FAO Philippines

APA Project set to empower Indigenous Peoples in climate action

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With extreme weather events like typhoons, droughts, and floods becoming more frequent and severe, the Philippines stands as one of the world's most vulnerable countries when it [...]

APA Project set to empower Indigenous Peoples in climate action

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With extreme weather events like typhoons, droughts, and floods becoming more frequent and severe, the Philippines stands as one of the world's most vulnerable countries when it [...]

APA Project set to empower Indigenous Peoples in climate action

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With extreme weather events like typhoons, droughts, and floods becoming more frequent and severe, the Philippines stands as one of the world's most vulnerable countries when it [...]

APA Project lays the groundwork for a climate-resilient agriculture in the Philippines

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In a determined effort to bolster the resilience of Filipino farmers amid the changing climate, the "Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change" (APA) Project has started a transition from the El Niño weather phenomenon to La Niña in mid-2024, the country faces more pronounced climate-induced risks. Agriculture and fisheries are particularly vulnerable to the expected upcoming rapid transition from frequent droughts to intensified tropical cyclones.

At the same time, the transition [...]

FAO Facilitates After-Action Review and Sustainability Workshop for Japan-Funded Agricultural Project in BARMM

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

March 12, 2024 -- “We should continue to give our utmost devotion to our work in order to help uplift the socio-economic life of our farmers in the Bangsamoro,” said Dr. Daud Lagasi, director general for agriculture services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) as he [...]

FAO and the Philippines launch forest education programme for primary schools

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

1 March 2024, Manila – A new programme for teaching primary school children about forests was launched today by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines.

The programme covers forests in far greater detail than [...]

AG insurance in the context of shock responsive SP in BARMM. An example of collaboration across ESP teams in support to country level needs!

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This new study looks at the potential for introducing agricultural insurance services in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the Philippines, aimed at building the resilience of smallholders to extreme natural events.

Lessons from Haiyan: FAO Urges more Investments in Enhancing Resilience via Anticipatory Action through Social Protection

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Philippines today called for more investments to enhance the country’s resilience, particularly in agriculture, ten years after Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Super Typhoon Yolanda, devastated central Philippines. This includes the adoption of the Anticipatory Action (AA) approach [...]

FAO to support DAR's "Kumustasaka" ARB-tracing programme to help agency fine-tune assistance to beneficiaries

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

FAO, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), has launched a technical cooperation project that aims to improve the government agency's Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) database and information system in support of its "Kumustasaka" programme.

Titled "Technical Support on the Enhancement of the Existing Information System for Agrarian [...]

The revival of a damaged Philippines watershed is helping improve nutrition and livelihoods of communities

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Philippines is blessed with rich natural resources, forests being one of the most important. For Filipinos, forests and forestlands provide a wide array of economic and social benefits. These include contributions to the overall economy – for example through employment, processing and trade of forest products and energy – [...]

FAO, PH partners hold training on implementing the FAO 12-point active surveillance step for monitoring diseases of aquatic organisms

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

FAO, under the ongoing project "Responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development" (GCP/GLO/352/NOR), in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of [...]

DSWD, FAO launch innovative anticipatory action and social protection programme

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Philippine government's Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and FAO launched today the "Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters" (B-SPARED) programme, in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, 29 August 2023.

To be piloted in the municipality of Bacuag for the region, B-SPARED is [...]

FAO, Department of Tourism boost Philippine agritourism with nationwide training series on sectoral safety and risk management

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

In a landmark collaboration, FAO and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have wrapped up a comprehensive site safety and risk management training series aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of safety, health, security, operational, and reputational risks in the booming agritourism sector of the Philippines. The second of the three-part [...]

FAO, DA, Govt of Japan forge cooperation to restore agri-fishery-based livelihoods & promote climate resiliency of producers affected by TY Odette

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

QUEZON CITY -- FAO, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Government of Japan forge cooperation to restore agri-fishery-based livelihoods and promote climate resiliency among farmers and fisherfolk affected by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).

Dubbed the second costliest typhoon in the Philippines, the calamity struck [...]

FAO highlights importance of fisheries law enforcement to curb UUI fishing at Philippines National Fisherfolk Day

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

According to a 2021 study by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office and USAID, the municipal fisheries sector losses about 257,000 – 402,000 metric tons of fisheries catch annually, valued at around PHP 24.1 – 37.8 billion, due to illegal fishing. There also remains a significant number [...]

FAO, Philippine partners pledge commitment to strengthen collaboration in Anticipatory Action efforts in country

Sat, 13 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Around 150 key actors from international humanitarian, government and non-government organizations, donor agencies and civil society vowed to strengthen collaboration toward institutionalizing Anticipatory Action (AA) in the Philippines by signing a commitment wall at the conclusion of the National Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action last 12 May.

At the hybrid event [...]

Bangsamoro women and youth rising from floods and conflicts

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Mid-morning, Norma Silad, an elderly woman living in one of the most conflict-affected villages in Maguindanao del Sur province gently sprinkles water on the snow cabbage and tomato plants that she and her other women friends have been planting on recycled mineral gallons hung on bamboo stilts.

Just the other day, [...]

FAO deploys emergency mission to support the Philippines' response to Pestalotiopsis leaf fall disease in rubber trees

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Earlier this year, the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed the presence of leaf fall disease in rubber trees in Mindanao in the south of the country. DENR officials reacted quickly, sending an official request for support to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [...]

International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture closes with many concrete results

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today marked the close of a global year-long campaign focused on small-scale artisanal fishers, fishfarmers and fishworkers, underlining the need to keep the momentum going.

With over 260 events held in 68 countries, the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries [...]

