“BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SEASONAL CLIMATE FORECAST AND DECISION MAKERS IN AGRICULTURE” “BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SEASONAL CLIMATE FORECAST AND DECISION MAKERS IN AGRICULTURE” PROJECT LAUNCH Dusit Hotel, July 27, 2005 ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE PROJECT IN THE PHILIPPINES GRACIANO P. YUMUL, JR. Officer-in-Charge, PAGASA

During El Niño Episode During La Niña Episode  extended dry season early end of rainy season weak monsoon activity less number of tropical cyclones above normal sea level pressure above normal air temperatures drier weather conditions  drier weather conditions short dry season early onset of rainy season increased cloudiness strong monsoon activity more number of tropical cyclones below normal sea level pressure wetter weather conditions  wetter weather conditions Initial results of diagnostic and statistical studies on general influences of ENSO on Philippine climate

Objectives: 1.To improve the capacity of PAGASA to develop and deliver SCF for the case study regions in the Philippines 2.To distil key practical and methodological features of economic and psychological approaches to valuing SCF 3.To estimate the potential economic value of farm- level and policy, or industry-level, case studies in the Philippines 4.To identify those factors leading to a gap between actual and potential values of SCF 5.To develop and implement strategies to better match forecasts with decision maker’s needs

ISABELA LEYTE BUKIDNON Case Study Sites in the Philippines

Project Outputs: 1.Communication and dissemination strategies 2.Enhanced research capacity 3.Economic benefit 4.Social benefit 5.Environmental benefit