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.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN GERMANY WELCOMES HER EXCELLENCY MARIA TERESA T. ALMOJUELA

BERLIN 20 January 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Germany welcomed the arrival of Her Excellency Maria Teresa T. Almojuela, Philippine Ambassador-designate to the Federal Republic of Germany, on 20 January 2026.  Ambassador-designate Almojuela is a career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. She joined the diplomatic service in 1995 and holds the rank of Chief of Mission, Class 1 – the highest rank in the career Philippine foreign service.

Before her appointment and confirmation as Philippine Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador-designate Almojuela was Assistant Secretary for United Nations and International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs where she held this position since 1 June 2023.

Her most recent diplomatic posting was as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland from August 2016 to December 2022. END

Ambassador Natividad Graces Opening of Ocean Futures Exhibit at Futurium 

 

Futurium’s first special exhibition dedicated to the world’s oceans and their future under the UN Ocean Decade opened to the public on 14 November 2025.  The exhibition features an impressive large-scale installation by internationally-renowned Filipino artist Leeroy New, created in collaboration with The Mind Museum in Manila.

At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Irene Susan Natividad delivered a keynote message highlighting the importance of international cooperation for the Philippines and small island developing states in protecting the oceans,  preserving marine biodiversity, and in combating climate change. 

“Small countries like ours suffer the most, yet contribute the least to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.  The Philippines accounts for only three-tenths of one percent, while the small island developing states account for less than one percent of global emissions.  

“Governments are now in Belem for COP30 to review progress on climate targets.  While we have achieved progress, we need to do more, we need to do it faster, and we need to do it together.  International cooperation and assistance in providing the most vulnerable access to finance and the best available science for anticipatory evidence-based and sustained action to combat climate change is key,” said Ambassador Natividad.    

The keynote kicked off a discussion on visions of the future of the oceans, and strategies, resources and options for action by panelists Dr. Stefan Brandt, Director of the Futurium, Dr. Effrosyni Chelioti of the German Federal Ministry of Research Technology and Space and Dr. Ute Wilhelmsen of the Marine Research Alliance.  

Dancers in sea creature costumes fashioned from plastic bottles brought New’s walk-through installation to life and transformed the space into a mysterious underwater world. 

At the heart of “Ocean Futures” are the stories of a Filipino and a German fishing family—personal narratives of life with the sea, filled with hopes, concerns, dreams, and wishes for the ocean’s future. These stories are interwoven with scientific and societal insights on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable fisheries.

The exhibition runs until August 2025.  Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge. 

Dive in and explore the oceans of tomorrow!

Club Bol-Anon e.V. Hosts Another Successful Benefit Gala in Berlin

BERLIN, 13 September 2025 — Club Bol-Anon e.V., under the leadership of Mrs. Veronica Boensch, successfully held another benefit gala at the Gemeinschaftshaus Gropiusstadt in Berlin on 13 September 2025.  

The event drew strong support from both Filipino and German communities, all united by a common cause of supporting programs for underprivileged children and orphans in Bohol, Philippines.

Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad’s opening message set the tone for the night.  She remarked that compassion and a sense of community spirit are inherent in our culture.  She commended Club Bol-Anon for its civic activities in the Philippines.

Highlighting the gala night were captivating performances of Bulaklakan, Singkil and Tinikling by the Filipiniana Dance Group. 

Cultural Attaché Mylah Rubio, joined by her husband and fellow UST Singers alumni Jose Mari and their daughter Mikaela, also captivated the audience with a heart-rending Visayan classic “Matud Nila” along with a selection of other well-loved Filipino and international songs.

One of Club Bol-Anon e.V.’s mission is the  preservation and promotion of Philippine culture and traditions in Germany.  Ms. Veronica Boensch, the Club’s President, teaches  traditional Filipino dances to second-generation Filipino-German youth and Filipino migrants.   Proceeds from their cultural performances and annual gala night continue to support various civic initiatives in Bohol,  a testament to the enduring ties between the Filipino diaspora and their homeland.— END