Raising conflict sensitivty awareness in the context of the Bangsamoro Region

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

On 20 and 21 March, FAO 🇵🇭 hosted a two-day workshop on Conflict Sensitivity Awareness for Social Protection Programming in Natural Hazards and Conflict Affected Areas, which was held in Davao City.

Local government officials from the four municipalities of Maguindanao del Sur: Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Datu Salibo and Datu Saudi [...]

Internally displaced Bangsamoro youth and women smallholder farmers find ways to earn even amidst uncertain times

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Maguindanao province in the Bangsamoro region, Philippines is one of the most conflict-affected provinces in the country. Armed fighting and clan wars, also known as ‘rido,’ have been displacing hundreds of families from 2008 to 2020.

When families flee, crops and farm animals are left behind. As displacement aggravates the impoverished [...]

FAO trains Bangsamoro region project partners on procurement processes

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

To help improve knowledge and skill of procurement staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), an implementing partner under the New Zealand-funded “Support to Agriculture-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprises for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato [...]

Green Climate Fund approves USD 39.2 million project with FAO and Philippine Government to boost climate resilience and improve livelihoods

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a Philippine funding proposal on “Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change” at its 35th Board Meeting held in Songdo, Incheon in the Republic of Korea.

Under USD 39.2 million, seven-year initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), GCF and the [...]

Smallholder producers in Maguindanao complete 16-week FAO-facilitated FBS course under New Zealand-supported livelihoods-for-peace in Mindanao project

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

At a graduation ceremony held on 9 March in Barangay Karim, Buldon Municipality, Province of Maguindanao del Norte, 30 smallholder producers -- members of the Karim Agricultural Supply Cooperative -- received their certificates of completion of the 16-week Farm Business School (FBS) course conducted by FAO under the auspices of [...]

FAO works with provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and local government agencies to help establish province's municipal water boundaries

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

To uphold the rights of small-scale fisherfolk and promote resource stewardship of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, it is important to establish the tenurial status of municipal waters.

In the Philippines, coastal municipal/city governments are given jurisdiction of waters of up to 15 km from their coastlines. Small-scale fisherfolk are given preferential [...]

FAO trains Bangsamoro government partners on Damage Assessment and Reporting System, and Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

From 7 to 9 February 2023, FAO organized a training on Damage Assessment and Reporting System (DARS) and Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) for selected regional, provincial and municipal personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim [...]

New FAO Philippines head meets with Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Panganiban to discuss ways forward in two agencies' partnership

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Newly installed FAO Representative (FAOR) in the Philippines, Lionel Dabbadie, and Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban met on 13 February during which the FAOR presented his credentials to the Senior Undersecretary and talked about the ways forward in the partnership between the two agencies.

Among the topics discussed were [...]

FAO, DSWD hold consultations with local government on proposed EU pilot anticipatory action on flooding in Mindanao

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

In line with the continuing support of the European Union to boost local capacities and scale for anticipatory action, including through social protection in the Philippines, Department of Social Welfare and Development and FAO Philippines conducted a joint participatory dialogue with local government officials of the Municipality of Midsayap on [...]

New FAO Philippines' head meets with PH Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

On 7 Feb, new FAO Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo to present his credentials and discuss areas of possible collaboration between the two agencies, particularly in food security and nutrition.

“We consider FAO an important ally in our country’s aim to attain [...]

FAO, Philippine fisheries partners mark culmination of IYAFA with two-day high-level event

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Joining the celebration were fisherfolk leaders and LGU representatives from across the country, including from the Province of Zamboanga del Norte (an FAO-NORAD project partner), along with officials from the different national government agencies such as the NAPC, DA, DENR, CCC, DILG, NEDA, DOST-FNRI, NNC, and DOF.

The back-to-back activity not [...]

KOICA, FAO hand-over agri-machinery worth over PHP 12 million to Cotabato-based farmer organizations

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Korean Government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), turned over to five farmer organizations of five barangays in Kabacan Municipality, Cotabato some USD 224,346, or more than PHP 12 million, worth of farm machinery and post-harvest equipment on Thursday, February 2, to promote farm mechanization among the organizations’ [...]

FAO Philippines welcomes new head

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Lionel Dabbadie has assumed the position and duties as the new FAO Representative (FAOR) in the Philippines effective 31 January 2023. He takes over from Ms. Sheila Wertz-Kanounnikoff, who served as FAOR 𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮 from 1 July 2022 until 30 January 2023.

Before this posting, Lionel served as Senior Fisheries [...]

BAI, FAO, USAID partner-up to strengthen Philippines' animal health services

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry, in coordination with FAO and the USAID - US Agency for International Development, conducted the Partners Coordination Meeting: Strengthening Partnership in the Animal Sector on January 18, 2023 at the BAI Compound, Visayas Ave., Quezon City.

In his opening remarks, BAI Director Dr. Paul [...]

FAO launches support to PH government in developing Agri-Industrial Business Corridors with first workshop in capacity building series

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Last December, FAO rolled out its capacity development support for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reform in pursuing the Philippine government’s vision for agri-industrial business corridors or ABCs.

More than 30 representatives from national and regional government agencies, local government units, state universities, and farmers’ groups gathered [...]

126 farmer-partners complete climate-resilient FFS, FBS training under livelihoods-for-peace in Mindanao project

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Some 126 farmers representing four community-based organizations (CBOs) participating under the New Zealand-funded project “Support to Agriculture-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprise for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato” have successfully completed the season-long training on Climate Resilient-Farmer Field School (CR-FFS) and Farm Business School (FBS). The training was [...]

