PARACELIS, Mountain Province (PIA) — The provincial government of Mountain Province, in partnership with the Mountain Province State University(MPSU), led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Climate Field School at the MPSU-Bacarri Satellite Campus in Paracelis on September 23, 2024.
The Mountain Province Climate Field School (MPCFS) will serve as a facility for hands on learning among the farmers and fisher folks in Mountain Province, and students studying at the College of Agriculture for them to enhance their skills in the field of agriculture.
Funded by the People’s Survival Fund in the amount of P271.15 million, MPCFS will feature green building design, integrated laboratory, food processing center, fish hatchery facility, rainwater harvesting facility, mini-solar farm, deep well, rainwater harvesting facility, automated weather station, classrooms, and conference halls.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. emphasized the importance of collaborating to explore sustainable practices in agriculture and resource management, fostering resilience in our communities.
He highlighted this as an opportunity to cultivate a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.
“By equipping our residents, especially our farmers and fisherfolk with the tools necessary to understand and address climate challenges. We prompt each individual to contribute meaningfully to our collective future,” Lacwasan said.
Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., represented by Erlindo Agwilang, expressed gratitude to the provincial government and national and regional agencies for their efforts in establishing the field school, which aims to enhance agriculture, the region’s primary livelihood source.
“Rest assured that we are committed to continue our partnership with the University and the local government unit so that we can help deliver quality and efficient higher education to our constituents here in Paracelis and in Mountain Province. Together, let us continue to collaborate in favor of our children who will be the primary beneficiaries of this Climate Field School,” Dalog said.
Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli added that students are fortunate to benefit from projects designed to improve the quality of their education.
MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue said the MPCFS centers on the four key areas of agricultural fisheries, infrastructure development, natural ecosystems, and institutional capacity development.
It aims to establish a sustainable and adaptive agricultural framework that will strengthen the province’s resilience to climate change and disasters.
By promoting climate-smart practices, the project envisions long-term food security and improved livelihoods for farmers amidst the challenges of climate change.
Paracelis Mayor Marcos G. Ayangwa, represented by Municipal Civil Registrar Shasta Ann B. Vargas, commended the provincial government for securing the necessary funding and investing in the future of agriculture and natural ecosystems.
He also expressed gratitude to the MPSU, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) , the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Dept. of Agriculture, the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST), the Climate Change Commission, and other non-government organizations for their unwavering support in the realization of this project.
Also present to witness the event and express their messages of support are NEDA-Cordillera Regional Director Susan A. Sumbeling, DOST Provincial Director Angel L. Maguen, Marcos E. Bias representing DENR RD Paquito T. Moreno Jr. , and Adrian Chris P. Velasco representing Agricultural Training Institute -RTC Training Center Director Charlie C. Sagudan. (JDP/VJLT with reports from Paracelis LGU)
