Government institutions in Bukidnon do not have explicitly labeled programs on climate change.
There are existing programs, however, undertaken to capacitate people to adapt on the impacts of climate change. Programs applied are on organic farming, diversified integrated farming systems, and water saving technologies for agriculture. On lean seasons, farming communities have alternative income sources.
For lowland rice production, the Sustainable System of Irrigated Agriculture (SSIA) Technology is applied. It employs intermittent water application in rice farming; applies organic fertilizers and pesticides as agricultural inputs; and follows prescribed crop management procedures.
Through SSIA, early transplanting and straight row planting at one plant per hill is required to enable seedlings to grow better in lesser competition. Also, it specifies the cropping calendar and lowers the water application requirement.
The Department of Agriculture-Region 10, through a study, modified SSIA and showed that the technology performs better during dry season because of the organic matter’s carry-over effect for the next cropping in a lower production cost.
Contour farming and diversified integrated farming systems resulting in better yield, and reduction of bacterial wilt population and water runoff over monoculture proved to be suitable technologies for upland and hilly land farming. Runoffs are reduced in contour farming; thus, protecting the top soil against soil erosion. Top soil contains nutrients for plants and also serves as reservoir for soil water during dry periods.
Meanwhile, crop diversification augments the income of farmers as any crop, which grows well, can be tapped as another way to earn a living. An example for is the ipil-ipil tree which is used for firewood, charcoal as well as fruit trees, root crops, vegetables and other plants that are feed sources for livestock.
Another strategy is through organic farming where even marginal lands can be brought back to life as organic matter is essential for the sustainability of subsistence agriculture. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur are released in the decomposition stage, thus, supplying carbon and energy in the soil. Organic matter binds the soil mineral particles and improves the soil structure for moisture retention.
Through intervention of local government, agriculture input subsidies are given to farmers to increase agricultural production. In Valencia City, Bukidnon, an ordinance, which espouses sustainable agriculture through organic farming, was passed to provide assistance in farming communities. Through Valencia City Ordinance No. 2008-09, the city aims to stability of food supplies for its constituents.
