DA calls for stronger partnership for sustainable agriculture

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