IJSRED-V1I2P9

International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development-– Volume 1 Issue 2, Nov-Dec2018
Available at www.ijsred.com
ISSN : 2581-7175 ©IJSRED: All Rights are Reserved Page 202
Adaptation to Climate Change: Implications
to Farming, and Community Health in Marilog
District Davao City
Fernandez, Simeon C.*,
Concepcion, Prince Vincent Ace T. RN**, Gamboa, Jill Luz D.***,
Flores, Sally Mae C.****, Torrentira, Jr. Moises C.*****
* (University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines)
**( University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines)
***(University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines)
****(University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines)
*****( University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines)
----------------------------------------************************----------------------------------
Abstract:
This paper reviewed the process of developing the Climate Resilient Agriculture Adaptation and
Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CRA AMIA) as a strategic program approaches in responding to
climate changes with a vision of a Philippine agriculture and fisheries sector that enabled local
communities to cope with climate risks while pursuing sustainable resilient livelihoods. The paper aimed
to understand the different project interventions such as technologies and practices, institutional and social
innovations and accessing climate-relevant support services (e.g. community’s heath, policies, etc.) and
drew some lessons learned by the farmer stakeholders and determined challenges brought by this
irrevocable event in the project site.
Researchers found out that communities’ coordination, linkages institutional mechanisms, climate
farmers field schools(CRFS), access to health services, information to climate services and policies are
significant factors in making farming communities adapted to climate changes and minimize their risks to
climate hazards.
Finally, stronger linkages and policy reforms and communities coordination are needed between
the farming organizations and government agencies facilitating and supporting CRAs and suppliers of
climate information, particularly addressing the translation of climate change information and services to
the community level.
Keywords — Adaptation, Climate Change, Implications, Farming, Community Health,Marilog
District, Davao City
----------------------------------------************************----------------------------------
I. INTRODUCTION
Climate change poses a major threat on
sustaining the productivity of the agriculture and
fisheries sector in the Philippines. Climate data for
the past 50 years showed trends in increasing
temperatures, changes in rainfall and increasing
RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS

number of extreme events like typhoons, flooding
and drought. Degradation of natural resources will
be further aggravated by the changing climate.
The country’s food basket, Davao Region
was known to be blessed with good and favorable
climate. But with the on-set of climate change, it is
no longer spared from the effect of El Niňo
phenomenon and devastating typhoons such as
Pablo, which badly hit the provinces of Compostela
Valley and Davao Oriental in 2012.
Using climate suitability model Max Ent
Software with baseline using climate risk
vulnerability and future condition (yr 2030 and yr
2050), Aceres, et al,.(2017) found out that province
of Davao del Sur and Davao City had the very high
vulnerability in terms of sensitivity, hazard, and
adaptive capacity. The impacts of climate change
are felt by urban dwellers, farmers and fisher folks.
The poor on the other hand, are the most vulnerable
groups with natural resources and majority of the
population are heavily affected by the consequence
of this phenomenon.
With these impacts of climate changes in the
agricultural farming and community’s health, the
Department of Agriculture has crafted a strategic
action plan in adaptation and mitigation in the
localities.
A. Context
Climate change is a pervasive concern of
everyone, considered to be greatest environmental
trend threatening humanity. Studies showed report
that climate change is already culpable for
destroying approximately 315, 000 people’s live
every year. The science had already anticipated the
ripple effects of this phenomenon. There will be
more flooding, more droughts, more diseases, more
famine and massive competition among limited
resources that will eventually lead to creating
hundreds of millions of refugees and massive
destruction of the whole ecosystems and loss of
species therein.
Philippines, being a developing country, is
so much expose to the hazards of climate change. 1
The country was listed as number one most affected
country by the climate (Global Climate Risk Index
2015).Climate change is caused by a natural and
antropogenic factors, however, these anthropogenic
factors, commonly referred to “Human activities”
are largely to blame in raising temperatures which
causes climate change, more specifically with
reference to the agricultural activities that paved
way to more formidable effects of climate change.
