The Department of Agriculture (DA) joins the nationwide observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) on July 6 underscoring its continued efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, strengthen resilience, and protect the agri-fishery sector from the impacts of natural disasters.
With the theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” the DA continues to implement measures to mitigate the effects of various challenges facing the agri-fishery sector, including geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have created uncertainty in global trade and driven up the prices of oil, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
“Strengthening information dissemination, conducting comprehensive risk assessment and monitoring, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and ensuring the timely delivery of agricultural interventions to affected farmers and fisherfolk are among the actions the DA continues to enforce to reduce the impact of these hazards on the agricultural sector,” said DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and for Rural Credit Roger Navarro.
Aside from geopolitical tensions, the country is also facing the southwest monsoon (Habagat) season with more expected frequent and heavier rainfall and landslides. Additionally, most climate models suggest there is over an 80% probability that El Niño will develop into a full-blown event, which is likely to persist until early 2027, according to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), and could lead to severe water shortages.
Usec. Navarro also noted the importance of strengthened collaboration with other government agencies, local government units, the academe, the private sector, and development partners. “Disaster resilience is a shared responsibility that depends on proactive and science-based action,” he added.
As part of NDRM celebration, an exhibit was also unveiled at the DA lobby, featuring initiatives for disaster preparedness for farmers and fisherfolk. Also, a tree planting activity and information campaigns at Sitio San Ysiro in Antipolo City, Rizal was also conducted through the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Section.
In partnership with the DA Regional Field Office IV-A, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Malayang Samahan ng mga Katutubo ng Antipolo City (MASAKA), the team planted 500 seedlings of soursop (guyabano) and timber from DENR across a one-hectare mountain land in Sitio San Ysiro. These seedlings will be managed by MASAKA members who are the staunch partners of the Philippine government in its agroforestation efforts since 2010.
“Our tree planting is also associated with community livelihood because it is not only the ecosystem that will benefit. When our trees bear fruit, our community will also earn income. This will also help achieve food security in our country,” MASAKA President Jimmy Garcia shared.
An orientation to the local agri-fisheries sector on the impacts of the El Nino phenomenon and the relevant interventions of the Department was also conducted by Paulo Dajao of the DA-DRRMS. Information campaign materials were also distributed among San Ysiro farmers and residents.
DA-Field Programs Operational Planning Division (FPOPD) Officer-in-Charge Perla L. Gines said, “our activity was tiring but very fulfilling, especially since we all know that one day, the fruits of our labor will benefit the community of San Ysiro. We are deeply grateful for the support of every person and organization to make our initiatives possible.”
The tree planting activity, information campaigns, and photo exhibition constitute part of the month-long activities of the Department in observance of the NDRM. Its Regional Field Offices have also their respective activities in support of the celebration.
The NDRM is an annual undertaking of the Philippine government, led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC to strengthen disaster awareness campaigns of national government agencies and local government units, thus empowering individuals and institutions “to adapt to and recover from the effects of hazards and disasters through effective risk management.” ### (Ira Y. Cruz and Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara/ photos by Joseph Henry G. Elamparo Jr. and Ian Roy P. Leaño, DA-AFID)
