September 27, 2024

Philippines launches US$39.2-million climate resiliency programme to support farmers

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the launch of a US$39.2-million climate resiliency programme aimed at assisting 1.25 million farmers in five vulnerable regions across the country, Business World reported.

The seven-year project, called Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA), seeks to promote the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, and empower farmers to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises.

According to a statement from the DA, the project will be implemented in the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen. The initiative will span nine provinces and cover 100 municipalities within these regions.

The APA project is being undertaken in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and PAGASA, the country's weather service (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr emphasised the importance of the collaboration, stating: "Our combined efforts in implementing the APA Project will strengthen the foundation of progressive and resilient communities that we have begun through our various climate-resiliency-building initiatives."

FAO Country Representative Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie highlighted the long-term benefits of the project, noting that it will create opportunities for growth in agricultural fields and enterprises. "This will ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines," Mr. Dabbadie added.

The DA further explained that the APA project will build upon the existing Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture Program, which focuses on improving the resiliency of the agricultural sector in response to climate change.

The APA project is being financed by a grant of US$26.3 million from the Green Climate Fund, with additional funding of US$12.9 million from the Philippine government.

-      Business World