PCAF Committee on CCENR recommends strengthening AWS, capacitating farmers and fishers to use agromet instruments - Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries

Posted on March 3, 2023

The Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources recommended the strengthening of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in all provinces and municipalities to help farmers determine the most suitable time for planting, and for fisherfolk to avoid extreme weather conditions in the sea.

This recommendation was made during the Committee’s first quarter meeting on February 28, 2023. DOST-PAGASA reported that six to nine tropical cyclones are expected to enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility from March to August 2023. This March, DOST-PAGASA forecasted above-normal (>120%) rainfall conditions in most parts of the country except for the western parts of Luzon which may experience below-normal (41-80%) rainfall conditions.

With the El Niño-Southern Oscillation continuing to affect the weather pattern, farmers expressed their concern about its potential implications to planting schedules. They then suggested the review and updating of planting calendars in line with the changes in the weather pattern.

RAFC members also inquired if DOST-PAGASA can provide regional weather outlook as well as specific data, such as total sun hours per cropping season, to account for the crops’ photosynthetic activities.

DOST-PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Rusy Abastillas responded that regional weather forecast data are available on their website while special observations can be requested from their office.

In addition, the Committee passed a policy resolution recommending to the DA-Agricultural Training Institute, in collaboration with the DA Regional Field Offices, the conduct of capacity-building activities on using agrometeorological instruments for farmers and fisherfolk. | JCL

Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries

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PCAF selects 4th batch of Women of the Week AwardeesJoane Carla Auditor of PMKMD, Andrea Louise Gutierrez of PDD, Jeslyn Micole Elisterio of PDCD, and Mary Ann Abasolo of AFMD are the recent recipients of PCAF’s “Women of the Week” Award.As Women’s Month draws to a close, this is the agency’s final week of giving distinction to inspiring female co-workers of each division of the agency who deserve recognition for their achievements/performance, extraordinary acts or services and other personal efforts or contributions they have made to co-workers. Auditor, the Chief of the Planning and Programming Section, is able to hone and manage her team through effective delegation and interpersonal skills. She is truly a good leader and follower, consistently dependable, and committed in all the tasks given to her. In difficult situations, Joane’s calmness is really admirable. As they say, “grace under pressure”. Regarded as the “unbothered queen” of PDD, Gutierrez's leadership skills are evident as she co-leads the Capacity Development Section and Volunteer Management Section. She is also the Asst. Treasurer of the PCAF Employees Association (PCAFEA). Ara is a multi-tasker, a silent achiever, an efficient employee, and an empowered woman.Starting at PDCD last February 1, 2023, Elisterio was able to step up and adjust in a short period of time. Not afraid to express herself, Micole is also sociable and polite in engaging with the private sectors and co-employees. The “Big Girl” of AFMD, Abasolo is known for being hardworking, dedicated, and a true professional. Her co-workers also love her for being kind, approachable, generous and someone who always sees the good in the people around her.The Women of the Week Award is part of a series of month-long activities lined up by the PCAF Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD FPS) for the 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration.Executive Director Nestor D. Domenden and Deputy Executive Director Julieta E. Opulencia handed the awardees a token of appreciation on March 30, 2023 at the GAD Corner of the agency. All the Women of the Week awardees for the month as well as members of the PCAF GAD Focal Point System were also gathered for a photo op.Visit www.pcaf.da.gov.ph for more stories. ... See MoreSee Less

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