#WeAreWatching: Philippine Farmers Call to Action Against Climate Change

To help lessen the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers, Roy Ribo of KAMMPIL Philippines shared three major priorities of the Farmers Organizations’ action plan at the local, national, and global levels.

1. Farmers’ Empowerment and Climate Resiliency Trust Fund
He proposed creating a trust fund that would support programs to strengthen farmers’ resilience. Only the interest from the fund would be used, making it sustainable. This fund aims to help not just Filipino farmers but also family farming groups around the world, who are experiencing the harsh effects of climate change firsthand.

2. Farmer Impact Investment Fund
Ribo also pushed for an investment fund for “farmpreneurs”—farmers, fisherfolk, and cooperatives using technology and new ideas to build climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural businesses.

3. UN Partnership with the Global Farmers Forum
He encouraged the United Nations to establish a stronger and more permanent partnership with family farming organizations. Ribo also highlighted the We Are Watching campaign, a massive artwork made up of thousands of portraits from 190 countries. Displayed during major climate events, it serves as a reminder to leaders that people around the world are watching their decisions on the climate crisis. The campaign is supported by AFA, APFP, and the Forest and Farm Facility.