Local government units in Central Luzon are working on policies that will mainstream climate change adaptation in rice-farming communities to safeguard farmers’ livelihood.
In a recent policy workshop led by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, 8 LGUs proposed policies on implementing integrated pest management strategies, promoting climate-resilient crop varieties, and conserving watersheds.
Calls for the provision of farming equipment in San Manuel, Tarlac; rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in San Miguel, Bulacan, and San Marcelino, Zambales; and enhanced training in digital agriculture in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, will be lobbied by agriculture officials.
Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV, workshop convenor, said that the project has empowered stakeholders to increase their resilience against challenges posed by climate change.
“By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and implementing practical solutions, communities are better equipped to navigate and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on their livelihoods and environment,” Manalo, a PhilRice scientist, said.
In collaboration with the Central Luzon State University’s Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management, the project is supported by the Australia Grants Scheme, with Dr. Gella Patria Abella serving as a key collaborator.
Central Luzon is selected as a project site due to its role in the nation’s food security being one of the Philippine’s top rice-producing regions.
