Philippines backs ASEAN’s 5-year agriculture, forestry agenda

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines has thrown its support behind the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) agriculture and forestry agenda covering the next five years, aligning with regional efforts to promote sustainable, climate-resilient and nature-positive food systems.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday that the plan, which spans 2026 to 2030, sets a roadmap for member states to address food security challenges, strengthen regional cooperation and respond to the worsening impacts of climate change.

“It underscored the importance of integrating halal food development into these ASEAN policy frameworks as part of strengthening food security, enhancing intra-ASEAN trade and developing the growing global halal market,” the DA said in a statement.

The DA added that the agenda also aims to boost trade among ASEAN countries and open up bigger markets, particularly in halal food which continues to see strong demand worldwide.

It said the Philippines also reaffirmed its strong support for the ASEAN Plus Three Rice Reserve, a regional stockpile that has provided the country with timely rice donations during past calamities and food shortages.

ASEAN’s agriculture and forestry plan is part of a wider regional effort to align food systems with the group’s long-term economic goals.

Earlier in June, ASEAN leaders unveiled their economic blueprint for 2026 to 2030, laying down a path for the bloc to become the world’s fourth-largest economy within the next decade.

The plan highlights the need for closer cooperation in sustaining economic growth while ensuring food security across its member states.

Like other ASEAN blueprints, the agriculture and forestry agenda will follow a five-year cycle.

Leaders said this is crucial for keeping the association’s policies up to date and responsive to emerging challenges such as climate change, trade shifts and volatile global food supply chains.