THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has P24 billion to invest in climate-smart agriculture projects in 2022, mainly involving research, but with funds also allocated to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure to improve access to climate information.

“In the Philippines, we have centered our climate change and resiliency agenda on strengthening agriculture research for development, including the establishment of biotechnology centers for crops, livestock and fisheries,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said in a statement.

He said the DA is also working with private firms to improve telecommunications infrastructure to provide climate information service and enhance farmers’ ability to adopt productivity-enhancing technology.

It is also working on credit and insurance programs for climate adaptation, geospatial databases, and climate-proof facilities.

The department is implementing climate projects in 130 barangays.

“We must introduce adaptation and mitigation measures to communities rather than to individual farmers and fisherfolk, where communities facing similar climate risks are provided with tailor-fitted, integrated support service,” Mr. Dar added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson