With extreme weather events like typhoons, droughts, and floods becoming more frequent and severe, the Philippines stands as one of the world's most vulnerable countries when it comes to climate change.Heavily impacted by the shifting climateare over 17 million Indigenous Peoples who have experienced its aftermath.Despite these challenges, their deep connection to the land and their traditional agricultural practices equips them with unique and effective adaptation strategies. This is why it is crucial to support their agricultural systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce their vulnerability to its effects. 

The Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project, a collaborative effort by the Department of Agriculture (DA), thePhilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aims to increase the resilience of rural communities including Indigenous Peoples and theircultural communities. This initiative seeks to transform the agricultural system toward climate resilience, ensuring that those who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods can thrive despite the changing climate. 

Recognizing the indispensable role of Indigenous Peoples in climate action, the APA Project aims to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices with modernclimate information systems and Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA). By providing accurate and timely climate information, developing supportive policies, and facilitating access to technology and finance, the APA Project is set to equip Indigenous Peoples with the tools and resources needed for a more sustainable farming system. 

The APA Project would gain from the sustained, meaningful, and inclusive participation of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities by integrating their knowledge and perspectives in shaping climate adaptation strategies. This collaboration ensures that the wisdom of the past meets the innovations of the present to create robust solutions for the future. 

On July 29, 2024, the DA and FAO discussed with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) how best to implement the APA Project to effectively benefit Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities. As a result, the DA and NCIP will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to identify context-appropriate approaches and interventions to implement in this project. 
 
In time for the celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let us recognize and support initiativesthat will ensure the physical and cultural survival of their communities while advocating for them to fully exercise their collective rights over their land and resources.By placing Indigenous Peoples at the heart of its strategy, the APA Project not only honors their invaluable contributions but also leverages their knowledge to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape for generations to come.