Tokyo-based climate technology firm Creattura Co., Ltd. presented a proposal to the Provincial Government of Isabela to explore a long-term partnership that would promote climate-resilient rice farming through water-saving technologies, greenhouse gas reduction, and carbon credit generation under the Japan–Philippines Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
During the presentation, Creattura introduced its Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology and digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) platform, which are designed to improve irrigation efficiency while supporting sustainable rice production.
Under the AWD system, rice fields are allowed to dry intermittently instead of remaining continuously flooded, reducing methane emissions by up to 30 percent and irrigation water use by approximately 25 to 30 percent.
The technology also lowers irrigation costs and enables the generation of carbon credits through verified greenhouse gas reductions.
The technology also lowers irrigation costs and enables the generation of carbon credits through verified greenhouse gas reductions.
Following the presentation, Governor Rodito Albano directed Provincial Agriculturist Sergio Galamgam to coordinate with municipal agriculturists under NIA–MARIIS Division III, covering the municipalities of San Manuel, Aurora, Burgos, Roxas, Mallig, and Quezon, to benchmark existing AWD pilot projects in Pangasinan and Calamaniogan, Cagayan.
The benchmarking initiative aims to assess the technology’s suitability for Isabela’s irrigation systems and identify potential pilot sites in the province.
Albano emphasized that the province is committed to evaluating innovative technologies that strengthen agricultural productivity while helping farmers adapt to the growing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.
“Our Pangasinan project currently engages around 16,000 farmers, with expansion expected to increase participation to 27,000.”
Creattura reported that its Pangasinan project currently engages around 16,000 farmers, with expansion expected to increase participation to 27,000.
In Cagayan, 370 farmers joined the pilot project during the last cropping season, with the program projected to expand to approximately 30,000 farmers.
Should the initiative move forward in Isabela, the company estimates that around 16,000 farmers within the MARIIS Division III service area could eventually participate.
Beyond AWD implementation, the company also presented concepts aimed at improving farmers’ economic resilience, including pre-season financing that would enable farmers to obtain production inputs at lower financing costs and repay after harvest.
It also shared plans to explore renewable energy applications for irrigation systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce water losses.
The proposed collaboration is envisioned as a 10-year initiative, subject to agreements with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), irrigators’ associations, and other stakeholders.
If realized, the partnership could support the province’s efforts to promote sustainable rice production, improve water resource management, and enhance the long-term climate resilience of Isabela’s farming communities.
