In accordance with the implementation of the “Climate Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems,” aimed at promoting and scaling up rice farmers’ adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practice as a climate change adaptation mechanism with mitigation co-benefits through provision of technical support combined with financial incentive, the Ostrom Climate Solutions, in collaboration with NIA-UPRIIS and other partner-agencies in progress, initiated the conduct of the End-season Review and Planning for Wet Season 2024 at Farmers’ Training Center, UPRIIS Compound, Cabanatuan City. This activity is regularly conducted after every cropping season since its adoption on Dry Crop 2023 to discuss project updates and accomplishments, strategize, and create implementation plan for upcoming cropping season.
The said activity was attended by Ostrom Climate Solutions, Inc. International Land Use Division Director, Ms. Jane Boles, Water Management Consultant, Engr. Evangeline B. Sibayan, AWDFS Consultants, Engr. Artemio B. Vasallo and Ms. Anita V. Antonio, UPRIIS Department Manager, Engr. Gertrudes A. Viado, Institutional Development Section Chief, Ms. Gloria Loren R. Hipolito, UPRIIS Division V Acting Manager, Engr. Roberto Q. Matias, representatives from the Local Government Units of Peñaranda, Talavera and Cabanatuan City, and other concerned key staff and personnel.
Considering the huge impact of this technology intervention not only in uplifting the lives of the farmers and improving the current water management systems, but also in championing environmental conservation initiatives to mitigate climate change, the project is now being implemented in the 13 major Irrigators Associations (IAs) in UPRIIS Division V, and 8 IAs across other UPRIIS Division Offices thus, making significant strides in ensuring sufficient rice yield such that the Agency contributes about 20 percent of the country’s rice production.