CATARMAN, Northern Samar - Northern Samar, a province in Eastern Visayas highly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards and prolonged armed conflict, declared a state of calamity in November 2023 after extensive flooding caused by a shear line and monsoon rains. The disaster impacted over half a million residents, damaging homes, agriculture, and infrastructure across 24 municipalities.
In response to the significant agricultural damage, the Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to support the early recovery of affected farmers and fisherfolks. The project, entitled “Emergency response and support to early recovery of livelihoods of flood-affected farmers and fisherfolks in Northern Samar, Philippines” aims to provide immediate cash-based assistance, enhance climate-resilient practices, and strengthen the capacity of local government units.
To formally introduce this initiative, a Joint Project Inception Meeting was held on August 14, 2024, at the Ibabao Hall, Capitol Building in Catarman, Northern Samar, where key stakeholders convened to present the project overview and secure commitments from partners. ATI-RTC 8 Center Director Hazel Grace Taganas represented ATI Director Engr. Remelyn Recoter during the gathering. Representatives from the different MLGUs in Northern Samar, government agencies such as the DA-RFO 8, Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and BFAR were also in attendance.
During the meeting, discussions included an overview of the LPA-Shearline impact on Northern Samar, followed by a presentation on the Agriculture-Fisheries Damage. These were discussed by representatives from the Provincial DRRMO and DA Central Office. Mr. Erwin Cachuela, Project Team Leader at FAO, then provided a detailed project overview, covering outcomes, activities, and accountability mechanisms, and later led a workplan review. The activity also allocated time for joint action planning, allowing partners to address specific issues and finalize deliverables.
For ATI, it was agreed that the Institute will collaborate closely with the FAO Project Team to develop a comprehensive training design and module focused on climate-resilient agriculture. Additionally, ATI requested access to the results of the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) to ensure that the training content is tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the communities affected by recent climate-related disasters. This collaborative effort is seen as a critical step in building the resilience of agricultural livelihoods in Northern Samar.
