Experts, key representatives, and climate change team focals convened virtually for a Consultation Workshop for the Consolidation and Harmonization of the Agri-Fishery Climate Change R4DE Agenda and Programs CY 2024-2028 on 15 December 2023 via Google Meet.
Organized by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, the activity aimed to compile and assess the current status of R4D initiatives and outputs of the various institutions on climate resiliency with the specific focus of identifying the technology gaps, scaling pathways and drafting the harmonized priority R4DE areas for the next medium term. This is in cognizant with the ongoing Climate Change Action Program of the Philippine Government in partnership with the Asian Development Bank aimed to address climate-related challenges and implement national policies
to drive transformation in critical sectors, foster climate resilience and reduce carbon emissions.
“Recognizing that the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, our commitment to fostering resilience is more critical than ever. This workshop serves as a bridge, bringing together the expertise, insights, and perspectives of diverse stakeholders – from research institutions, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, to industry leaders and local communities,” DA-BAR director Junel B Soriano, represented by Research Program Division head Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera, said.
Further, he underscored the bureau’s initiatives to develop strategies and identify appropriate interventions that will respond to the evolving needs of the sector in terms of climate change. “Our goal is not just to understand the current landscape of climate resiliency initiatives but to chart a course that propels us toward sustainable solutions,’ he added.
The bureau staff, DA-Climate Resilient Agriculture Office, DA Regional Field Offices and State Universities and Colleges, and the Asian Development Bank through its team of specialists participated and shared their respective ongoing programs, projects, and activities, as well as future plans. Priority R4DE agenda and programs, R4D policy studies, policy transformation, challenges, issues, among other things were also discussed. Meanwhile, Dr. Carlos Pascual, ADB Resource Person, acted as lead moderator for the activity.
This synergistic collaboration is in pursuit of crafting policies towards increasing the R4D investments for climate change resiliency of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector.