7th DPRM focuses on Climate variabity and Change

On its seventh year, the Steering Committee for the celebration of the DPRM chose the theme "Coping with climate variability and change."

The choice of this theme stems from the fact that the Philippines is a country that is very prone to climate-related risks and disasters.  For instance, climate variability caused by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon and its two phases – El Niño and La Niña – greatly affects agriculture in the Philippines and leaves rainfed agricultural producers, in particular, exposed to high levels of risk in terms of decisions regarding choice of inputs and timing. At the same time, recent changes felt in the overall climatic patterns and conditions bring about greater possibilities for more intense climatic events with disastrous effects on our people’s lives, properties and livelihood.

All these therefore underscore the need for strategic risk-mitigation programs and measures based on careful study and active interaction and collaboration among different sectors of society.  The various studies and activities to be presented and organized during the month-long celebration of the DPRM will hopefully provide the appropriate base and support in developing such programs/measures.