The Philippine delegation headed by Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban actively participated in the 50th Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in Rome held on 10-13 October 2022.
During the Ministerial Segment where the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022 was discussed, the video message of Agriculture Secretary and President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for efforts to keep the unhampered movement of food and agricultural inputs across borders. The President committed firmly to joining fellow leaders to strive for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Reiterating the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the United Nations General Assembly held in New York last month, Senior Undersecretary Panganiban emphasized that the CFS, the whole UN system, and its private sector and civil society partners should focus on working towards immediate fulfillment of obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing, and transfer technology for adaptation for the most vulnerable and developing countries.
The Senior Undersecretary Panganiban further highlighted the need to invest in boosting the productivity and resiliency of agri-food systems.
The CFS, established in 1974 and reformed in 2009, is the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all.
The country statement delivered by Panganiban also underscored the need to keep trade transparent, predictable, and fair.
“We should empower the youth towards their successful engagement in agriculture and food systems,” Panganiban added. The Philippines endorsed the implementation of the CFS policy recommendations that could support the youth in becoming successful agents of agri-food systems transformation for poverty reduction and food security.
Panganiban also pledged the Philippines’ support as the CFS works towards the development of Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women and Girls’ Empowerment in the context of food security and nutrition.
In the country statement, Panganiban underscored the importance of strengthening the capacity of nations in data collection and analysis so that data and evidence-based policy-making and program development can effectively bring the global community closer to national, regional, and global food security goals.
Joining Senior Undersecretary Panganiban in FAO to participate in CFS 50th Session in person were Dr. Josyline C. Javelosa, Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to Rome-based UN Food Agencies (FAO, WFP, IFAD) and Agriculture Attaché to Italy and the United Kingdom; and Dr. Jesus S. Binamira, Technical Adviser of the Department of Agriculture.
According to Charge d’ Affaires, a.i. of the Embassy of the Philippines in Rome Nina Cainglet, there are strategic advantages in promoting Philippine agriculture and its food security agenda in multilateral fora such as the Committee of World Food Security. ” The Philippines’ participation can raise awareness on how the country is prioritizing agriculture and food security, which areas the country will welcome support for, and what global policies and international programs may be needed,” Cainglet said.
In his closing remarks, Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Panganiban said, “The Philippines acknowledges that, at this historical juncture, in the aftermath of an unparalleled global food and energy crisis, greater international engagement, cooperation, exchange, and action are vital for our shared success. We stand ready to do our part and work with you all.” ### (DA-Rome / DA-IAD)
