Sub-National Competence Center for Climate Information and Services in Agriculture and Fisheries launched in Isabela State Mariano Marcos State University

Representatives from local government units (LGUs) and experts on agriculture and fisheries joined the GIZ Project "South-South Collaboration on Climate Information Services (SSCIS)" on January 10 to witness and celebrate the launch of the Sub-National Competence Center (SNCC) for Climate Information and Services (CIS) in Agriculture and Fisheries at the Isabela State University (ISU) in Echague, Isabela.

The ISU-SNCC is part of the network of centers aiming to provide science-based knowledge products on climate change impacts to communities and assist LGUs and key stakeholders in planning for the variabilities brought by extreme weather events exacerbated by a changing climate.

ISU-SNCC stems from the academic collaboration between the ISU and the University of the Philippines Los Baños Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management (UPLB-INREM). The SNCC focuses on gathering data and developing information explaining the intersection between climate change and agri - and aquaculture production which are key economic industries of Region 2.

Another SNCC in Health has been established at the Mariano Marcus State University (MMSU) in Laoag, Ilocos Norte through the cooperation with the University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health (UPM NIH). The SNCCs complete the tripartite capacity development objective of the SSCIS Project by catering to LGUs while partnering with National Government Agencies and State Universities and Colleges, through the Center of Excellence for CIS (SSCE) hosted by the PAGASA in Quezon City.

ISU President, Dr. Ricmar Aquino, welcomed the guests through a speech which underlined the role the center is expected to play in building a resilient future. GIZ Climate Action Cluster Coordinator and SSCIS Principal Adviser, Dr. Nicole Kranz expressed her gratitude for the support that the project received and highlighted the importance of proactively dealing with climate change. CCC Secretary Robert Borje gave the keynote speech through recorded message while CCC Assistant Secretary Atty. Romell Antonio Cuenca presented how local communities may access People’s Survival Fund. Dean Marlo Mendoza delivered the message of UP Los Banos Chancellor Jose V. Camacho. Representatives of People’s Organizations provided messages of support and commitment to use CIS sanctioned by the SNCCs.

The SNCC will be a valuable resource for short- and long-term planning for agri-and aquaculture industries that contribute to food and economic security in the Philippines, the ASEAN and countries affected by climate change.