Climate resilience must take root in farms and communities — not just in infrastructure — according to the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture during a climate engagement held Feb. 20, 2026, at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Command Center.
The center underscored the need for food systems transformation as a cornerstone of strengthening community resilience against climate change impacts.
Dr. Mercy Sombilla of SEARCA said climate action should go beyond mitigation strategies and directly support agricultural communities, which are among the most vulnerable to climate risks. She emphasized that climate-smart and regenerative agriculture offer practical pathways to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while sustaining productivity.
"Climate resilience is not built by infrastructure alone — it is rooted in the land, in farms, and in the hands of communities who depend on them," Sombilla said.
SEARCA highlighted how regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices can advance both mitigation and adaptation efforts. By improving soil health, diversifying crops and promoting sustainable resource management, such approaches help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing farms' capacity to withstand climate shocks.
Central to the institution's strategy is leadership development through education. SEARCA's Joint Degree Master of Science in Food Security and Climate Change program equips professionals with skills to address complex agricultural and environmental challenges across Southeast Asia.
Innovation initiatives were also presented, including the Rice Straw Biogas Hub, a circular model that converts rice straw — often treated as farm waste — into biochar, compost and renewable energy feedstock. The initiative demonstrates how agricultural byproducts can be transformed into resources that cut emissions, restore soil health and contribute to clean energy production.
Beyond research, SEARCA continues to implement capacity-building programs that support farmers in organic agriculture, soil health management, soil restoration and water conservation. These on-the-ground efforts aim to strengthen ecosystem resilience while improving rural livelihoods.