DA, DENR forge path for biodiversity-friendly farming in Western Visayas

The Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas (DA-WV) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are strengthening their efforts to integrate biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices (BDFAPs) in protected areas across the region. Members of the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) gathered in Iloilo City on November 26-27, 2024, for a two-day orientation workshop aimed at aligning agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation.

The activity, attended by around 50 participants from various provinces, highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices that preserve ecosystems while enhancing food production. BDFAPs focus on the careful use of natural resources and the conservation of genetic diversity vital for agriculture and fisheries.

DA-WV Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Maria Teresa Solis delivered a message on behalf of DA-WV Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia. She emphasized the crucial balance between addressing the country’s food demand and ensuring environmental sustainability. 

“We cannot completely avoid the use of inorganic fertilizers given the high demand for food, but we are actively encouraging our farmers to practice organic agriculture,” Solis stated. She also highlighted that not all DA programs harm the environment, with many initiatives aligning with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.  

Solis also stressed the promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and DA’s collaboration with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS). She called for a unified effort to achieve environmental protection while improving agricultural productivity, noting that safeguarding the environment ultimately protects people and supports broader rural development.

“Hopefully, through this activity, we will gain a clearer understanding of the objectives and strategies needed to protect our environment. Our ultimate goal is to safeguard people by preserving the environment. By doing so, we can ensure not only higher agricultural production but also progress in other sectors of rural development,” emphasized the AMAD Chief.

Joy Alvarez of the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau’s Caves, Wetlands, and Other Ecosystems Division (BMB-CAWED) stressed the adoption of BDFAPs to combat biodiversity threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and resource overexploitation. Alvarez highlighted that these practices are critical to ensuring the sustainability of agriculture while maintaining ecological balance.

Key provisions of the DA-DENR Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2021-01, which guides the promotion of BDFAPs, were presented by DENR Information Officer Raquel Cabanada. 

In addition, Atty. Rolin Asuncion, Chief of DA-WV’s Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation Division, discussed the RTWG’s mandate under Joint Special Order No. 2023-01, emphasizing its role in implementing BDFAPs in protected areas and agricultural landscapes.

The synthesis session underscored the crucial connection balance between agriculture and biodiversity conservation. While agriculture contributes to economic growth, its long-term impacts on biodiversity necessitate the adoption of sustainable practices like BDFAPs.

BDFAPs, such as diversified farming systems, organic farming, agroforestry, and watershed management, were highlighted as solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. These practices align with international commitments and national plans for sustainable development. 

The workshop concluded with agreements on the next steps, including the creation of a BDFAP framework tailored to Western Visayas.

Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) VI Chair Buen Mondejar, Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) Chief Lorie Deasis, Regulatory and Field Operations Division representatives and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officers (APCOs) from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo represented the DA-WV team. Their comprehensive participation underscored the commitment to ensuring that biodiversity conservation is integrated into the region’s agricultural development plans. (Text & Photos by: MSSubang/DA-RAFIS 6)