Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General of the Dr. Qu Dongyu discussed efforts to uplift the Philippine agriculture through strengthened partnership on the sidelines of the World Food Forum held in Rome on 16-20 October 2023.

Sr. Usec. Panganiban conveyed his appreciation for the World Food Forum and its three interlinked fora, the Global Youth Forum, the Science and Innovation Forum, and the Investment Forum, and noted that he was pleased to see the many diverse activities organized during the course of the week and expressed the Philippines’ willingness to participate even more broadly in the World Food Forum next year.

For his part, DG Dongyu thanked the Philippines for its active involvement in FAO events.

The pair further discussed strengthening collaboration in other key areas relevant to the country.

“We look forward to FAO’s continued support at the country level to accelerate the transformation of the Philippines’ agri-food systems to become more productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable,” Panganiban emphasized.

We are aiming for a modern Philippine agriculture and agribusiness that can generate more quality jobs and competitive products to help us achieve food security and improved well-being for all.” the he added.

The Senior Undersecretary was joined in this bilateral meeting by the Philippine Permanent Representation to Rome-based UN Agencies led by Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial and his two Deputy Permanent Representatives: Deputy Chief of Mission Nina Cainglet and Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline Javelosa. Staff members from the Department of Agriculture Headquarters and the Philippine Permanent Representation to Rome-based UN Agencies were present as well. ### (with reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization/photo by FAO)