The Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE) will be hosting the 2017 National RAC (Regional Advisory Committees) Partners Meeting, which begins today, November 14, and is set to run until Friday, November 17, at the Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City.

The meeting will discuss issues including climate change, food security, and water security and sustainability.

The keynote address is expected to be given by Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action Executive Secretary, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, during the event’s opening ceremony.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. will also be hosting Governor’s Night, or Gala Night, on Wednesday.

According to a press release, “Institutional and individual FPE partners will be recognized for their contribution to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.”

In addition, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau director, Dr. Mundita Lim, will discuss the Philippine Biodiversity and the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan earlier in the day.

There will also be a discussion on climate change during one of Wednesday’s breakout sessions, looking at changes to small island communities. The session will be led by Institute of Social Order executive director, Dr. Liza Lim, and will include participation by representatives from the Islands Sustainable Development Alliance (ISDA), based in Gigantes Islands, part of Carles, Iloilo.

Thursday’s schedule also provides options for learning tours, including the Mambukal Nature Resort in Murcia and The Ruins of Talisay City; culture and heritage sites, including Balay ni Lola Dicang in Talisay City and Balay Negrense in Silay City; and a “Learn and Earn” session at Peñalosa Farms in Victorias City./PLL, WDJ