UNFPA, FAO kick-off joint initiative on resilient livelihoods for Bangsamoro women and youth IDPs with training on CBO Management & Financial Literacy

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have kicked off their jointly implemented “Resilient Livelihoods Development for Women and Youth Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maguindanao” project with a training-of-trainers workshop on Community-based Organization (CBO) Management and Financial Literacy last [...]

Building sustainable rice value chain in Africa and Asia via South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Government officials from two African countries, Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire, and an Asian country, the Philippines, participated in a week-long international training session on formulating sustainable Agricultural Mechanization Strategies (AMS) and Mechanization Hire Services, relevant to rice value chains, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [...]

FAO, Tanzania, Côte d'Ivoire and the Philippines meet to discuss on the outline of the international training curriculum to boost local rice value chains

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

A virtual international training curricula consultation workshop, focusing on rice value chain, was successfully organized by FAO under the framework of the “Capacity Development and Experience sharing for Rice Value Chains through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)” project, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of [...]

FAO supports PhilRice, Indigenous Peoples' agreement to conserve traditional rice varieties

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the “Dynamic Conservation and Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiversity in Traditional Agro-Ecosystems of the Philippines” (ABD Project), facilitated the signing of the black box agreement between the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and representatives from the indigenous cultural communities from [...]

Finland supports initiative to determine feasibility of home-grown school feeding programme in Bangsamoro region

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcome the support from the Government of Finland for the conduct of a study on the viability of Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in the Bangsamoro Autonomous [...]

Teaching the next generation of Filipinos the value of forests and the importance of sustainably managing them

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

FAO and the Philippines have launched a new initiative this month to teach children about the importance of managing forests sustainably to safeguard natural resources in a changing climate.

Funded by Germany, and using an innovative hands-on approach, the project will develop forest education modules for children aged 9-12 to teach [...]

Japan inks agreements with FAO, WFP for US$ 6 million grant for initiatives on agric productivity, disaster recovery and resilience of Filipino farmers and fishers

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan has provided a total of US$ 6 million (PHP 337.5 million) to support two new initiatives by Philippine-based UN agencies: one by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and another by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), that will benefit farmers [...]

For three Ifugao women, agricultural heritage and a common drive to grow and help others bind them closer than blood

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Blood-related they may not be, but Evangeline Kimmayong, 56, Olivia Naboy, 44, and Pinky Buhle, 34, are inextricably tied. It’s not just because they are friends and work together at the health center in their village of Barangay Cababuyan South, Hingyon municipality in the northern Philippines' highland province of Ifugao, [...]

The epitome of passion and mission to help others despite great odds: the story of Juanita Celiz

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

One fateful day in 2020, Juanita Celiz, 51, tripped and fell. While this may have been just a simple accident for most people, this wasn’t the case for Juanita. Besides fracturing her back, follow-up consultations with a number of doctors and myriad of further tests revealed a far more chilling [...]

FAO, Republic of Korea highlight role of policy in boosting the Philippines' rice sector

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The same sentiment was reflected in the consensus of the delegates to the National Policy Workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) from 6 to 7 [...]

Advancing Geographical Indications in the Philippines

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

With the intention of pushing forward Geographical Indications (GIs) in the country, FAO and partners held a national forum on the future of Geographical Indications (GI) in the Philippines with the theme "Working Towards the Advancement of Protection and Promotion of Philippine Origin-Linked Products" on 20 April. The event was organized in partnership with the [...]

FAO, UNFPA to jointly implement Australia-supported development initiative for conflict-displaced women and youth in the Bangsamoro region

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have signed a partnership agreement to jointly implement the “Resilient Livelihoods Development for Women and Youth Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maguindanao” project, an initiative that will provide enhanced health, protection, wellness and [...]

New Scenarios on Global Food Security based on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has presented many challenges to global food security. Today, what is happening in Russia and Ukraine adds another significant challenge. Russia and Ukraine play a substantial role in the global food production and supply. Russia is the world’s largest exporter of wheat, and Ukraine [...]

Historic FAO Asia-Pacific Regional Conference wraps up

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has wrapped up its largest-ever regional conference in Asia and the Pacific, with more than 1,100 participants from 42 Member nations.

The 36th Session of the FAO Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference, a combination of in-person and virtual participation, was [...]

High-level delegations from 46 Asia-Pacific nations convene major FAO food & agriculture forum on COVID-19 recovery, climate crisis, livestock and crop diseases

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

High-level delegations from UN FAO Member nationsacross Asia and the Pacific convened today for a four day session to address and respond to the damage done to economies and livelihoods in the food and agriculture sectors in the wake of the global pandemic.

Other pressing issues include addressing major nutritional problems [...]

FAO and Philippine stakeholders agree on country-specific agriculture, food security priorities to help steer FAO development agenda in Asia-Pacific

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The recommendations were a result of the country consultation organized by FAO-Philippines on 22 February in which FAO and stakeholders collectively identified country-specific issues and priorities related to agriculture, food security, and associated areas that would help inform FAO’s regional development agenda in the next two years. These identified priorities [...]

FAO, Philippine partners launch 'Fishing for Climate Resilience' initiative

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

FAO, in collaboration with Philippine partners, launched the Rare-FAO’s project entitled 'Fishing for Climate Resilience' at a virtual kick-off event held on 16 February 2022.

The project is supported by Germany's International Climate International Climate Initiative (IKI). FAO is Rare’s implementing partner for the Philippines.

The initiative will [...]

Philippines to take part in global rice value chain development initiative by FAO and Republic of Korea

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines have signed an agreement formalizing their partnership to undertake a global initiative that will support the strengthening [...]

FAO relaunches technical assistance to help the Philippines combat IUU fishing

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Philippines has been a Party to the PSMA since 2018, and has been receiving assistance from FAO since 2019 to implement the PSMA, complementary instruments and tools. Restrictions imposed by the global pandemic have significantly impeded progress in the last two years.

