The second AMIA Village in Siquijor established through the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Program of the Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA7) was launched yesterday, March 11, 2025, at Sitio Bosong-Bosong, Timbaon, San Juan, Siquijor.

AMIA has identified San Juan as a climate-vulnerable municipality, with the Timbaon Farmers Scientist Association (TIFSA) as their identified association (AMIA Village). Being an AMIA village, they will be equipped with resources and training to strengthen their resilience against climate change.

During the launching, Antonio Tangayan, Jr., the assistant regional AMIA focal, presented the importance of the AMIA Villages which will serve as model areas, where farmers can access innovative technologies and climate-resilient farming practices.

These initiatives aim to empower local farmers, ensuring sustainable agriculture and enhanced productivity amidst the growing challenges of climate change.

Reggie Bon Ontoy, the president of the TIFSA, extended his gratitude to DA for identifying their association as the second AMIA Village beneficiary for the province.

“Toud, niabot gyud namo ni. Sa akong mga kauban sa kapunungan, akong panghinaut ninyo nga ato kining ampingan, di nato ni pasagdan kay daghan ang gasuporta nato ini,” Mr. Ontoy said.

(Finally, it’s here. To our fellow members, we will try our best to properly take good care of this initiative,l and make the most of the support extended to them.)

The Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of San Juan, along with representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Veterinary Office, and the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) of Siquijor, pledged their full support in ensuring the success of the AMIA Program in the municipality.