DOST Secretary leads launching of Siargao climate field school for farmers, fisherfolk
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. led the blessing and ceremonial inauguration of the Siargao Climate Field School for Farmers and Fisherfolk–Future Philippine Journey (SCFSFF-FPJ) at the SNSU Del Carmen Campus, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte on October 8.
In partnership with the local government of Del Carmen and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), the multi-facility underscored a unified commitment to safeguard Siargao Island’s agricultural and maritime livelihoods against increasing climate volatility. By integrating climate literacy directly into community training, the initiative bridges high-level scientific research with everyday practices on the ground.
This milestone was attended by Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II, SNSU President Rowena A. Plando; SCFSFF-FPJ Executive Director Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operation Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Maria Teresa B. De Guzman, Climate Change Commission Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca; DOST Caraga Regional Director Noel M. Ajoc, together with first district Congressional Representative Francisco Matugas; and former Rep. Francisco Bingo Matugas.
International support for the climate resilience initiative was highlighted by the presence of key development partners, including Doctor Moeko Saito-Jensen and Tsvetomir Svilenov of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines (EU-PH Green Economy Partnership), as well as Amanthi Wickramasinghe, deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippine Country Office.
Pres. Plando emphasized that these facility developments mark a transformative era for SNSU Del Carmen. She highlighted that bringing localized scientific services, water quality monitoring, and food technology directly to the doorstep of local producers aligns seamlessly with:
- SNSU’s LINGAS Framework
(focusing on holistic community impact and academic leadership)
- Caraga Regional i²FAME
Strategy (driving innovation-driven agriculture, forestry, and
mining/fisheries)
- CHED’s ACHIEVE Agenda
(advancing higher education responsiveness and community transformation)
“These facilities are not merely structures; they are beacons of hope and practical capability. By combining scientific rigour with localized training, we bring real solutions closer to our farmers and fisherfolk—ensuring food security and economic stability for Siargao,” she said.
The event highlighted the recognition of the pioneering batch of graduates from the Climate Field School.
To showcase the direct human impact of the program, Roberto Galos, a pioneer graduate of SCFSFF-FPJ and a traditional fisherfolk student from Del Carmen, shared his reflections on how the training transformed his perspective on the sea:
“For decades, we relied only on our elders’ traditional observations and the old patterns of the wind. But the sea has changed drastically in recent years—typhoons are unpredictable, and traditional fishing grounds yield less,” Galos said. “Through the Climate Field School, we learned how to read scientific weather warnings, track sea surface temperatures, and understand fish breeding cycles influenced by climate change.”
More than just surviving storms, we learned how to protect our mangroves and handle post-harvest fish processing so nothing goes to waste. Science did not replace our traditional knowledge; it empowered us to adapt. Now, we go to sea safer, smarter, and with greater hope for our children’s future,” he added
To ensure seamless execution, a structured management transition plan has been established for the newly launched facilities such as the shared ecosystem facilities and integrated complex houses, with three core arms designed to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agricultural sectors.
Also included in the unveiling is the DOST’s iHub, a collaborative space for technology transfer, digital tools, and capacity-building; the water testing laboratory, which is essential for checking coastal water safety, aquaculture conditions, and community drinking water standards; and the Food Innovation Center (FIC), serving as a hub dedicated to post-harvest product standardization, shelf-life extension, and value-adding local produce.
Meanwhile, DOST also officially handed over ₱4.8 million in grant funding to SNSU for the project Advancing Food Products Prototypes to MSME-Ready Production Technologies through Pilot-Scale Production and Standardisation (FIC-SNSU SCALE-UP).
This funding will directly transition raw agricultural and fishery products developed at the Climate Field School and FIC into market-ready commercial goods, providing local farmers and fisherfolk with sustainable avenues for income generation. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from SNSU)