The Work Plan of Assistance, supported by funding [...]

Beyond Rai's devastation: the story of Nanay Diocela

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

On December 16, Super Typhoon Rai ("Odette") barreled through Caraga and Eastern Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 270 kph. After hitting Surigao, it made two landfalls in Southern Leyte before devastating Central Visayas.

The coconut industry in Eastern Visayas (Region [...]

FAO, partners test readiness of Anticipatory Action Multi-Purpose Cash transfer scheme in event of severe typhoon hit

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

With the increasing attention to change the way how disasters are managed, FAO is at the forefront of demonstrating how to act before (ex-ante) a disaster targeting smallholder farmers and fisherfolk to protect, cope and adapt to multiple shocks. One of the key strategies is to implement a humanitarian approach [...]

Number of hungry in Asia-Pacific swells by more than 50 million since the arrival of COVID-19

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The state of food security and nutrition in Asia and the Pacific has worsened, as more than 375 million people in the region faced hunger in 2020, an increase of 54 million over the previous year, according to a joint report just published by the Food and Agriculture [...]

FAO, partners meet on enhancing capacity of Zamboanga del Norte in climate change adaptation for coastal communities under Norway-supported initiative

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Through an initiative supported by The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), FAO is helping the Province of Zamboanga del Norte to improve its capacity to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans and actions that promote socio-economic development, with specific attention to poverty reduction and food security in the [...]

FAO, NEDA talk partnership, alignment of initiatives to boost Philippine agriculture and ENR sectors at virtual meet

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

FAO and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), led by Ms Kati Tanninen, FAO Philippines Head, and Secretary Karl Chua, NEDA Chief, respectively, met virtually to discuss the direction for strategic partnership of the two agencies in the Philippines. At the virtual discussions, the two agencies highlighted the importance [...]

Australia, FAO, and WFP meet family-beneficiaries of joint Typhoon Ulysses emergency response project in Cagayan

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

A delegation from the Australian Embassy to the Philippines, World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was in Cagayan Province to meet farming families who were most affected by Typhoon Ulysses (international name ‘Vamco’), which in November 2020 caused the worst flooding [...]

FAO, BARMM hold Halal-compliant goat production training for beneficiaries of New Zealand-funded livelihoods project in Mindanao

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

In many communities in the Bangsamoro region, goat-raising is a major economic activity. Goat rearing has distinct economic and managerial advantages over other livestock because it requires less initial investment and low input. Goats are also easy to sell, mature sexually early, are very prolific, easy to train and handle, [...]

BARMM, UN reinforce social protection in Bangsamoro through new partnerships and innovative poverty and risk assessment tools

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Joint Programme on Shock-Responsive Social Protection (JPSRSP) builds on social protection programmes implemented by the BARMM to ease poverty in the region. Launched in 2020, the JPSRSP addresses the risks and vulnerabilities that the Bangsamoro people, especially the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalized, face in times of natural and [...]

Maguindanao CBOs receive agric machinery from FAO, BARMM-implemented project funded by KOICA

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Members of four community-based organizations (CBOs) in Datu Montawal and Sultan Mastura in the Province of Maguindanao got a much-needed boost to their livelihoods as FAO, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), distributed this September several [...]

Something sweet from something spicy: Ifugao women's tasty income discovery

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

At 53, Conchita Calingayan was determined to find a way to earn more money. Being from Hungduan – one of the towns that host the famed Philippine Rice Terraces in Ifugao Province – farmers like her earn limited income because they could only produce a certain volume of rice from [...]

FAO supports conflict-affected farmers in Mindanao with agric inputs under New Zealand-funded initiative

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

FAO distributed a more than 1000 bags of fertilizer, comp[rise of 336 bags of urea and 672 bags of complete fertilizer, to rice, corn and cardava banana beneficiary-farmers of Pikit, Cotabato under the project "Support to Agri-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprises for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato." [...]

Next 18 months seen as pivotal in global efforts to reverse punishing pandemic impacts and boost actions to achieve key goals

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

More countries and communities are recognizing the need to bolster efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in light of the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on people around the world according to The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021, released by the United Nations today.

The decisions and actions [...]

FAO, Republic of Korea launch joint initiative aimed at boosting rice productivity and sustainability in the Philippines

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) have launched on 8 June an initiative aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ rice value chains and help boost the productivity of [...]

FAO Philippines Head, Australian Ambassador talk strengthening partnership at courtesy meet

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

In a courtesy meeting on 14 May with His Excellency Steven J. Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, FAO Philippines' team led by head Ms Kati Tanninen talks about further strengthening ties between FAO and long-standing partner Australia in development projects in the country.

Accompanying Ms Tanninen at the courtesy meet [...]

DAR, FAO discuss expanded partnership, potential areas of deeper collaboration

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

On 26 April, a team from FAO Philippines led by new FAOR Representative in the Philippines, Ms Kati Tanninen, held a courtesy meeting with Secretary (Atty) John Castriciones of the Department of Agrarian Reform. Accompanying Ms Tanninen were Ms Tamara Palis-Duran, Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, and Mr Alberto Aduna, National Emergency [...]

FAO, partners launch nutrition-sensitive food systems programming in BARMM initiative

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

FAO, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM) and the National Nutrition Council, officially kicked-off the project "Strengthening Capacity for Nutrition-Sensitive Food System Programmes" on 15 April through a mixed-mode inception workshop.

The inception workshop was participated in by representatives from FAO, MAFAR-BARMM, and NNC as [...]

