In support of data-driven climate actions, the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center on Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (INREM) participated in the High-Level Coordination Meeting of the South-South Collaboration on Climate Information Services (SSCIS) project, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, on 24 March.

SSCIS is implemented by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and University of the Philippines (UP) in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the CCC, other stakeholders in the Philippines, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) in using climate information services to contribute to improved decision-making in planning and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. The SSCIS Project revolves on four outputs: 1) Usable Climate Information, 2) Tripartite Capacity Enhancement, 3) Science and Evidence-Based Knowledge Products, and 4) CVF South-South Centre of Excellence.

UPLB-INREM is the co-convenor, together with the UP National Institute of Health (NIH), in implementing Project Output 2, which aims to enhance the capacities of selected national and regional agencies, state universities and colleges, research institutions, and other key players as providers and users of climate information services.

A symbolic submission of the Tripartite Capacity Enhancement proposal from UPLB-INREM and other implementing agencies highlighted the meeting, together with the presentation of the SSCIS Project Steering Committee, and the launching of a social media campaign. The High-Level Coordination Meeting was attended by Hon. Secretary Robert E.A. Borje and Asst. Secretary Romell Antonio Cuenca (CCC), Dr. Bjoern Surborg and Mr. Jimmy Loro (GIZ), Dir. Alicia Ilaga (Department of Agriculture – Climate Resilient Agriculture Office), Ms. Rosalina De Guzman (PAGASA), Engr. Luis Cruz (Department of Health), Dr. Maria Estrelita Uy (UP-NIH), and Dr. Juan M. Pulhin (UPLB-INREM). (by Maricel T. Villamayor and Aileen S. Peria)