Participants and pool of experts with Directors Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit and Nicomedes P. EleazarClimate change is a global challenge that is a serious threat requiring urgent response from all sectors.

Its potential and threatening effects on both humans and the environment makes it an even more important concern. Its effects are now being felt, particularly in the agriculture sector.

Last March  9 – 12, 2010, a training entitled “ Responding to Climate Change Through Research and Development in Agriculture” was attended to by Center Manager Eduardo B. Solomon. This was held at SEARCA, Los Banos, Laguna and sponsored by the Bureau of Agricultural Research ( DA- BAR) and SEARCA.

The five-day training aimed to provide participants with core climate science concepts for clearer understanding of the climate change phenomenon and its impact on agriculture, forestry and fisheries; provide tools to measure the extent of risks; discuss concepts, methods and procedures, mitigation measures; identify vulnerable areas as well as provide guidance in consolidating identified measures into action plans.

Spearheading this important activity is Training Coordinator Dr. Maria Celeste H. Cadiz, Technical Training Coordinator Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon and Training Co-Manager Julienne V. Bariuan and Training Management Group Adviser Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit ( SEARCA Director ).

Pool of experts who extended their expertise were: Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon ( Assoc. Prof. and Dean, School of Environmental Science and Management, UPLB); Dr. Flaviana D. Hilario (Weather Services Chief, DOST-PAGASA); Atty. Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering ( USec, DENR and Prof. San Sebastian College of Law); Dr. Juan M. Pulhin ( Professor and Scientist II, DSFFG, UPLB); Dr. Michael D. Pido (Prof., Palawan State University); Ms. Sheila Marie M. Encabo ( OIC Director of Agriculture, NEDA); Dr. Laura T. David ( Prof., Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman); Dr. Canesio D. Predo ( Asst. Prof., Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, UPLB); and Dr. Rogelio N. Concepcion ( Adjunct Professor, UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management ).

Recognizing the gravity of problems that can come with climate change, Center Manager Eduardo B. Solomon spearheaded the preparation and submission of Research and Development proposals for possible funding of the DA-BAR.

With these effort, we hope to be of help in this worldwide phenomenon.