Preparing for disasters and building resilience through anticipatory action and shock-responsive social protection

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines and partners' the German Red Cross and the Philippine Red Cross conducted a joint field mission in Legaspi, Albay and Camarines Sur on 5-7 April 2021 in preparation for a joint simulation exercise on forecast-based financing (FbF), anticipatory action and shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) slated for the first [...]

FAO, Philippines' Department of Agriculture reaffirm mutual cooperation and support to develop country's agriculture sector

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

In a virtual courtesy meeting on 29 March, new FAO Representative in the Philippines, Ms Kati Tanninen, and Agriculture Secretary William Dar, reinforced pledge to continue strong partnership to transform Philippine #agriculture to benefit all Filipinos, particularly smallholder farmers and fisherfolk.

Ms Tanninen also expressed FAO's commitment to continue supporting the [...]

FAO, New Zealand reiterate long-standing partnership in the Philippines

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

At a virtual courtesy call on 26 March, new FAO Representative in the Philippines, Ms Kati Tanninen, and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon Peter Kell, assured each other of continued strong partnership between the two agencies in agricultural development initiatives, particularly in Mindanao and the BARMM. Ms Tanninen [...]

New FAO Philippines head, Foreign Affairs chief assure continued mutual support at virtual meet

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Newly-installed Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in the Philippines, Ms. Kati Tanninen, called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. virtually on 23 March 2021 to officially present her credentials as well as to discuss areas of further collaboration between FAO and the Department [...]

Supporting youth engagement in family farming to advance agriculture and enhance food security in the Bangsamoro region

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Philippines is an agricultural country with a land area of 30 million hectares, 47% of which is agricultural land. The Agriculture sector in the Philippines contributes about 20 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, in the past decades, the Agriculture sector encountered many challenges, particularly the ageing population [...]

Poor diets, failing food systems and lack of physical activity are causing overweight and obesity in children

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

With the Philippines suffering from a triple burden of malnutrition together with other forms of undernutrition (including stunting and wasting), micronutrient deficiencies, along with overweight and obesity, the Department of Health (DOH), National Nutrition Council (NNC), FAO, WHO, and UNICEF jointly call upon the public, civil society organizations, academe, and [...]

The Nalapaan Paravet Program: pathway to peace and women empowerment in the Bangsamoro region

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Barangay Nalapaan in the municipality of Pikit is one of the 63 barangays in Cotabato province which voted to join the then newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the February 2019 referendum for the Bangsamoro Organic Law. It is a multi-cultural community predominantly composed of Muslims, [...]

COVID-19, skyrocketing food prices leave millions in Asia-Pacific hungry, malnourished, UN agencies report

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The economic impact of COVID-19 on the world’s most populous region is threatening to further undermine efforts to improve diets and nutrition of nearly two billion people in Asia and the Pacific who were already unable to afford healthy diets prior to the pandemic, says a new report published today [...]

From crisis to cash: how an indigenous women's group turned their livelihoods – and lives – around amidst the pandemic

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Lake Sebu, with its beautiful landscape, rich culture, and cool weather, is the tourism hub of South Cotabato in Mindanao, drawing local and international tourists all year round. Approximately 40 percent of the town’s income comes from tourism, which meant a huge drop in the profits of the residents, many [...]

Global Environment Facility approves over $78 million to support FAO-led projects

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the recent decision by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council to approve 13 FAO-led projects in 16 countries, totaling some $78.5 million dollars. The decision came during the 59th GEF Council Meeting and will build upon its June [...]

FAO, Philippine partners celebrate World Soil Day 2020; underscore essence of soil to humanity

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) led this year’s celebration of World Soils Day (WSD) with the theme “Keep Soil Alive, Protect Soil Biodiversity” with a commemorative event held at the BSWM Compound in Quezon City on 4 December. BSWM is the [...]

Launch of dual Zero Hunger initiatives caps Philippines' week-long celebration of World Food Day 2020

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

To mark World Food Day as well as the 75th founding anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Philippine Government launched two initiatives envisioned to help the country attain Zero Hunger as part of its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The twin Zero [...]

FAO, DA kick-off weeklong Philippines celebration of World Food Day 2020

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Underscoring the importance of growing, sustaining, and nourishing together, Agriculture Secretary William Dar took note that the poor are the most vulnerable sector towards hunger and malnutrition, during the World Food Day (WFD) kick-off on October 12, 2020 held at the DA Central Office Compound in Quezon City.

“Even if food [...]

FAO, DA assure continued and enhanced partnership to improve Philippines' agri-food systems in post-APRC meeting

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Assistant Director-General and Asia-Pacific Regional Representative Kim Jongjin and FAO Representative ad interim in the Philippines Ms Xiangjun Yao virtually met with the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar on 17 September to thank him for his support to the recently concluded 35th FAO Asia-Pacific Regional Conference [...]

Philippines highlights rising role of digital agriculture at FAO Regional Conference

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (DA), FAO's main government partner in the Philippines, said it would push for the digitalization of the country’s agriculture sector under the “new normal” to achieve its goals of reducing poverty and attaining food security in the country.

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar told delegates during the [...]

Asia-Pacific countries pledge bold, innovative actions for food security and livelihoods as they rebound from COVID-19 pandemic

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Innovation, solidarity, coherence and strong partnership among and within countries of Asia and the Pacific are required for the region to rebound from the damage caused by COVID-19 and the ongoing effects of chronic undernourishment.

That was a call made by more than 40 member countries of the Food and Agriculture [...]

FAO Asia-Pacific member countries in virtual confab to plan responses and recovery work on twin pandemics of COVID-19 and hunger

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

As COVID-19 continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across many countries of the Asia-Pacific region, it has led to setbacks in the fight to end hunger and malnutrition, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced today.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than half of the [...]

