To equip farmers—especially the marginalized sectors—with timely climate information, support inclusive agri-enterprises, and empower communities to lead climate adaptation efforts, the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project is taking a decisive step to build the resilience of Filipino farmers by promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA).
The APA Project is a joint collaboration of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PAGASA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It is a seven-year initiative supported by USD 26 million fund from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with an additional USD 13 million co-financed by the DA and the DOST-PAGASA. It is expected to indirectly benefit around five million (M) farmers through climate advisories and directly support 1.25-M members of vulnerable farming households through the adoption of CRA practices and the development of agri-enterprises.
The Project’s National Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted its first meeting on April 7, 2025 through hybrid setup (face-to-face and zoom) at the Amihan Conference Room, DOST-PAGASA, Quezon City. Presided over by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, the meeting’s major highlight was the official endorsement of 100 priority municipalities from the five target regions—Regions 2, 5, 10, 12 and CAR identified through vulnerability assessments and their readiness for CRA interventions. Within these areas, the project will directly support 205,000 farmers in adopting CRA practices. In addition, at least 45,000 farmers are expected to engage in agri enterprise development, applying various CRA options to identified priority crops. The TWG also recommended the validation of priority crops through regional TWGs, which will serve as key entry points for scaling up climate-resilient technologies.
The enhancement of the Climate Information Service (CIS) platform hosted by the Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) of DA was another critical agenda taken up. The platform will be expanded to deliver more localized and tailored climate and weather advisories, enabling farmers to manage climate risks, improve productivity, and transition toward more resilient farming systems. The APA Project envisions an inclusive and accessible CIS, particularly for women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities. It also aims to strengthen access to climate-resilient technologies, financing, and markets.
Representatives from the different DA bureaus, attached agencies, attached corporations, banner programs, Regional Field Offices —and key government agencies as members of the TWG attended the meeting.The TWG was created through the issuance of Special Order no. 550 Series of 2025 titled “Creation of Technical Working Group for the Implementation of the Project, ‘Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change” funded by the Green Climate Fund signed by DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. last April 3, 2025. ###
