CALAMBA, Laguna―The Climate Change Commission (CCC) played up the critical role of sustainable agriculture in strengthening the country’s food security and overall climate resilience.
The CCC in one of its recent learning site visits stressed how climate-smart and regenerative farming practices contribute to resilient food systems and support rural livelihoods.
The agriculture system is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change identified in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). “Under the National Adaptation Plan, the country’s strategic framework designed to strengthen climate resilience, agriculture remains among the most at-risk sectors under a changing climate,” CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje said.
He said agriculture was facing “increasing threats from extreme weather events, shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.” He said addressing these risks requires the adoption and scaling of climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices that protect food systems while strengthening the adaptive capacity of farming communities. “Agriculture is not only a productivity concern but a core climate adaptation strategy under the NAP,” Borje said.
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has championed the adaptation theme “Securing Food Supply: Nurture Nature, Sustain Livelihoods,” which aims to achieve productive and resilient agriculture and fisheries, while ensuring food security, promoting sustainability and empowering small farmers and fisherfolk. A practical example of this approach was demonstrated during the learning site visit to the Filipinas Cacao Heritage Reserve Inc. (FCHRI), a farm dedicated to conserving and propagating heritage Criollo cacao.
The CCC observed firsthand how science-based, organic and regenerative farming approaches can reduce climate risks while supporting rural livelihoods.
The visit highlighted the role of sustainable agriculture in safeguarding heritage crops, improving soil and water management, and enhancing resilience amid climate variability. As part of its organic and regenerative reforestation efforts, FCHRI employs modern and sustainable farming methods, including drip irrigation systems, Organic Integrated Pest Management (IPM), aerobic composting and the use of ecological indicators, while avoiding harmful synthetic chemicals.CCC News
In this way, the farm integrates data-driven and automated farming tools aimed at improving productivity, optimizing resource use and increasing the resilience of the cacao trees to microclimate conditions.
Borje noted that initiatives such as those implemented by the FCHRI set an example on how science-based and regenerative farming can help reduce climate risks while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods.
“The depth of research done behind the conservation and propagation of Criollo cacao shows how science-based, organic and regenerative approaches are needed to strengthen climate adaptation in agriculture,” Borje added.
Farm owner Jacqueline Sy Go stressed the critical role of science and innovation in sustaining heritage cacao varieties. She noted that the farm’s work is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of Filipino agriculturists, foresters and engineers.
“This research is crucial, especially now that we can no longer rely on predictable seasons and are experiencing more frequent and intense typhoons,” Go said. “Science-based farming allows us to adapt, protect our crops, and ensure the long-term viability of cacao cultivation.”
The learning site visit further explored potential areas of collaboration aligned with the CCC’s mandates on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and in ensuring that cultural, historical and natural heritage sites are protected against climate-related risks.
The CCC continues to advocate for climate-resilient and inclusive development that protects heritage crops, empowers farming communities and secures food supply in a changing climate. CCC News