46 FAO Asia-Pacific Member Nations to chart course for securing agriculture & food systems amidst COVID-19 crisis & climate change

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The arrival of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has had a great impact on agriculture and food systems in Asia and the Pacific, a region already beset by climate and weather related challenges, such as droughts and flooding.

Supply chains have been disrupted, demand has dropped for certain foods, resulting in damage [...]

Leave no one behind: UN-BARMM program launched to help build resilience of the Bangsamoro people

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Manila/Cotabato — The top leaderships of the United Nations in the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) jointly launched today, 13 August, a programme that aims to build the resilience of households in BARMM, with special attention to poor and vulnerable households, through timely and effective responses [...]

Protecting family farmers and their farm animals from the impact of volcanic eruptions in the Philippines

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

While increasingly unpredictable, and seasonal, climate-related disasters continue to cause massive hardships for farmers and their animals in Asia and the Pacific, the world’s most disaster-prone region, volcanic eruptions can cause catastrophe.

In particular, during the last two centuries, volcanic eruptions in rural areas of Indonesia and Philippines have resulted in [...]

DOT, FAO sign partnership pact to promote farm tourism, agriculture

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

As part of its efforts to help revive the Philippines’ tourism industry devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and FAO Philippines has signed an agreement that formalized the two agencies’ partnership and commitment to push for more farm tourism development in the country.

The ceremonial signing of [...]

Invisible no more: women farmer trio exemplify women's lead role in agric development

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In a province in the southern Philippines, three elderly women farmers are proving that not only are women indispensable contributors to agriculture and the economy but also that gender and age are not -- and should not be -- hindrances to pursuing a better life for [...]

Amidst COVID-19 crisis, FAO Philippines remains "open for business"

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

FAO expresses its solidarity with the Filipino people in light of the current situation related to CoViD-19. The Country Office enjoins the nation in complying with the national government's instructions for stringent, but necessary, protocols to control and stem the spread of this disease.

In line with this, FAO Philippines [...]

FAO, Philippine partners conclude pilot initiative on developing national Food Safety Indicators

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Upon the request of the Philippine Government, FAO, through its Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), supported a pilot project titled “Development of National Food Safety Indicators with a One Health Approach”, with the Philippine College of Veterinary Public Health (PCVPH) as the service provider and in partnership [...]

Developing agriculture and agribusiness enterprises in Mindanao

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Korea International Development Agency (KOICA), held the inception meeting of the “Support to Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprises in Mindanao for Sustainable [...]

FAO consults with Philippine partners, CSOs on food security, related issues to inform regional agenda

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

FAO, for the first-time ever, held country-level consultations with its national partners and stakeholders prior to its Regional Conferences (RCs) with the goal of further strengthening their engagement and alignment with the agency’s regional priorities.

The RCs are an important component of FAO’s governing policy.

FAO completes initiatives that enhance the resilience of vulnerable Philippine farming and fishing communities

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines has accomplished strategic initiatives that contribute to the efficiency and resilience of government units and communities to natural disasters by enhancing production and risk management in agriculture and improving disaster preparedness.

Leveraging ICT to support decision-making in agriculture and fisheries
In December, FAO Philippines completed the project, “Development of [...]

Asia-Pacific needs to lift three million of its undernourished people out of hunger every month until the end of 2030 to achieve Zero Hunger

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A new report released by four UN agencies says that three million undernourished people in Asia and the Pacific must be lifted out of hunger each month from now on, if the region is to meet the SDG 2 Zero Hunger goal by the end of 2030.

With nearly half-a-billion of [...]

“Stop soil erosion. Save our future.”

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

“Stop soil erosion, save our future.” This was the unified message imparted by the key officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and FAO during the 2019 World Soil Day celebration held on December 5 at the DA’s Bureau of Soils and Water [...]

Family farming pushed to help ensure food security in the Philippines

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Experts at the 2019 edition of the annual “Knowledge Learning Market and Policy Engagement” (KLMPE) forum agree that Filipinos could weather the increasing cost of food in the market and save if they grow their own food.

“Simply put, learning how to plant and grow our own food is a [...]

Enhancing disaster resilience through finance-based forecasting

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FbF is an institutional mechanism that enhances EWEA and sets up an automatic system that triggers and funds preparedness actions before a disaster strikes. EWEA is an approach that translates warnings into anticipatory actions to reduce the impact of specific disaster events. It focuses on consolidating available forecasting information and [...]

World Food Day 2019: "Our actions are our future: Healthy diets for a #ZeroHunger world"

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines, together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), led the commemoration of this year’s World Food Day (WFD2019), which had the theme “Our Actions Are our Future. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World.”

The three-day celebration of WFD2019 kicked off with a festive opening [...]

Thanking our development partners

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines held its 2019 Development Partners’ Forum (DPF) on 26 September at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. This event is the Country Office’s centerpiece activity to promote visibility, advocacy, and deeper partner engagement. This edition of the DPF is significant as it is the last one organized [...]

FAO, BARMM ink landmark pact for agricultural livelihoods velopment projects in Mindanao

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:55:00 GMT

On 23 September 2019, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – Philippines and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) formalized their alliance with the signing of a landmark partnership agreement that includes, among others, the implementation of agricultural development projects in the Bangsamoro Region that [...]

FAO, BARMM ink landmark pact for agric livelihoods improvement in Mindanao

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FAO Philippines and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) formalized their alliance with the signing of a landmark partnership agreement that includes, among others, the implementation of agricultural development projects in the Bangsamoro Region that aims to improve the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers and [...]

