Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines

11/20/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2023 01:27

DA-AMIA celebrates 10th year, kicks off 16th Climate Change Consciousness Week

Author: DA-AFID | 20 November 2023

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Program kicked-off the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week on November 20, 2023. The event coincided with DA-AMIA's 10th year anniversary of building climate resilient communities and implementing initiatives toward a productive Philippine agriculture.

With the theme "Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag" and DA sub-theme "AMIA, Isang Dekada: Bayanihan tungo sa Matatag na Agrikultura," the week-long celebration opening was led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. on November 20, 2023.

"Addressing climate change is an immediate and critical global concern that demands our prompt attention and concerted action. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has emphasized the need for implementing measures to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change across various sectors especially agriculture and production," the agri chief said.

He added that the celebration is significant and its theme emphasizes the importance of bayanihan or working hand in hand to address the effects of climate change and collectively fortify the country's agricultural sector.

Secretary Laurel also recognized DA-AMIA as a pivotal component in securing a resilient and robust agricultural sector by being a platform of partnership and innovation for climate action.

DA-Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO) Director Alicia Ilaga, on the other hand, discussed the lineup of activities for the celebration including the Training for Climate Information Service Regional Focal Persons, Climate Investment Forum, Philippine Resilience Award, and Policy Talks for the rice sector.

"Ito ay inaalala natin upang mabigyan ng importansya ang pagtugun sa impacts ng climate change at global warming. Kung hindi pa kayo naniniwala, sa bi nga climate change is real, it is here, and it impacts everybody," Director Ilaga said.

Senator Koko Pimentel represented by his wife Kathryna Yu-Pimentel congratulated the DA for implementing the AMIA Program and the AMIA villages that serve as model communities for best practices and technological and institutional innovations.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office Director Jiangfeng Zhang also participated in the opening program and committed that the ADB will continue cooperating with the and assist it in addressing climate change.

"In the Philippines, through the Climate Action Program, we have embarked on a strategic partnership with multiple national agencies including DA to strengthen planning, institutional linkages for climate action, enhance resilience to climate impacts and strengthen low carbon pathways," he said.

Through Proclamation No. 1667 Series of 2008, the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week is celebrated every November 19-25 and all government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities are enjoined to observe the important event through the conduct of relevant activities. ###(Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)