In 2015, Department of Agriculture
reported that the country’s agriculture fisheries
sector has been a perennial casualty of climate-
related risks. It recorded from the period of 2010 -
2014, loss and damages from climate/weather-
induced disasters have reached a total of Php136
billion or an average of Php27 billion annually
affecting the agricultural sector.
The Davao Region as being the country’s
food basket was not known much to have been
affected by typhoons, but due the climate change,
this is already enlisted. 2
Major typhoons such as
Pablo in 2012 had leave huge damages to
properties and wreck havoc to people in the
provinces. On the contrary, the region was not
also spared from the long dry season caused by “el
niǹo” phenomenon significantly destroying habitat
and food crops.
Using Climate suitability model Max Ent
Software with baseline using climate risk
vulnerability and future condition (yr 2030 and yr
2050) for the climate risk vulnerability assessment
1
Climate Change in the Philippines (2017, April). The Philippines: a
climate hotspot. Retrieved on November 25, 2018 from
http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/Global/seasia/report/2007/4/the
-philippines-a-climate-hot.pdf
1
Climate Change in Region XI (2018). Retrieved on November 25,
2018 from
http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/operations/proj
ects/environment_and_energy/TwinPhoenix.html
2Climate Change in Region XI (2018). Retrieved on
November 25, 2018 from
http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/operation
s/projects/environment_and_energy/TwinPhoenix.html

(CRVA) Aceres,et al, 2017 found out that province
of Davao del Sur and Davao City had the very high
vulnerability in terms of sensitivity, hazard, and
adaptive capacity. The impacts of climate change
are felt by urban dwellers, farmers, and
fisherfolks.The poor on the other hand, are the most
vulnerable groups with natural resources and
majority of the population are heavily affected by
this phenomenon.
World Climate data have revealed that
Davao City and Province of Davao del Sur were
predicted to experience an intense rainfall pattern
while temperature increase by 2 0
Centigrade and
daily maximum temperature may reach up to 32.7 0
centigrade. Furthermore, due to these extreme
climatic conditions, the distribution of suitability of
crops will decrease quite seriously by the year 2030
– 2050. (CIAT,2015).
B. Approach
The Department of Agriculture Systems-
wide Climate Change Office (DA-SWACCO) has
launched a strategic program on Climate Resilient
Agriculture Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative
(CRA-AMIA) in 2014 which aims to focus on
addressing climate change with a vision of a
Philippine agriculture fisheries sector enables local
communities cope up climate risks while pursuing
sustainable resilient livelihoods.
As overall approach, CRA-AMIA
internationally related to “Climate Smart
Agriculture”, develops and promotes climate-
resilient agriculture (CRA), , through implementing
technologies and practices, introducing institutional
and social innovations, and accessing climate-
relevant support services to help agriculture-fishery
communities manage climate risks from extreme
weather events to long term climatic shifts.
Figure 1. Conceptual Model (Adapted from DASWCCO, 2015)
CRA AMIA refers to participatory methods
in developing decision-support tools, models for
community action research, and recommended
guidelines for provision of climate information
services to be able to develop the communities
address and cope the hazards, vulnerabilities and
strengthen capacities in support of community-
based disaster risk reduction (DASWCCO 2015).
C. Case Study
Geographical background and farming
system in the piloted barangays of Suawan,
Tamugan,Magsaysay in Marilog District, Davao
City under the Suawan Kulafu subwatershed .
DENR 2016 report that Suawan Kulafu
Subwatershed in Marilog District, Davao City had a
total area of 22,749 hectares with two (2) major
rivers, Suawan river located in Barangay Suawan
and Kulafu River located in Barangay Magsaysay.
The whole watershed is also known as the
headwater source of potable water that is supplying
the Davao City’s metropolis. It is also identified as
the nesting site of Philippine Eagle at Mt. Sinaka
and the forested area of Dalag-lumot and Salaysay.
