“By investing in agricultural infrastructure, we can create a future where farmers, communities, and the whole of society will thrive”
Food security as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.”
The availability and pricing of food, the balance between supply and demand, along with the efficiency of the food distribution network are critical factors in a nation’s socio-economic and political stability.
The current dynamics and issues affecting the food ecosystem of the Philippines was the focus of discussions in last week’s forum on “Achieving Food Security: Advancing Investments for Agricultural Sustainability,” co-organized by PHINMA Corp., the Stratbase Institute and the Makati Business Club.
PHINMA Construction Materials Group executive vice president Eduardo Sahagun opened the forum by emphasizing the urgent need for food security in the Philippines amid the damaging effects of climate change, rising food demands, and logistical challenges.
He cited Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr.’s statement that 30 percent of the country’s agricultural produce is wasted due to poor logistics, as nearly 51 million Filipinos are coping with moderate or severe food insecurity, which, according to United Nations data, is the highest in Southeast Asia.
This UN report reveals the alarming statistic that nearly half of Filipinos face increasing difficulties in accessing food due to resource constraints, leading to insufficient nutrition and hunger.
Sahagun shared PHINMA’s hope for farmers and fisherfolk to be enabled with enough accessible facilities to store their products for longer periods, reducing wastage and increase their value.
Stratbase Institute president Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit emphasized the need to transition from a services-dependent economy to one that prioritizes agriculture, forestry, and industry.
Prof. Manhit pointed out while we have recovered from COVID-19, hunger remains a persistent issue and the big challenge is addressing poverty amidst the cost-of-living crisis and inflation, which for Filipinos is driven by the cost of food.
To boost the nation’s productivity and food supply, he advocated for increased investments in the manufacturing sector, particularly for the domestic market, within the agro-industrial sphere. In so doing, the domestic market will expand with more affordable goods and essential commodities such as food. It will also enhance our position within the global supply chain.
COO of Union Insulated Panel Corporation Ms. Danielle del Rosario pointed out enhancing agricultural infrastructure is pivotal for food security.
“Investments in modern irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, and cold chain logistics networks reduce post-harvest losses, increase crop yields, and ensure that fresh produce reaches markets efficiently,” she stated.
This approach not only stabilizes food prices but also makes nutritious food more accessible, combating hunger and malnutrition.
By preserving perishable goods at optimal temperatures, cold storage facilities ensure that food reaches tables instead of landfills, significantly reducing waste.
However, the Philippines lags significantly behind global standards in per capita cold storage capacity, with only 0.04 cubic meters per person compared to the global average of 0.15 cubic meters.
The Department of Agriculture is keenly aware of these challenges.
Undersecretary Asis Perez highlighted the need for a robust logistics system, modernized farming practices, and enhanced post-harvest infrastructure.
By developing efficient logistics systems, the country can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve food distribution networks.
Adopting modern agricultural technologies is another critical aspect of this transformation.
As Makati Business Club Executive Director Roberto Batungbacal pointed out, agritech solutions are gaining traction among startups and major tech companies.
Identifying and implementing technologies that are tailored to the Philippines’ unique agricultural landscape is essential for success.
Engr. Arnel V. De Mesa, Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns at the Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices such as alternate wetting and drying technology to reduce greenhouse gases.
Additionally, he advocated for the adoption of solar technology in agriculture, which offers an inexpensive and reliable energy solution.
Achieving food security in the Philippines is challenging yet full of opportunities. Investing in cold storage infrastructure is crucial for reducing waste, stabilizing food prices, and ensuring access to nutritious food for all Filipinos.
This effort demands collaboration from the government, private sector, and community stakeholders.
Agriculture is central to our nation’s progress. By investing in agricultural infrastructure, we can create a future where farmers, communities, and the whole of society will thrive.