UPLBFI partners with DA-MIMAROPA, launches project to strengthen implementation of AMIA program in the region

The UPLB Foundation Inc. (UPLBFI) held a kick-off meeting with key stakeholders from the Department of Agriculture on October 26, 2023, at B Hotel, Quezon City. The event formally launched the DA MIMAROPA-funded project “Strengthening Productivity-Enhancing Climate Resilient Technologies and Support Services for Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Villages” which comprises three component activities.

The first project component titled “Conduct of Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) for Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan” was presented by Ms. Gillian Katherine Quilloy (GIS Specialist, UPLBFI). The component aims to develop CRVA maps for priority crops in the three provinces to design targeted solutions for high-risk areas in the region. Ms. Quilloy emphasized that its resulting climate risk vulnerability maps will be useful in crafting meaningful interventions such as policies, investment prioritization plans, and vulnerability assessments at the local level.

Following this is the second component titled “Development of Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) MIMAROPA” led by Mr. Jonathan Austria (Data Management Specialist, UPLBFI). The activities for this component build upon the pilot study conducted in the Bicol region in 2021, leading to the creation of a free-to-use web application that provides weather and climate forecasting services and detailed advisories among farmers and fisherfolk for their respective localities. The component aims to extend the web application’s services to all of the local government units (LGUs) in MIMAROPA.

The third project component titled “Strengthening a climate-resilient and sustainable bamboo-based enterprise for G. Antonino Bamboo Farmers Association” was presented by its component leader Dr. Merlyn Rivera (Project Leader, Bamboo Professionals Inc). After organizing the climate-resilient bamboo enterprise through a feasibility study conducted in the municipality of Gloria (Oriental Mindoro) last year, the project will provide ancillary services to the association by launching a sustained enhancement program. The project aims to strengthen the enterprise and upskill its members through seminars and workshops, and via introducing new technologies and innovations on bamboo products/production.

These initiatives serve as strategic projects under the AMIA Program. Director Alicia Ilaga of the DA Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO) assures that the results of these projects will allow regional offices to build models on climate information services, improve climate resilience, and develop effective CRVA methodologies. 

Also present during the inception meeting were the DA-MIMAROPA’s Research Division and AMIA team led by Mr. Randy Pernia (Supervising Agriculturist), and the UPLBFI Team led by Ms. Dorcas Trinidad (Project Leader).

The project is expected to conclude by September 2024.

by JRodriguez and JAustria