A 200 hectares DENR Academy site and University
of the Philippines reservation area of 4,100 hectares
are also located in the watershed. These areas are
inhabited by Indigenous People comprised of Obo-
Manuvu, Matigsalog, Tinanaon, Tagalog, Cebuano,
Ilonggo, Boholano, Leyteno, Waray, and Ilokano.
Among the natural hazards and climate
change impacts noted in these areas are landslide
due to earthquake and heavy rainfall, Suawan-
Kulafu subwatershed natural feature where
barangay Suawan Tamugan and Magsaysay were
the most vulnerable to flooding and erosion
(Aceres,et al., 2017).
The piloted farming communities, known as
CRA AMIA Villages which served as the project
site. It is located in the Suawan Kulafu
subwatershed in Marilog District of Davao City.
The project area is characterized by type 4 climatic

conditions. The topography is undulating to hilly
and observed to have high vulnerability to climate
hazards. Community Participatory Resource
Assessment (CPAR), using a focus group
discussion-workshop among the communities
conducted by the Department of Agriculture
Researchers in 2015,transcribed these salient
information:
Barangay Suawan was first established in
year 1940’s were Aloy and Cabagtukan Sumaliday
were the very first inhabitants in the area near a
river called Tuli means “ Sapang Buhi Naas a
Dakong Linao”because of its features which is
endowed with serenity. In 1950’s, more families
move in, both Christian and natives from other
areas of Marilog but decided to live outside Tuli
Proper forming another sitio called Tuli Suawan
which was under Tamugan,Baguio District and first
Teniente del Barrio an Ilocano Fermin Coloma was
then elected.
Among the major disasters hit the barangay
were Typhoon Titang in year 1957, flashfloods
happened in 1962 and 2011, insect and rat
infestation in year 1967 and 1995, dry spells and
drought in year 1977.
Community Historical Timeline
Positive Events Negative Events
1947 -1950’s – Barangay Suawan was first
established and was then called Sitio
Tuli part of Baguio District. It was very
peaceful there was no arm conflicts. With
abundant clean drinking water
1947 – There was no
electricity, people used
traditional source of lights
such as lamps.
1950 – The first Tiňente del Barrio
(Barangay Captain) was elected.
1957- Roads were not passable
with any kind of vehicles
except by human.Hit by
typhoon Titang were plants
were almost uprooted.
1963 – Barangay roads were rough and
passable only by trucks hauling logging
and timbers
1962 – There was flashflood,
some houses were destroyed
and washed out.
1970 – Catholic church was built 1967 – There was a rat
infestation were crops such as
rice, corn, banana, sweet
potato and cassava were
affected.
1977 – Nobody used synthetic fertilizers 1977 – dry spell for 7 months
and pesticides in farming.
1980’s – the communities started to
received health assistance from City Health
Office such as immunization and the health
team was also present. Department of
Environment and Natural Resources
Region XI started to penetrate the area and
started forestry program
1986 – affected by Typhoon
Rosing where some houses
were partially damage.
1985 – Water Shed program started 1995 – Insect pest infestation
occured in corn crops.
1986 – Department Agrarian Reform
started to penetrate the area and
implemented agrarian reform community
projects.
2011 – another was a flash
flood occurred in the highland
eroding crops and loss
livestocks
1987 – Farmers started to use fertilizers
and pesticides in farming
2015 – dry spells for 6 months
1990’s – Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Progam program started
2017 – Arm conflict between
AFP and NPA in the interior
part of the Barangays
1991 – Suawan Multipurpose Cooperative
was built. Cooperative Development
Authority (CDA) started their interventions
in the barangay.
1992 – Barangay Suawan was officially
created.
1993 – Started to receive interventions
from the City Agriculture’s Office. Projects
such as irrigation, seedlings, livestock and
cover crops from Southern Mindanao
Agricultural Program (SMAP) were
implemented
-
1997 – Bridge going to Barangay Suawan
was built.
