Farmers launch summit on climate change, DENR XII backs up

KORONADAL CITY --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XII sealed partnership with Demokratikong Magbubukid Sandigan ng Kanayunan sa Pag-unlad (DEMASKU) through a recent launching of an event called “Farmers’ Summit on Climate Change” held at the Spiritual Formation Center, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary of Brgy. Sto.Niño, Koronadal City.

At least thirty (30) participants mostly farmer-leaders attended the said summit coming from the four Provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Sarangani. The Farmer’s Summit tackled situations on the impact of climate change in the region; relayed information, experiences and problems faced on crop productivity, food security and effects of climate change; discussed programs of government agencies of farmers’ concerns such as cross cutting, agriculture development, environmental conservation, human rights and health protection and identified resolution to address the issues and concerns on climate change.

Climate Change Focal Person of Climate Change Services, Benjamin D. Alangca together with Chief – Protected Areas and Wildlife Section, Mangayao C. Macapodi of DENR XII were guest speakers, both made their presentations on the two-day event on topics; “Climate Change and its Impact to Agriculture, Land Water and Food Security and “Status of Watershed/Protected Areas in the region”.

Alangca relayed the consequences of climate change namely, extreme weather conditions, rising of sea levels, poor agricultural crops, tropical cyclones, emerging human health diseases, degradation of forests, biodiversity and coastal & marine ecosystems. He also stated the various strategies, programs, and projects which the DENR is doing to address the problems on climate change.

DENR is currently promoting the ridge-to-reef approach, integrated ecosystems management approach, river basin management approach, and Sustainable Integrated Area Development as strategies to climate change adaptations, Alangca further said.

           

Meanwhile, on the second day, Chief Macapodi conveyed the Protected Areas in South Cotabato, such as the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) and Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL). Through a power point presentation,he discussed the importance of biodiversity, geo-physical features, cultural resources, direct benefits, and the role of Protected Areas in the climate regulation.          

“If you know anyone from the said protected areas that violates environmental policies, you can ask assistance from us as well as to DENR XII’s field offices “, Macapodi said.

The summit organizers also invited resource persons from Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII and Environmental Management Bureau XII. Topics on Hazards Areas in Socksargen and Coal Fired Power Plants and Coal Processing Plants in the region were presented.

The activity became an opportunity for the farmers to share their individual experiences on climate change through a workshop.

Farmers’ Summit on Climate Change of DEMASKU ended with high hopes from the participants that their issues and concerns will be given an immediate attention in partnership with line agencies such as DENR XII, looking forward to elevate endeavors toward livelihood and environmental protection. (BDAlangca/KBBenpolok/RSCIS/DENRXII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)