CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM

                         A forum on “Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in Davao City, Philippines was held last February 28, 2014 at the University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines. It was attended by various 125 participants or key stakeholders of the Talomo-Lipadas Watersheds, Davao City namely; City Planning and Development Officer, Engr. Mario Luis Jacinto, Department of Environment and Natural Resources representatives, Department of Public Works and Highways, academe institutions like Immaculate Concepcion University, Philippine Women’s University, University of the Philippines-Mindanao, Science teachers of main and branches of the University of Mindanao, students of natural sciences programs, among others.

               The speakers were Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, professor, dean, and scientist III from the University of the Philippines, Los Banos and Nympha E Branzuela who presented the initial result of her research study Climate Change and its Impact to Davao City Watershed. Dr. Pulhin talked on the basics of climate change and its various impact and responses to economics, health, water, sustainability, and security as viewed from global, regional, national and down to the local level. The forum was highlighted with the relevant questions from the audience.

Nympha E. Branzuela presented a topic on Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources

Dr. Juan M. Pulhin presented a topic on Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Responses

Part of the forum was the question and answer portion where audience from government, non-government.  Professors from various Universities in Davao Region, students, among others were given a chance to ask questions.  Roughly, there were 6 questions being asked. Media people also approached the speakers and ask a copy and ask for highlights in the forum that Climate change impacts would likely influences Davao City especially in the water sector.

The afternoon session was followed by a focus group discussion primarily from the group of concessionaires  (residential and commercial connectors), group watershed managers namely Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office and Department of Public Works and Highways. Surprisingly, inputs from concessionaires in terms of adaptation strategies in the potential water shortage were all brilliant.

The forum culminated with get-together in the evening with my officemates of the department (Department of Forestry and Environmental Studies (DFES), College of Arts and Sciences Education, CASE) with my Adviser, Dr. Juan M. Pulhin and Project Coordiantor of University of Nairobi-IDRC Research Grant Project and Anuradha Khoda.

Open Forum

FGD was grouped according to key stakeholders  namely;  domestic water users (residential, commercial, government offices, watershed managers, and policy makers.

Celebration of the success of Climate Change   Forum

Prepared by:

Nympha Ellarina-Branzuela

UPLB, Los Banos, Philippines