The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) renewed their joint commitment to fostering a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future during the World Food Day (WFD) celebration on October 16.
In a ceremonial candle lighting, DA and FAO officials joined the global movement advocating for solidarity and action in building resilient food systems.
This year’s WFD theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future!”, emphasizes the need for global cooperation to create more sustainable and equitable food systems for all.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his video message, underscored the power of collective action in achieving food security and improving lives. He highlighted the Philippine government’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
“The Philippine government, through the Department of Agriculture, remains committed to making safe and nutritious food readily available and accessible to every Filipino,” President Marcos said.
On the other hand, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized also in his video message that food security is a shared responsibility, urging everyone to contribute by supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, and making healthier food choices. He also expressed strong support for the FAO’s mission to “feed minds and fight hunger.”
“Let’s keep working hand in hand with full hearts and full plates towards a future where no one goes hungry,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.
Meanwhile, Assistant FAO Representative for Programme Dulce Carandang emphasized that this year’s WFD theme calls for urgent and sustained action. She noted that the journey toward a food-secure and resilient Philippines is far from over and she also reaffirmed that the FAO remains a continuous and strategic partner in achieving this goal.
As part of the celebration, the DA and FAO also recognized the top five entries in the recently concluded National On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest, organized by the DA-Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-AFID) and participated in by 14 regions nationwide.
The five winners were:
- Jade Maxene C. Arevalo, Pasonanca Elementary School (Region IX)
- Yonna B. Yalung, San Isidro Elementary School (Region III)
- Athena Marvienne B. Alidro, Baybay I Central School (Region VIII)
- Enrique S. Lunop, San Roque Central Elementary School (Region XI)
- Andre Alexis A. Dacayo, SPED Integrated School (Region XII)
Each winner received a plaque and a Php 20,000 cash prize from the FAO, while other regional participants received Php 5,000 each.
The culminating ceremony was led by Undersecretary for Administration and 2025 WFD Chair Allan Q. Umali, Assistant FAO Representative for Programme Dulce Carandang, World Food Programme Representative David Jo, and Quezon City local government representative Jirah Sideco, Head of the Nutrition Section. They were joined by other senior officials from the Department of Agriculture. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
