The Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project, a seven-year initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) implemented in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), successfully conducted back-to-back Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement Workshops activities for the development of the Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) Learning Plan and the Sub-project Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) in the Municipalities of Santa Praxedes and Baggao.
The Stakeholder Consultation Engagement for the Development of the CRA Learning Plan and the sub-project Environmental and Social Management Plan Workshop was held on July 20–21, 2026 at Portabaga Falls Park and Resort, Santa Praxedes and on July 23, 2026, at the Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant, Baggao, Cagayan.
The consultation workshops were attended by representatives from target Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), together with the Local Government Units (LGUs). The workshops provided a venue to identify priority agricultural commodities, assess climate-related challenges affecting farming communities, and evaluate potential environmental and social risks associated with proposed project interventions. Participants also identified potential risks related to the use of farm tools and machinery, handling of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, occupational health and safety, and community participation. Appropriate mitigation measures and community-based monitoring mechanisms were likewise identified to ensure Environmental and Social Safeguard.
The activities were facilitated by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) represented by Mr. Ryan Vita, Dr. Jaime Montesur, Mr. Raffy Umbrero, Ms. Psyche Asencio, and Ms. Ruby Labinghisa, together with Ms. Jemflor Ann Santiago, National Project Coordinator of the APA Project.
The APA Project continues to strengthen the resilience of farming communities by integrating climate adaptation, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion into agricultural development. Through strong collaboration among government agencies, local government units, Indigenous Peoples, farmers’ organizations, and development partners, the project contributes to building resilient agricultural systems and advancing a more sustainable and food-secure future for the Philippines.
Via Rayward S. Carlos