To address the challenges that the Philippine food systems currently face, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. encourages forging new partnerships with agri-fishery stakeholders.
Sec. Tiu Laurel, during the opening ceremony of the 11th Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) National Congress on July 2, 2024, emphasized the need to search for new avenues of collaboration and cooperation to address the complex challenges that agricultural food systems face, such as rapid globalization, climate change, and resource scarcity.
“This summit provides a key platform for the interchange of ideas, strategies, and innovations with the end in view of strengthening the agriculture sector of the Philippines,” Tiu Laurel said in a message read by DA Central Luzon Regional Executive Director Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr.
With the theme, “Building and Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,” licensed professional agriculturists and interested agriculturists from across the Philippines gathered to discuss various challenges in the agriculture sector and learn new concepts and best practices from other participants through government-academe-industry sessions.
“Together, we have the power, creativity, and determination to impart knowledge and ideas to the younger generation. Let us work as a team in empowering our nation to thrive in the face of adversity. By working together to diversify crops, improve soil health, and enhance water management practices, we can build resilience that withstands the stress due to changing climate,” the agri chief said.
He also stressed that resilience is not enough as there is a need to strengthen the agri-food systems into socially and economically sustainable structures that can provide equal and profitable opportunities to all stakeholders along the value chain.
Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri expressed his strong commitment to the passage of the Philippine Agriculturist Act or Senate Bill No. 2535, which ensures the practice of the agriculture profession in the Philippines and creates a professional regulatory board for agriculturists. He said this bill will ensure that the profession remains competent, relevant, and up to par with the highest standards of excellence.
“Now more than ever, we need agriculturists to bond together and develop lasting solutions to the various climate, medical, and geopolitical challenges that threaten our food security in this globalized age,” Sen. Zubiri said.
The Senator, along with four other individuals took oath as newly registered professional agriculturists and were inducted as new members of PAA.
“We will strengthen the agricultural profession. We hope to engage more of you in public service as crucial partners in developing more effective programs that will boost local production, enough not just to feed our people but also help us regain our footing as an agricultural fair in Southeast Asia, eventually across the globe,” Zubiri added.
The event also marked the kick-off of the 1st Philippine Agriculturists’ Month celebration, in line with Presidential Proclamation 544, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., declaring July of every year as Philippine Agriculturist Month. ### (Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)