2000 – Water and electrical system was
operationalized.
2006 – Suawan High School was built.
2010 – DSWD/CCSSDO started to
penetrate the barangay
2012 – Aguila Farmers Association was
founded.
2013 – Moab Farmers Association was
founded. Department of Interior and Local
Government started their interventions in
the area. Regional Convergence Initiative
of government agencies was started
through the Suawan Kulafu subwatershed
2014 – The barangay received a solar pump
from DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Mgt.
2015 – Department of Science and
Technology started their interventions in
the barangay.New gymnasium was
built.DA-BUB projects such as nursery
started.Received nursery and fermentary
facilities and rain shelters from Department
of Agriculture.Lions Farmers Association
was founded. During this year also, the DA
Climate Resilient Agriculture AMIA
Villages pilot project was started in the
barangays where individual and communal
farming area were supported and
established.
2016 – New barangay hall was built;
Segovia Foundation started their drinking
water project in the barangay. Minland

(NGO) strated their DRR interventions in
the barangay.Received ramp pump
irrigation system from DA-BSWM.Lawaan
Farmers Association was founded.Received
Shredded and Vermie brewer from DA.
2017 – Biaong Farmers Association was
founded.Received Farm Tractor from
Department of Agriculture.Road from
National high way to Suawan High School
was concreted.
The three barangays were mountainous and
surrounded by creeks and rivers . Crops planted by
the farmers were asuete, banana, lansones, coffee,
and vegetables. Livestock raised were swine, goat,
cows, native chicken, and horses.
Short term cash crops planted by the farmers
are peanut, corn, upland rice, gabi, vegetables such
as eggplant, tomato, sweet pepper, finger pepper,
cucumber, and pechay. While long term crops
planted are coffee and cacao .
As hazard prone areas, the area is very
prone to flash floods while upland interior sitios
were prone to landslides, drought, and armed
conflicts.It was also affected when Typhoon Pablo
hit Davao Oriental Province.The community also
raised swine, native chicken, goat and carabao.
Native pigs are commonly raised for food and
carabao is utilized for farming purposes.
The major farming problems encountered
and shared by farmers were mostly the drought and
less rainfall experienced during dry seasons where
production of most crops are affected. While during
heavy rainfall season on the other hand, erosion and
flashfloods were the culprits destroying food crops
and livestock. Improper cultivation practices also
triggered massive soil erosion and loss of soil
fertility. Use of synthetic inputs though help in
good yield, but destroyed food habitats.
Illness and natural disasters are among the
most feared by the community members because
for them these things are beyond their control all
they can do is be prepared and ask for government’s
assistance for post disaster needs.
Based on problem analysis financial,
education, and health problems are most prevalent
but participants recognized that they somehow have
control over these things but sometimes they asked
help from the outside such as government
assistance for worst cases of health problems.
On the livelihood analysis, farming,
livestock raising, broom making from tiger grass
and small enterprises were identified as sources of
income. Participants strongly recognized that they
have the most control over these matter but they
also depend from government assistance for the
technical and input assistance such as seedlings.
In terms of health, most common illness
experienced by the community were sore eyes and
mumps during sunny months, flu and cough are
most common during rainy months.
The establishment of the CRA-AMIA
Villages in the three piloted barangays. Started in
2015, CRA AMIA villages was established with
five farming associations which were closely
coordinated by the Department of Agriculture
Region XI Research Team and office of the
Municipal Agriculture Support services were
provided through provisions of farm inputs to
support the farming; conducted a series of climate
resilient field schools (CRFS) training workshop at
their own field and exposed farmers to technologies
in various research stations and farm tours.
Capacitated farmers with relevant information to
climate changes and livelihood.
