CAR groomed as model for climate change mitigation measures

MANILA, Philippines — The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) should be a model region where initiatives to counter climate change can be implemented due to its abundance of crops, the chief of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

“As the primary source of highland vegetables in the country, the Cordillera also serves as one of the models where we can showcase climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives,”Agriculture Secretary William Dar said at the recent Cordillera month celebration.

“A number of key economic policy tools for climate mitigation can be initiated in the Cordillera region,” he said.

Among these include community watershed and forest conservation with commercial forest trees, and fruit and industrial tree farming, eco-tourism, payment for environmental services schemes, and sustainable and eco-friendly farming programs, among other initiatives.
The DA stressed that CAR is rich not only in natural resources and mineral deposits, such as gold and copper, but also serves as the “watershed cradle of North Luzon,” as it hosts nine major rivers that provide continuous water for irrigation and energy.

“More popularly, it produces major highland vegetables sold in Luzon and Metro Manila, including parts of Visayas,” the DA said.

These include lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, cabbage and other greens. The region is also known for its aromatic coffees and strawberries.

“The DA family is one with the CAR in its quest for autonomy and building ‘greener’ and more climate-resilient economies,” said Dar, who concurrently serves as the Cordillera Region Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS).

Last month, Dar called for greater international cooperation among world agriculture leaders to ensure the development of science-based innovations, in a bid to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, and end hunger by 2030.

“It is important that international pooling of knowledge, science and technology, and new innovations are further encouraged, and that their benefits should extend to all sectors and stakeholders across all nations,” Dar said in a virtual discussion during the 42nd Session of the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference.

Dar emphasized that technology and globalization are now changing the dynamics of economic progress, which may present opportunities for the agriculture sector.

“We believe that we have here now an excellent opportunity to reboot and foster together hope, trust, and mutual understanding that are essential for all citizens of the world to survive and prosper,” Dar said.