ClimBeR: Defining strategies to increase Filipino farmers’ climate resilience

MANILA, Philippines – November 28, 2024 – The Philippines, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, faces increasing threats to its agricultural systems, as extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns continue to intensify. With food security, livelihoods, and economic stability at stake, strengthening agricultural resilience has become a critical priority. In a recent policy discussion, the CGIAR Initiative on Climate Resilience (ClimBeR) engaged stakeholders from Philippine research institutions, local governments, and development agencies to explore how research can be translated into actionable strategies that ensure long-term food security for rural communities.

The Philippines was recently struck by a series of powerful typhoons, including Typhoon Trami (Kristine) , which caused PHP 3.11 billion (USD 53 million) in damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure. Following this, five other typhoons brought the total damage to PHP 10.4 billion (USD 177 million), severely impacting millions of Filipinos. In the keynote speech of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., delivered by the Director of the DA-Climate Resilient Agriculture Office Dr. Alicia Ilaga, he emphasized the urgent need for ongoing innovation and research to bolster resilience. “These events are a sobering reminder of the formidable challenge climate change continues to pose,” urging stakeholders to work together to maximize the impact of adaptation efforts.

During the dialogue, Dr. Ilaga highlighted several DA interventions, including the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Village Approach , the National Color-Coded Agricultural Guide (NCCAG) Map for assessing community vulnerabilities, and integrated ClimBeR-DA innovations like the Climate+ which links the Agro-climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) and the Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS) , and Area-Based Yield Index Insurance , which provide farmers with tools to better manage climate risks.

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