06 November 2024 – In a collaborative effort, the Manila Observatory, in partnership with Benguet State University (BSU) and with support from Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia, launched a policy brief on Loss and Damage (L&D) at a public forum held at the BSU-IRO Hall in La Trinidad, Benguet. The event brought together stakeholders from the indigenous farming community, local climate change experts, and policy advocates to discuss critical responses to climate-related losses faced by indigenous farmers.
The forum began with a recorded message from Antonio G.M. La Viña, Associate Director of the Klima Center of Manila Observatory. This was followed by an insightful online presentation from Atty. Vicente Paolo Yu, who is currently attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he serves as the lead negotiator for G77+ China on Loss and Damage (L&D). Atty. Yu shared the historical context and potential future directions for L&D negotiations on the international stage.
Furthermore, Dr. Ma. Laurice Jamero and Atty. Jameela Joy Reyes presented local insights and firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by indigenous farmers in Atok, Benguet. Their presentations provided essential policy recommendations for incorporating indigenous responses into climate change adaptation and resilience strategies.
A round table discussion followed, where participants exchanged ideas on improving L&D funding access and amplifying local voices in climate policy. The event concluded with a call to action by Betty C. Listino from Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative, and closing remarks from Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, BSU Vice President for Research and Extension, reinforcing BSU’s commitment to sustainable and resilient farming practices in the Cordillera.
Participants left with new insights and strategies to support indigenous farming communities, reaffirming BSU’s role in advancing sustainability and leadership in the Cordillera region.
