With the recently concluded Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regional conference for Asia and the Pacific in September, pledging bold and innovative action towards food security and livelihoods, Agriculture Secretary William Dar assured that despite the pandemic, the Philippines, through the Department of Agriculture (DA) is keeping all its initiatives on its toes.
“Let me assure you that despite the pandemic, we are trying our best to see to it that we have enough food production and food supplies, bringing them to the market areas or where they are needed the most,” said Secretary Dar in a courtesy virtual meeting with FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and Pacific (RAP) Jong-jin Kim on September 17, 2020.
During the meeting, FAO Asst. DG and RAP Kim, who was appointed in July 2020, conveyed his personal appreciation to Secretary Dar particularly his participation and contribution to the FAO regional conference.
“The Philippine delegation has actively participated in the conference aligning with other countries’ strong partnership to address and rebound from the damage caused by COVID-19 and other immediate concerns in Asia and the Pacific,” said Asst. DG Kim.
In response, the DA chief said, “the Philippines congratulates your new appointment as FAO RAP. Rest assured that the Department of Agriculture, at various levels, will be working strongly to ensure a high level of food security in the country working through various means to rebound from this pandemic.”
He also mentioned how among the three sectors of the economy, for the second quarter, only agriculture has gained a positive growth of 1.6 percent. “This means that if properly nurtured and invested, and with all the partners like FAO helping, we can really unleash the potential of the Philippine agriculture to greater heights,” said Secretary Dar.
“I believe that the same support will be given under your leadership in the region, we will always be your strong partner moving the programs and projects of FAO not only in the Philippines but the whole of Asia Pacific,” he added.
Both parties pledged to support various initiatives transforming food systems and making them more sustainable, productive, and resilient. ### (Rita dela Cruz, DA StratComms)
