One of the biggest environmental problems facing our time is climate change.
In the municipality of Bokod and Tublay, forest fires are frequently reported due to the rising temperature that can be attributed to climate change, particularly during the dry/summer months due to the highly combustible dried pine needles.
On the other hand, heavy and prolonged rainfalls during the wet/rainy seasons cause more soil erosion.
A project called “S & T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards (SAFE) for Forest Fire in the Watersheds in Bokod and Tublay, Benguet Province using Maguey (Agave cantala) as Greenbelt”) was carried out by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau-Watershed and Water Resource Research Development and Extension Center (ERDB-WWRRDEC) to mitigate these scenarios.
The three-year undertaking is supported by the DOST-PCAARRD in order to increase the resiliency of pine forest watersheds from the adverse impacts of climate change such as the increased occurrences of forest fires, and soil erosion.
In order to encourage the use of maguey as a greenbelt against climate change-related hazards, the WWRRDEC conducted a capability building in Brgys. Poblacion and Pito, Bokod, Benguet on September 15-16, 2022, respectively.
Among the topics discussed include climate change impacts and adaptation, the Philippine DRRM system, and the environmental and economic benefits of establishing a greenbelt using maguey.
Resource speakers for the activity were Ms. Alma M. Cupido, LDRRM Officer of Bokod; Ms. Vinafobel O. Lomerez, Assistant LDRRM Officer of Bokod; Ms. Sharmaine L. Egalla, Information Officer II and designated Planning Officer of ERDB-WWRRDEC; and Forester Rhandy S. Tubal, project leader and R & D Unit Head of ERDB-WWRRDEC.
Thirty-seven participants (23 males; 14 females) from Brgy. Poblacion, and 30 participants (18 males; 12 females) from Brgy. Pito, Bokod, Benguet attended the activity. Enrily S. Bantas, WWRRDEC
Published:
October 11, 2022
580 Views
