LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — As the problem of climate change worsens, agriculturists and experts are working very hard to keep up with the challenges that this phenomenon may pose to food supply.

University of the Philippines–Los Baños Soil Conservation Technology and Weed Management research team head Dr. Gil Magsino said that several agriculturists and scientists are developing new breed of seeds that can withstand climate change.

Magsino said they have developed in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute, and the International Rice Research Institute, palay or rice seeds that could survive in any condition or weather.

The development of crops that could withstand the serious negative effects of climate change is in compliance with the directive of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to all concerned government agencies to include in their programs and projects climate change adoptability and disaster risk management in order to be ready with the future effects of climate change.

The RDC-CAR is spearheading efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change to the region’s food security through the conduct of researches for the development of appropriate measures to negate the effects of climate change as well as capacitate government agencies and local governments to be ready with climate change adoptability and disaster risk management.

The Cordillera has been identified as one of the most vulnerable places where the effects of climate change could take its toll, thus, the RDC-CAR wants every sector to be on alert, especially during the occurrence of disasters to prevent the loss of lives and damage to properties in the future.

These rice seeds could survive with less water during dry season and could survive even after being flooded, he explained.

The rice varieties we have are very much water sensitive, Magsino said, as he disclosed that they have developed rice seeds that are less water dependent in preparation of the threat of El Niño and extreme heat.

Magsino also disclosed that they are developing highland vegetable seeds that can survive and keep up with climate change.

He noted that highland vegetables being grown here in Benguet and the Mountain Province are very much sensitive to temperature.

Magsino added that contributors to climate change are highly urbanized cities with more carbon dioxide emission. He advised fast-tracking of reforestation to help combat the situation.