Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Liu Laurel Jr. has emphasized the need to work together to address climate change and its impacts, particularly on the agricultural sector.

Laurel made this remark during the kickoff of the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week on Nov. 20.

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

The DA Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (DA-AMIA) Program organized the event that coincided with its 10th anniversary of building climate-resilient communities and implementing initiatives toward productive Philippine agriculture.

The celebration has the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag” and DA sub-theme “AMIA, Isang Dekada: Bayanihan Tungo sa Matatag na Agrikultura.”

Laurel said 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.

Laurel also cited DA-AMIA’s pivotal component in securing a resilient and robust agricultural sector as 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 pagtugon sa impacts ng climate change at global warming. Kung hindi pa kayo naniniwala, sabi nga (We commemorate this to give importance to the impact of climate change and global warming. If you still don’t believe it, as they say), climate change is real, it is here, and it impacts everybody,” Ilaga said.

Senator Koko Pimentel, represented by his wife Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, congratulated the DA for implementing the AMIA Program and 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 joined the opening program and committed that ADB would continue to cooperate and assist 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 1667, series of 2008, the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week is celebrated every Nov. 19-25 and all government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities are enjoined to observe the important event through the conduct of relevant activities. (PNA)