FAO agrobiodiversity project: seed exchange provides farmers better yields amidst drought

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Rice may be the staple food in the Philippines, but its production is vulnerable to weather changes. Climate change has significantly affected farmers: as a crop that is heavily dependent on water, its yields drop significantly in case of droughts, which in turn lead to lower incomes for farmers. Hingyon, [...]

Food safety is everybody's responsibility

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone has the right to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Still today, almost one in ten people in the world fall ill and 420,000 die after eating contaminated food. When food is not safe, children cannot learn, adults cannot work. Human development cannot take place.

The first ever World Food Safety [...]

FAO calls for preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture

Tue, 21 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

On International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) calls for stronger actions to address the rapid and steady decline of biodiversity that are essential for food and agriculture.

This year’s celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May focus [...]

Japan, FAO extend support to empower Mindanao farmers, fisherfolk through livelihood and skills training

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Farmers and fisherfolk in Mindanao will soon receive support from the Government of Japan through agriculture-based livelihood and technical skills trainings that will help enhance productivity, improve efficiency and increase their incomes.

The Government of Japan has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for a [...]

FAO, KOICA launch partnership to support peace and development in Mindanao

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Korean Government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a partnership that will support efforts to foster sustainable peace and development in Mindanao.

Mr. Shin Myung Seop, Country Director of KOICA in the Philippines, and Mr Jose [...]

Farmers affected by Typhoon Mangkhut receive livelihood assistance from New Zealand, FAO

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Farmers in the provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte who were affected by Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) are receiving support from the New Zealand Government through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to help them recover their livelihoods after the typhoon.

Typhoon [...]

Australia provides emergency assistance to farmers affected by Typhoon Mangkhut

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Australian Government has provided PHP23 million (AUD600,000) to assist 2,000 farming families in Cagayan Province, in the most affected areas by Typhoon Ompong ("Mangkhut").

“Australia is a good friend and neighbor, and we are committed to helping families affected by Typhoon Ompong,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda [...]

Philippines launches campaign on responsible use of antimicrobials

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Philippines, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), has launched the “iAMResponsible” campaign calling for more responsible use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, to mark the World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) on 12-18 November. The theme of this year's WAAW is ‘handle antibiotics with [...]

FAO, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation to strengthen partnership on building more disaster-resilient Filipino communities

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

11 October 2018 – The ever-increasing threats from climate change, evidenced by the increasing severity and frequency of disasters, require concerted efforts to build and strengthen resilience of communities in countries most vulnerable and at-risk from disasters, like the Philippines.

In response to this challenge, and to [...]

FAO, Philippines continue to strengthen partnership on achieving food security, nutrition and agricultural development

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

29 August 2018 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Philippines have launched the new FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2018 – 2024, a six-year plan that will contribute to achieving greater food security and improved nutrition, and further develop the country’s agricultural sector.

Kundhavi [...]

FAO recognizes Philippines efforts to ensure sustainable management of marine resources

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

7 August 2018 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes the Philippines’ acceptance of two international agreements that will further boost efforts in ensuring sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.

The Philippines is a global center of marine biodiversity and boasts one of the longest [...]

CFSI, FAO to provide livelihood support to communities affected by the Marawi Crisis

Tue, 29 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Makati City, 29 May 2018 – Families who have been displaced by the Marawi siege continue to face challenges in restoring their livelihoods months after the crisis has ended.

The Marawi crisis in May to October 2017 brought massive destruction to agricultural farms resulting to limited food supply which exacerbated food [...]

FAO promotes indigenous cultures and traditions in agro-biodiversity conservation to mark the International Day of Biological Diversity

Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

24 May 2018, Manila —The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Philippines joins in the celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity (IDBD) by highlighting indigenous cultures and traditions in agro-biodiversity conservation through the participation of one of its projects in the International Food [...]

FAO, Belgium help restore food security and agricultural livelihoods in conflict-affected communities in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Communities in Marawi City and outlying municipalities in the Provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao have started on the road to recovery following the destruction left by the Marawi crisis that lasted from May to October 2017.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on rural livelihoods and industries, as [...]

FAO, legislators launch pilot parliamentary alliance for food security and nutrition in the Philippines

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA—The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is further strengthening its partnership with the Government of the Philippines to ensure food security and nutrition in the country with the launch today of the FAO Legislative Advisory Group-Philippines (FLAG-PH).

This parliamentary alliance, initially composed of 10 legislators from both [...]

FAO marks the 40th anniversary of its Representation in the Philippines

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – On the 40th anniversary of its Representation in the Philippines, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) underscored the need for increased and accelerated investments in food security, rural development, resilience-building and peace in Mindanao.

Citing the increasing hunger and malnutrition rates across the world, FAO [...]

New Zealand, UN-FAO and Philippine Government renew partnership in support of peace and development in Mindanao

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that New Zealand has earmarked US$2.5 million to support agricultural development and food security in Mindanao.

The New Zealand assistance will fund a project that is expected to reach at least 3 000 [...]

FAO urges responsible use of antimicrobials in fish production

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA, Philippines – Disease-causing bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to antimicrobial drugs, posing serious threats to human and animal health. This phenomenon, which is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR), has become an urgent global issue, pushing national governments of affected countries and international institutions to work together to ensure the [...]

National strategy to guide investments in information and communication technology for agriculture

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – Technology is changing the way countries are addressing food security, agriculture and rural development. With their accessibility and relative cost-effectiveness, information and communication technology (ICT) platforms have the potential to significantly enhance and accelerate the flow of information across a complex network of stakeholders and throughout the value [...]

