In a vital stride towards sustainable development and climate-conscious agriculture, Memorandums of Agreement for the implementation of the Mountain Province Climate Field School (MPCFS) were signed at the MPSPC Admin Conference Hall on April 1, 2024. Hosted by MPSPC, it was one of the highlights of the opening of the Lang-ay Festival.
The Memorandums of Agreement, signed by the Mountain Province Provincial Government through the representation of Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., in collaboration with the 10 Mountain Province LGUs, DENR-CAR, DARFO-CAR, DOST-CAR, and MPSPC, signify a collective commitment to the establishment and operation of the Mountain Province Climate Field School. Notable attendees included key signatories such as Barlig Mayor Clark Ngaya, Bauko Mayor Randolf Awisan, Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Natonin Mayor Jose Agagon, Paracelis Mayor Marcos Ayangwa, Sabangan Mayor Marcial Lawilao Jr., Sadanga Mayor Adolf Ganggangan, Sagada Mayor Felecito Dula, Tadian Mayor Constito Masweng, DARFO-CAR Regional Director Jennilyn Dawayan, DOST-MP Provincial Director Angel Maguen representing DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, and MPSPC President Edgar G. Cue.
Expressing appreciation for the PDRRMO’s initiative and for the project’s approval and funding amounting to over 270 million pesos by the Climate Change Commission through the Peoples Survival Fund (PSF), MPSPC President Cue emphasized the significance of the project in addressing climate-related challenges in the province. Governor Lacwasan showed enthusiasm for the collaborations caused by the project and formalized it in the day’s event. Likewise, Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. expressed hope that the MPCFS will create innovative disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation programs that will better equip our vulnerable communities to deal with the impacts of climate change.
The establishment of the Climate Field School, proposed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, generally aims to increase yields of the agriculture and fisheries sectors and mitigate the risks of climate change through good agricultural practices and sustainable resource management. Partnering with various entities, including MPSPC, the Provincial Government will spearhead the project’s implementation.
The physical infrastructure of the Climate Field School will be situated at the MPSPC Bacarri Campus in Paracelis, serving as a hub for research, development, and extension activities related to climate-conscious farming and agriculture. Additionally, the installation of All Weather Stations (AWS) across the 10 municipalities underscores the project’s comprehensive approach to environmental monitoring and data collection. The Department of Agriculture’s various roles in supporting agricultural sectors, coupled with the Department of Science and Technology’s training assistance and technical support in infrastructure development, highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the initiative.
The signed MOAs formalized these collaborations, symbolizing a shared commitment among the Provincial Government, MPSPC, Regional Line Agencies, and Municipal LGUs to sustainable development. Mountain Province, through concerted efforts and partnerships, paves the way for a resilient and climate-conscious future in agriculture.
