DA vows support for farmers, fishers vs. climate impacts

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday assured that the administration is working to protect farmers and fishers from the impact of climate change.

In a speech during the celebration of the National Farmers and Fishers Month, DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban vowed continued support of the administration to the agriculture sector.

“This year, President Ferdi- nand Marcos Jr. has ordered the single greatest annual investment in climate change for the farm and fishery sector, with more than PHP25 billion for research, new technologies, training, and infrastructure to allow the sector to adapt to climate-related impacts,” he said.

“The Marcos administration will continue to push for stronger support for the sector, given the budget that we are asking for. Because expanding investments along the food value chains will create jobs, especially for the marginalized sectors of our society,” he added.

Domingo said the farmers and fishers, who serve as the food security goal front-liners, are worthy of recognition for their “selfless hard work.”

In support of the country’s agri-frontliners, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the administration has included another four major programs.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has welcomed the signing of the renewal agreement for the Malampaya Service Contract No. 38 (SC 38) as this will support the country’s goal of achieving energy security and will bring in additional investments in indigenous power sources.

In a statement, the DOE said the extension of the Malampaya contract for another 15 years will allow further exploration and production of natural gas from the facility.

This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved on Monday the extension of SC 38 until Feb. 22, 2039.

“Aside from continuing the production operations, the SC 38 Consortium is required to conduct a minimum work program consisting of geological and geophysical studies and the drilling of at least two deep water wells during the SubPhase 1 from 2024 to 2029,” DOE said.

It said the work program aims to unlock potential gas supply both in the existing gas field and nearby prospect areas to increase Malampaya’s production.

“The discovery of additional reserves in the Malampaya gas field will boost the country’s quest for energy security. It is also expected to encourage opportunities for further exploration in the country, which to date remains underexplored, and to add to the Philippines energy portfolio,” it added.

In his speech during the ceremonial signing of the renewal agreement at the Malacanang Palace, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said his office will facilitate the efficient and sustainable exploration of the country’s indigenous energy sources, including the Malampaya gas-to-power project.

“Under the President’s direction and working with Congress in pursuit of the country’s energy security agenda, the Department of Energy acknowledges its responsibility in helping ensure the efficient and sustainable exploration, development, and utilization of our indigenous energy including Malampaya,” Lotilla said.

The DOE chief said the agency has “meticulously evaluated” the capability of SC 38 Consortium in operating and exploring the Malampaya gas project.