Empowering Farmers with Data, Tools, and Sustainable Practices

San Clemente, Tarlac | April 30, 2025 — Good Neighbors Philippines gathered farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and key stakeholders for the Climate-Resilient Agriculture Forum in San Clemente, one of our special project areas. Themed “From Forecast to Field: Building Climate-Ready Farms in San Clemente”, the forum emphasized the importance of equipping farmers with data, tools, and sustainable practices to respond effectively to climate change.

The event builds on our ongoing support in San Clemente through Phases 1 and 2 of our project, which introduced climate-smart farming techniques through Farmers’ Field School (FFS). 

The forum aimed to strengthen farmers’ understanding of how climate change impacts agriculture and their livelihoods, while also giving them access to data and technologies that promote long-term resilience.“Itinuring na ni GN na kapitbahay ang San Clemente, patuloy ang kanilang pagtulong na harapin ang ating mga pagsubok sa agrikultura,” said Hon. Elma Macadamia, Municipal Mayor of San Clemente, emphasizing unity and shared purpose in building climate-ready communities.

Among the key stakeholders present were Hon. Elma Macadamia, Municipal Mayor; Ms. Delia A. Felix, Municipal Agriculturist; and Mr. Julius Batenga, Regional Manager of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Region 3.

Mr. Rey Macadamia, Chairman of the San Clemente Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SCFAC) also shared a heartfelt message. He spoke about how Good Neighbors’ interventions have increased crop yields, improved food security, and supported the livelihood of local farmers.

In a key session, PAGASA representatives presented climate data and forecasts, using historical and current  information on weather parameters like temperature, rainfall, etc. and extreme weather events to help farmers understand the local impacts of the changing weather and climate.

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture RFO 3, PCIC RO3, and the LGU also introduced programs supporting farmers before, during, and after climate-related events—strengthening the bridge between grassroots communities and policy support.

A highlight of the event was the demonstration of the WeatherLink System by Mr. Raphael Roy Rosete, Local DRRM Assistant. The system is connected to the Automated Weather Station (AWS) installed by Good Neighbors. It provides real-time data that helps protect crops and livelihoods through early warnings on rainfall, wind, humidity, air pressure, and temperature.

To close the forum, Ms. Deserie Cunanan, Sustainable Agriculture Assistant Manager, led a session where farmers created their own climate-informed cropping calendars by integrating the learnings from the forum.

“Ang pagsasaka ay isang digmaan laban sa pagbabago ng klima. Ang susi sa laban na ito ay impormasyon,” said Ralph Vallesteros, Income Generation Manager at Good Neighbors Philippines.

This forum is a powerful reminder that climate action starts in our communities—with informed farmers, committed partners, and shared responsibility. Our goal is not just to equip farmers to produce, but to empower them as champions of climate resilience.

By sharing knowledge, supporting local agriculture, and advocating for sustainable solutions, we can plant the seeds of resilience and harvest a future full of hope.