Dumangas farmers boost yield through scientific forecasting
The scientific way of forecasting weather situation in coping with climate change has maximized the production of farmers in the municipality of Dumangas.
Mayor Ronaldo Golez said learning the weather pattern in their area has helped the farmers determine suitable crops to plant.
Golez, who was one of the speakers in the LGU Summit +3i: Climate Change Adaption in the Philippines in Iloilo City last week, shared the measures adapted by his municipality to boost rice and other agricultural produce despite the unpredictable weather conditions.
“Our farmers became resilient. We assisted them in adapting with the climate change. We see to it that farmers are equipped with correct preparation and application to minimize losses and maximize their production,” Golez told The News Today at the sidelights of the activity.
Dumangas town has a Climate Field School, the first school for farmers in the country, helping farmers scientifically predict weather patterns.
At first, the local government unit had a hard time convincing farmers to use the technology, but later “they embraced the program,” the mayor said.
Although the municipality is a coastal town, Dumangas is one of the top producers of rice and other agricultural products in Iloilo province and the number one in milkfish and marine production, he added.
The Climate Field School was introduced in the municipality because of the presence of the Agro-Metrological Station of (PAG-ASA) Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in the area.
The facility has played a key role in the use of the local climate information such as climate forecasts and farming advisories. By obtaining and understanding the right information, farmers produce more and earn more, Golez said.
The summit was attended by delegates from local government units, government agencies, scientists, and civil society leaders across the country. The gathering aims to immediately address the impacts of climate variability in order to meet the country’s Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, secretary general of the League of Cities of the Philippines, hosted the event.
Vice President Jejomar Binay was guest of honor during the opening program last Wednesday.*
