LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA, Philippines— The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) calls for a holistic approach to push family farming to support resilient food systems and ensure food security in the Philippines. This was the resounding message resulting from a SEARCA-led hyflex Agriculture and Development Series (ADSS) on 25 April 2023.

Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, welcomed the participants and underscored the vital role of family farming in food-insecure regions of the country. “Today’s ADSS on Leveraging the Role of Family Farming Towards More Productive and Resilient Food Systems in the Philippines is relevant,” said Dr. Gregorio. “Now more than ever, there is a need to promote productive and resilient agri-food systems in the country,” he continued.

Dr. Gregorio added that SEARCA saw a huge potential in empowering the agricultural families and linking them to policymakers. He said that the policymakers govern the welfare and the future not just of agriculture but also of the farmers.

Around 300 online and onsite participants composed of students, researchers, faculty members, and farmers attended the seminar featuring farmer-legislator Atty. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

Atty. Pangilinan, former senator, authored the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Act (AFMech) and the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act No. 11321), which aim to promote agricultural mechanization development and help solve high food prices, respectively.