The Philippines is committed to utilizing science and exploring innovations and international cooperation to boost agricultural productivity and achieve modernization for the benefit of farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders.
Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban made this assurance during the Science and Innovation Forum as part of the 2023 World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome, Italy hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which ran from Oct. 16 to 20, the DA said in a news release on Oct. 25.
Panganiban said the DA, through the Agricultural Training Institute, must further beef up its efforts in engaging and empowering Filipino youth to effectively and efficiently contribute and benefit from productive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems in the country while striving to attain food security and nutrition goals.
Launched in 2021, the WFF is an independent, youth-led global network of partners facilitated and hosted by the FAO.
It aims to spark a global movement that empowers young people everywhere to actively shape agrifood systems to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and a better food future for all.
It is organized into three interlinked fora – the WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and the FAO Hand-in- Hand Investment Forum.
“Let’s explore how we may promote investment opportunities in sustainable agri-food systems in the Philippines through this platform in the future,” Panganiban said.
The forums were held in celebration of World Food Day celebration on Oct. 16 which has the theme “Water is Life. Water is Food. Leave No One Behind”, which emphasized the crucial role of water in agriculture and the need for equal access to food resources.
The event aimed to raise awareness regarding the vital connection between water, food, and the global effort to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. – PNA
