SEC. MANALO  REAFFIRMS PH COMMITMENT TO INTERNATIONAL LAW IN 61ST MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international law in his discussions and meetings during the 61st Munich Security Conference from 14-15 February 2025. Speaking in the panel discussion “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific”, Sec. Manalo said that the Philippines remains steadfast in defending the rules-based international order and the rule of law, in particular, UNCLOS.

While in Munich, Sec. Manalo discussed bilateral, regional and multilateral issues with his counterparts such as US State Secretary Marco Rubio, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European Commission Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, among others. Also attending the MSC was AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr.END

PHILIPPINES EMPHASIZES COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE AS A TOOL FOR PEACEBUILDING

Photo Credit: Official GFFA Website                                                                                                        Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy

The Philippines highlighted its commitment to sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy approaches at the 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), which was held from 15 to 18 January 2025 in Berlin. 

In a speech delivered by Undersecretary Christopher V. Morales on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., at the 17th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, Usec. Morales underscored the Philippines’ national strategies based on integrated bioeconomy principles.  Key frameworks such as the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production and the National Innovation Agenda spell the Philippines’ efforts to promote resource efficiency, circularity and innovation within the agricultural sector.  

Photo Credit: Official GFFA Website

The Philippines’ commitment was also highlighted by Mr.  Rommel Arnado, Mayor of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, who delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the GFFA.  Mayor Arnado shared the story of From Arms to Farms Foundation, an award-winning initiative essentially using food as a tool for peace in Kauswagan, which was then caught in a long-standing conflict between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and government forces.  The program has been credited for Kauswagan’s transformation from one of the poorest local communities in the country, to a food secure, zero-hunger community and a model of success in peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Mayor Arnado’s keynote was followed by a panel discussion on Sowing Peace: Entry-Points Through Food and Climate Security Efforts among Germany’s Minister for Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir, Norway’s Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim and representatives from International Organizations. 

Themed Farming a Sustainable Bioeconomy, the 17th GFFA brought together international experts on food and agriculture in politics, the academe, business, and civil society and provided them a platform to exchange views on balancing food security with environmental issues.  END