The community in return, started to
establish their own communal gardens where they
collaborate in growing various field crops and
livestock. These communal gardens are also
becoming their learning sites where farmers
conducted their farm demonstration and apply their

learning during workshops. They in turn develop
their own individual farms. Other inter-agencies
started support through agro-forestry and
processing which helped farmers do value adding
and marketing their produce. City ordinances and
programs of various agencies were also shared and
featured during series of consultations at the
barangay hall.
Of the three barangays covered at the pilot
sites, five farmer-associations was covered
involving 120 members. These association are the
lower Tamugan Integrated Rice Farmers
Association (LOTIRFA), Upper Tamugan
Integrated Farmers Association (UTIFA) and Datu
Ulama Farmers Association (DUFA) of Barangay
Tamugan, and Indangan Bagobo Womens
Association (IBWA) and Magsaysay Marketing
Cooperative (MMC) of Barangay Magsaysay.
D. Success Factors
One key factors noted in the success of
project implementation was building a strong
partnership with local partners and stakeholders
which enhanced collaboration and coordination.
This was reinforced by the periodic meetings with
the stakeholders to achieve the project goals assign
roles and responsibilities or even share the
responsibilities of the project.
Participants put forward their suggestions,
ideas and knowledge to have a clearer vision on the
targets as factors in successful project conduct. On
top of that, their knowledge on climate variability
and ability to anticipate extreme climate events and
modify farming decisions was enhanced.
E. Challenges
It was emphasized that the Climate Resilient
Agriculture project is not only a project to battle
climate change effect on the agricultural sector but
it also promotes and encourages the farmers to cope
and become resilient in their farming activities.
Government’s challenge is to encourage
young farmers to invest and till our lands. On the
part of the farmers, sharing of experiences and
technology and trust-building interventions will
make all these goals possible.
II. METHODOLOGY
Farming associations with 150 farmers in
the barangays of Suawan, Tamugan and Magsaysay,
in Marilog District, Davao City served as
participants in the study. Community Participatory
Resource Appraisal (CPAR) through Focus Group
Discussion (FGD) was done to elicit feedback. A
major part of the data collected dealt on the
communities historical timeline; agricultural
farming cropping calendar; information on climatic
events; and institutions established in their
localities. Secondary data were collected from
government agencies which supplemented the data
gathered on demographic and other pertinent
information.
III. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
The findings of the study would show that
the CRA AMIA villages in the piloted barangays
has benefited immensely from the different
programs implemented integrated farming system,
soil and water conservation, climate resilience
farming field school and provision of inputs to
farming. To participate in the planning and
implementation process, the community supported
by the local agriculture office and barangay
councils, organized farming associations.
Furthermore several training sessions and on-field
lectures on climate resilience agriculture,
sustainable farming and enterprise were held.
IV. CONCLUSIONS
The study has shown with varieties of
effects, ranging from direct effects to farming
community, and their livelihood linked to the
development of Climate Resilient Agriculture,
institutional mechanisms and social interventions
also played significant role.

The finding of the study imply that actions
to adapt and mitigate climate change not only look
in externalities of the natural causes, but would
also dwell on the internalities of the stakeholders,
the people who are the most affected on this
alarming phenomenon.
REFERENCES
[1] Climate Change in the Philippines (2017). The Philippines: a climate
hotspot. Retrieved on November 25, 2018 from
http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/Global/seasia/report/2007/4/the-
philippines-a-climate-hot.pdf
[2] Climate Change in Region XI (2018). Retrieved on November 25,
2018 from
http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/operations/projec
ts/environment_and_energy/TwinPhoenix.html
[3] Aceres, et al, 2015: Region XI Climate Resilient Agri-Fisheries (CRA)
Assessment,Targeting & Prioritization for the Adaptation and
Mitigation Initiative (AMIA) Phase 2.
[4] 2010-2022 National Framework Strategy on Climate Change
[5] 2011-2028 National Climate Change Action Plan
[6] Adaptation of Climate Change Framework for Health (DC No. 2010-
0187)

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