framework	✔️
Annex D: Proponent Information Sheet	✔️

The full proposal and other templates may be downloaded from the Grant Portal on the Forest Foundation website, downloaded at this link, and/or requested by sending an email to pcp4nbs@forestfoundation.ph.

Completed project proposals shall be uploaded and submitted through the Grant Portal on or before 5:00 pm (Philippine Time) on April 21, 2025.

VII. Site-based Grants: Proposal Evaluation and Approval

Project proposals will initially be reviewed to ascertain merit and completeness of design and technical aspects. Proposals that meet these criteria will be elevated to the Program Committee of the Foundation, which will prepare and submit recommendations to the Board of Trustees (BOT) on proposals to be funded.

Projects are expected to encapsulate the climate-biodiversity-gender nexus and align their proposed activities and outputs with the Program’s target outcomes and priorities. Proposals shall be evaluated in a holistic manner, according to: (a) general criteria on soundness, feasibility, and alignment with the Program’s Logic Model (see Figure 1); (b) NbS-specific criteria; and (c) other criteria in support of NbS. 

Proposals must meet general criteria and those demonstrate that the project is NbS, while criteria in support of NbS are not required, but may serve to strengthen the proposal. 

The proposal must meet the following general criteria:

1. Technical soundness and feasibility;
2. Financial soundness and feasibility;
3. Social soundness and feasibility;
4. Organizational capacity to implement the project;
5. Clear outcomes and results with high likelihood of achievement (feasible and attainable given the budget and duration); and
6. Alignment of the expected results (outputs and outcomes) with the Program’s Logic Model (see Figure 1).

The proposal must also demonstrate that the project is a nature-based solution, responding to the following questions:

1. Does the project respond to the priority issues identified in the VRA and GBA Plus?
2. Does the project address local climate change adaptation needs?
3. Does it work on restoring, managing, and/or conserving ecosystems or ecosystem services?
4. Does it aim to solve a societal challenge, beyond purely conservation issues?
5. Does it provide biodiversity co-benefits?
6. Does it promote gender equality in its design and implementation?

The proposal may be strengthened by responding to the following questions, demonstrating actions in support of NbS. These are optional:

1. Does the project support development of gender-responsive community enterprises and sustainable livelihoods, consistent with the manner of protecting biodiversity?
2. Does the project contribute to strengthening organizations and promote cross-sectoral partnerships?
3. Does the project contribute to community and gender empowerment in the area?
4. Does the project support transdisciplinary knowledge sharing, strategic communications and/or learning mechanisms and processes towards building capacities on NbS towards transformative change?
5. Does the project target other NbS criteria under the IUCN Global Standard for NbS?

Awarded grants shall be publicly announced by the Foundation and communicated to the grantee. Once a proposal is approved, the Foundation will enter into a legally-binding Special Fund Agreement with the grantee.

VIII. Timeline

For this round of proposals for site-based grants, please note the indicative  timeline below. 

Proposal Submission and Evaluation Timeline

Activity	Indicative Schedule
Request for Proposals (Issuance)	March 11, 2025
Project Development Workshop	March 11–12, 2025
Deadline for Technical Questions	March 21, 2025
Deadline of Submission of Proposals	April 21, 2025
Proposal Evaluation	April to May 2025
BOT Deliberation	June 2025
Announcement of Results	June–July 2025
Project Implementation	July 2025 onwards

A Project Development Workshop will be conducted to provide further information about the Program, the scope of site-based grants, the types of projects that may be supported,  and technical assistance on the grant application process to enhance and strengthen submissions for possible funding. The workshop is open to all eligible proponents for projects in Negros Oriental. Additional information sessions on the proposal development and submission process may be organized, as needed.

Proponents may reach out to the Foundation via email (pcp4nbs@forestfoundation.ph) for any assistance needed in proposal development. Technical inquiries, or those related to Proposal Evaluation and Approval in Section VII above, shall only be accepted until 5:00 pm (Philippine Time) on March 21, 2025. 

All proposals shall be submitted through the Forest Foundation Grants Portal no later than 5:00 pm (Philippine Time) on April 21, 2025. Proposals received after the deadline may be considered based on the availability of funds, and/or included and evaluated under a subsequent RFP.

IX. Contact