The Philippines underlines climate-vulnerable countries’ role in global water discussions

In discussions on “Water. Harvests. Our Future” at this year’s Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, Philippine Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro said that each country has a unique role and contribution critical to strengthening international water governance and underscored that climate-vulnerable countries must be heard in global water discussions.  He called for stronger cooperation, data sharing, technology transfer, and financing that support water-efficient, smallholder-focused solutions, especially in these climate-vulnerable countries.

The Philippines is a climate-vulnerable country which is investing heavily on modern irrigation, solar-powered irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and improved on-farm water management to produce more food with less water, while protecting its soils and watersheds.  It has promulgated a Water Code that prioritizes water use for agriculture, after domestic use, underscoring the need for Integrated Water Resources Management at the river basin level and sustainable land management.

Among the priority legislative agenda of the Philippines under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the creation of a Department of Water Resources which will oversee and manage national water resources to achieve universal access to safe, affordable, and sustainable water supply.

The Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference and the 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture were held from 14 to 17 January 2026 in Berlin.

                                                     (Photo credit: GFFA 2026)

 59 Agriculture Ministers and Deputy Ministers participated in the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference 2026

                                                       (Photo credit: GFFA 2026)

Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations, Agricultural Fisheries, Mechanization and Rural Credit Roger Navarro delivers the Philippine statement

Usec. Navarro (in gray) is flanked by Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D. of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and Charge d’ affaires, a.i. Gerardo Abiog.  Others from left to right are Minister and Consul Mary Luck Hicarte, Agriculture Attache Nolet Fulgencio, Economic Assistant Jennifer Veronique Evangelista and Engr. Patrick Benson B. Espanto.