Philippines urges ASEAN members to strengthen food system

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has called on Southeast Asian countries to work together in building a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector amid the effects of climate change.

The Philippines joined the virtual 2nd Climate-Smart and Disaster-Resilient Asean International Conference which discussed research results on climate change and disaster risks.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the effects of climate change, along with the destruction caused by natural disasters, make it more difficult to ensure food security amid a growing population in the region, which is expected to rise by 1.6 percent annually.

“The pandemic has shown us the need to strengthen regional cooperation in maintaining a robust food system that is compliant with the health quarantine restrictions,” Dar said.

“Strengthening the Asean food system will further promote trade, shorten food value chain, reduce transport costs and reduce risks from impacts of climate change and other natural disasters,” he said.

The Philippines called for the expansion of the Asean Integrated Food Security framework and harmonization of food safety standards.

Other possible areas of collaboration in the region also include the establishment of a regional disaster insurance system and the development of technologies to reduce carbon footprint in compliance with the Paris agreement.

He also cited the need to develop food production systems in urban settings and to institutionalize social protection and welfare programs for farmers and fisherfolk.

“The collective efforts will be futile if the Asean member-countries do not commit to act and implement the interventions,” Dar said.

“Climate change is a global phenomenon so it must be addressed inclusively. If member-nations don’t commit to climate action, our children will be the ones to suffer in the future,” he said.

The Philippines, through the Department of Agriculture, has put in place the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) to ensure that resources and capacities are supporting climate-resilient agriculture.