“Tungod sa Abaca, Nakasakay Ko ug Airplane”: Climate Resilience Summit Highlights Livelihoods and Food Security in Kidapawan
By: Eric Vinz S. Soledad
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — “Tungod sa abaca, nakasakay ko ug airplane” (“Because of abaca, I was able to ride an airplane”).
This statement, shared during the Climate Resilience Summit held at the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) Br. Norman Roy Gymnasium on October 17, 2026, highlighted how sustainable livelihoods can create opportunities for local farming families and help turn long-held aspirations into reality.
Organized by World Vision in partnership with NDKC Community Extension Services, the summit carried the theme, “Protecting Watersheds, Securing Food Systems, Building Climate-Resilient Communities.” It brought together farmers, young people, Indigenous leaders, and government representatives to discuss collaborative approaches to environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
Advancing a Shared Vision for Sustainability
The summit opened with a message from NDKC Vice President for Administration Dr. Klemm Ryan Z. Bernabe, followed by a keynote address from former Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” F. Piñol.
The Kidapawan City Agriculture Office then presented key local agricultural services, while Joseph Bernard A. Pafin, Fiber Development Officer and Provincial Officer of PhilFIDA Cotabato, facilitated a plenary session.
Participants also viewed Hibla ng Pag-asa (Strands of Hope), a video presentation highlighting the impact of the Abaca Project on farming families and illustrating how agricultural initiatives can support livelihood development.
Exploring Pathways to Climate Resilience
The afternoon sessions featured three thematic tracks that explored practical approaches to addressing climate-related challenges and strengthening community resilience.
Track 1: Watersheds, Ecosystems, and Disaster Resilience
This track focused on watershed protection, ecosystem conservation, and disaster preparedness. Moderated by Julien Mare Frence Rapas, the panel featured Annielyn D. Dulay, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) Head; John Aries G. Tabora, Associate Officer of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM); and Psalmer S. Bernalte of the Kidapawan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).
Track 2: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Green Economy
This session explored the relationship between environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and green economic opportunities. Moderated by Samuel E. Ocon Jr., the discussion featured agriculture advocate Rolando Mauricio, owner of SoBee It; Samsia Z. Bansalan of the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Go Negosyo; and George Stephen Keith Lazaga of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), who shared perspectives on green career opportunities.
Track 3: Children, Youth, and Indigenous Knowledge
This track highlighted the role of young people and Indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship and community development. Moderated by Jett Padawan, the session featured Dr. Ivy B. Yecyec, Director of NDKC Community Extension Services, and Dennis S. Caaya, a young farmer and owner of Herb Yard & Farm.
Art, Unity, and a Commitment to Climate Action
The summit also featured a collaborative painting activity facilitated by the City Culture and Arts Office. Through this activity, participants expressed their shared commitment to environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and collective climate action.
A key highlight was the adoption of the Climate Action Declaration, led by Hiasma Gani, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Adviser. The program also included an awarding ceremony recognizing partner farmers’ associations and PhilFIDA for their participation and partnership.
The summit concluded with closing remarks from Rubylyn D. Gonzaga, World Vision Program Manager, followed by a unity prayer led by Denver Dave Mauricio.
The Climate Resilience Summit underscored the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, development organizations, government agencies, farmers, young people, and Indigenous communities in addressing climate challenges. By promoting watershed protection, sustainable livelihoods, food security, and the integration of local knowledge, the initiative reinforced the shared responsibility of building climate-resilient communities for present and future generations.
Through its partnership with World Vision, NDKC Community Extension Services continues to contribute to community-centered initiatives that connect environmental sustainability with inclusive and sustainable development.
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