THE recently launched Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) represents a significant leap forward in harnessing technology to empower farmers, researchers and policymakers alike, according to the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2).
Headed by Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan, the DA-RFO2 said ACAP also informs farmers on appropriate climate-resilient measures for specific climate risks in their respective locality.
Giving an overview, Jonazon Jeff Factora, climate information services focal person, said ACAP serves as a comprehensive digital platform that provides timely, location-specific advice to farmers based on dynamic weather and climatic conditions, crop cycles and other relevant parameters.
The Climate Change-Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture Program staff in the DA- Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) spearhead the ACAP survey of the AMIA villages in Cagayan and Isabela. PHOTO COURTESY OF DA REGION 2
Factora said ACAP leverages meteorological data based on the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s daily weather forecast, where it also generates actionable insights and crop recommendations.
“This information is invaluable for farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding crop planning, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease management, and optimal resource utilization,” Factora said.
Kay Olivas, DA-RFO2 regional technical director for research and regulations, also introduced the major component of Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA): the establishment of villages adopting climate-resilient agriculture technologies and practices which help in increasing the adaptive capacity of the villagers.
“These AMIA villages were identified through the use of Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment or CRVA maps,” she said.
Karl Arian Fernandez, an ACAP staff member, noted that farmers traditionally relied on age-old practices and localized knowledge, and were often vulnerable to weather and climate change uncertainties.
He noted that the advisory portal has enabled farmers to access real-time updates and personalized recommendations tailored to their specific geographical location and farming practices.
Equitable digital access
“This not only enhances productivity but also reduces risks associated with crop failure, thereby promoting food security and economic stability in agricultural communities,” Fernandez said.
Ferdinand Arquero, DA-RFO2 assistant livestock program focal person, expressed his positive feedback on the ACAP launching. He said ACAP serves as a valuable resource for the different banner programs in the region, facilitating evidence-based decision-making.
“By aggregating and analyzing data on a regional scale, the portal assesses risks and implements targeted interventions to optimize agricultural production and sustainability,” Arquero said.
Bryan Jaquine Rasalan, information and communications technology service chief, said ACAP underscores the importance of bridging the digital divide in agriculture, ensuring that smallholder farmers and rural communities have equitable access to technology and information resources.
Rasalan noted that the portal empowers farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and improve their resilience to climate change by promoting digital literacy and capacity-building initiatives.
“As a way forward, the different AMIA villages in the region will be oriented regarding the ACAP, and we will work closely and internally with the help of the different banner programs and local government units (LGUs) to improve the recommendations and other information in the system,” he said.
The DA-RFO2 mentioned the forthcoming introduction of ACAP v.2, which represents a transformative milestone in agriculture and marks a shift toward data-driven decision-making, sustainable practices and inclusive development.
The launching of ACAP was through the Climate Change-AMIA Program of the DA-RFO2 with the active participation of Olivas, banner program focal persons; Disaster Risk Reduction Management; and representatives from provincial and municipal LGUs across the region.
Leander C. Domingo
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