MANILA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government needs to put more funds in climate change adaptation given that the country is now reeling from the impact of a warmer planet.

Climate change is now here as evidenced by the intense dry spell that struck in the second quarter and typhoons Ketsana and Parma that swept most areas in Luzon, northern Philippines. These disasters damaged property and lives, reduced food production and dented economic growth.

This is why, advocates said, vulnerable sectors such as farmers and fisherfolks should be given the resources to cope with climate change.

"Our country needs to consider (climate change) adaptation as a priority," said Red Constantino, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), a non-profit organization working on sustainable energy solutions and fair climate policy.

"Adaptation should be declared as the national imperative. It is vital that new funds are mobilized and delivered to those least able to cope, such as small women shareholders in agriculture," said Marie Madamba-Nunez, climate campaign officer of advocacy group Oxfam Philippines.

The Philippines, by virtue of its geography, is prone to disasters. This southeast Asian country is located in both the typhoon belt and the so-called Pacific ring of fire -- making the Philippines vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Climate change is increasing the country's disaster risk. While industrialized countries have been debating over carbon emission reduction targets, developing and disaster-prone countries like the Philippines are looking for ways on how to cope with the actual impact of climate change.

The Philippine government and the civil society have been implementing climate change adaptation measures. The agriculture department, for instance, introduced a rainwater harvesting technology or more known as small water impounding system (SWIP). SWIP is used to irrigate water during the dry season and control flood in the rainy months. Agriculture officials are also developing rice varieties resistant to drought and flooding. Non- governmental organizations are working with farmers to go into organic farming which can be productive without depending on too much inputs like water and fertilizer.

But there are still much to be done. And money -- lots of it -- is needed to sustain is resources are need to ensure that the Philippines can adapt to the impact of climate change.