THE Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed its interest in promoting private-public partnerships (PPPs) and investments in infrastructure as ways to achieve food security.
Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban made this known on Tuesday during a forum on food security with the US government and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU).
According to the DA, the forum is a result of the bilateral discussions between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden last May.
“For agriculture, the Philippine government is interested in promoting public-private partnerships and investments in agricultural inputs and fertilizers, as well as investments in vital infrastructure,” said Panganiban.
He cited key infrastructures such as postharvest and cold chain facilities, smart agriculture technology, seed technology and irrigation systems, among others.
The DA official further said that investments are crucial as the nation is working to lessen the effects of rising food inflation, high production costs and possible drought.
During the forum, the officials also discussed ongoing initiatives of the agriculture sector that could benefit from collaborating with the BCIU.
These initiatives included pest and disease control; farm clustering and consolidation; food safety regulations; expanding marketing and trade opportunities; engaging young farmers and agripreneurs; training opportunities; technology transfer; digitalization and modernization, among others.
Panganiban also discussed the DA’s top priorities under the Marcos administration, including increasing production of high-value crops like rice and corn, as well as fisheries, livestock, enhancing the agricultural value chain and creating export-ready goods.
With total trade reaching $5.22 billion in 2022, the US is the Philippines’ biggest trading partner for agricultural, fishery and food items, according to the DA.
“Moreover, it has been a significant source of investments, technology and technical assistance for the local agriculture sector,” it added.
Also present in the forum were US Embassy Senior Economic Officer Paul Taylor and BCIU Senior Director/Global Head of Regions Max Horwitz.
