Manila, Philippines – Seeking increased international support, the local agriculture sector endeavors towards achieving its goal. The Department of Agriculture (DA) takes crucial steps to pursue this objective.
During the previous week, Domingo Panganiban, the DA Senior Undersecretary, hosted the Development Partners’ Forum (DPF) for the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector.
His aspiration is that this forum will facilitate future collaborations and foster a better understanding of the challenges faced by Philippine agriculture.
Initiated by DA’s Project Development Service (PDS) in collaboration with the International Affairs Division (IAD), the forum’s primary aim is to disseminate information about the DA’s current thrusts, priorities, projects, and programs to development partners and institutions providing Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Furthermore, the forum endeavors to nurture existing partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and seek assistance from ODA partners.
Panganiban revealed that President Marcos views strengthening food security as the nation’s most vital task.
He firmly believes that agri-fisheries investment offers a more robust foundation for economic growth than any other avenue.
Expressing gratitude to international partners, Panganiban acknowledged their contributions to supporting and advancing the country’s agriculture sector.
Their assistance has paved the way for economic growth and reduced poverty levels within the agri-fisheries sector.
Given the current state of international affairs, international support is paramount to ensure the nation’s food security. Indications suggest that the world may witness a new phase in international relationships following the pandemic.
Approximately 170 attendees participated in the forum, representing international organizations, bilateral and multilateral development partners, and oversight agencies, such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Additionally, DA executive officials, regional field offices, bureaus, and attached agencies were in attendance.
Mr. Jaycee de Guzman is a self-taught agriculturist and the patriarch of Alpha Agventure Farms, the number one backyard farm in the Philippines. His experience in livestock farming is rooted back in the early 90s. Mr. de Guzman is a computer scientist, a digital marketing strategist, an equity analyst for more than 20 years.