Philippines forest sector agrees to roadmap to improve forest law enforcement, governance and trade

Tue, 30 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A broad coalition of Filipino stakeholders is acting to improve forest law enforcement, governance and trade (FLEGT) in the Philippines with support from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations’ FAO-EU FLEGT Programme. At its inaugural meeting, the Technical Working Group on Wood (TWGW) set out a [...]

Agriculture sector to take advantage of crowdsourcing technologies

Fri, 19 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

PAMPANGA – Could farmers with cellular phones be key to improving the speed and reliability of crop production forecasts? This is the subject of an ongoing pilot exercise being conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). [...]

Cutting edge decision support tools aid climate resilience planning and response

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – Over the last ten years, natural disasters such as typhoons, flooding and drought have cost the agriculture sector in the Philippines more than USD4 billion in damage and production losses. Amidst growing risks from weather extremes and climate change, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) [...]

FAO develops compliance manual on animal health and welfare for small-scale aquaculture certification

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA - A group of international experts on small-scale aquaculture, aquaculture certification and aquatic animal health convened in the Philippines to begin the development of the first of a three-volume series of compliance manuals to support small-scale aquaculture certification. The exercise, spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the [...]

Region III farmers optimistic on recovery after widespread destruction

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – As livelihood recovery efforts continue, farmers in the rice-producing provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija are optimistic that the upcoming harvest can help them rebound from the devastating impacts of Typhoon Sarika and Super Typhoon Haima (local names: Karen and Lawin).

At least 4 300 families [...]

FAO and New Zealand partner to support conflict- and drought-affected municipalities in Cotabato Province

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

PIGKAWAYAN, Cotabato Province – Farming and fishing families in Mindanao are no stranger to both natural and human-induced disasters. For over four decades now, their lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by recurrent displacement as a result of periodic armed clashes. In the past five years, strong typhoons and widespread [...]

FAO, DA unveil operations centre for disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation in agriculture

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) inaugurated the country’s first Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (DRRM) for agriculture.

Envisioned to be a monitoring hub for natural calamities that pose a threat to the agriculture sector, the centre [...]

Countries in Asia-Pacific race against the clock to overcome antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Bangkok, Thailand – Representatives from countries in Asia and the Pacific have pledged to take immediate action to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The pledge was made with the support and collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health [...]

A data revolution to build a Zero Hunger world

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

ROME - Countries and international organizations need to make "tremendous" efforts and increase their investments to improve national statistical capacities to monitor progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.

This was the key message delivered by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva today at the start of the 7th International Conference on Agricultural [...]

Agriculture and development leaders highlight urgent need for climate action

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – On the occasion of World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) calls on countries to accelerate efforts that will enable agriculture and food systems to adapt to climate change. The Organization warns that inaction could result in millions of people more suffering [...]

FAO supports Philippines in strengthening climate change adaptation in agriculture

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – In a bid to intensify its efforts to cushion the agriculture sector from climate change impacts, the Philippines has joined a multi-country initiative that seeks to strengthen the capacities of governments to plan, fund and operationalize climate response strategies.

The “Integrating Agriculture in National Adaptation Plans (NAP-Ag) programme,” which [...]

EDUCATE, VACCINATE, ELIMINATE: Achieving zero human deaths from dog- transmitted rabies by 2030

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

- Joint statement by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Today, on the occasion of World Rabies Day, WHO, OIE and FAO are calling on countries to accelerate efforts to combat rabies in three steps:

FAO, BFAR address biodiversity loss in Samar Sea

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that by 2050, catches of main fish species could decline by up to 40 percent in the tropics, where livelihoods, food and nutrition security strongly depend on the fisheries sector.

In the Samar Sea however, the situation [...]

FAO expands El Niño response in Mindanao

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Kidapawan City – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has expanded its El Niño response operations in Mindanao to provide farm inputs to an additional 5 500 small-scale farming households and improve the resilience of communities in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Region [...]

Restoring fisheries livelihoods in conflict-affected communities

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Zamboanga City – Decades of armed conflict have been a constant test of resilience for farmers and fishers in several provinces in the southern part of the Philippines. In 2013, more than 120 000 people in Zamboanga City were displaced by a violent stand-off between the military and armed members of the [...]

When it comes to its humanitarian work, FAO is in it for the long haul

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrated every 19 August, World Humanitarian Day provides an annual reminder of the continuing need for collective action to alleviate suffering and want around the globe. It is also an occasion to honour the humanitarian workers and volunteers toiling on the frontlines of crises. Here, we reflect on FAO's activities [...]

FAO study: Fair deals for agrarian reform beneficiaries crucial to fighting rural poverty

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – Through Administrative Order 4, Series of 2016, the Department of Agrarian Reform has adopted recommendations from a recent study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the effectiveness of agribusiness venture arrangements (AVAs) in improving the socio-economic conditions of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) [...]

OECD and FAO see likely end to period of high agricultural prices but urge vigilance

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Food demand to rise strongly in coming decade; production gains alone will not suffice to eradicate hunger - action needed

4 July 2016, Rome - The recent period of high agricultural commodity prices is most likely over, say the OECD and FAO in their latest 10-year Outlook. But the two organisations warn [...]

La Niña preparedness and response is top priority for FAO, DA

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Manila – As the country braces for the onset of La Niña by October, experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) convened a National La Niña Action Planning Workshop to cushion the agriculture sector from potentially devastating impacts.

The Philippine [...]

Disaster-affected rice farmers in Central Luzon reap first harvest for 2016

Tue, 10 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

PAMPANGA – Rice farmers in Central Luzon are seeing a glimmer of hope after successive natural disasters swept their crop fields in 2015. About 18 900 of them who were able to re-plant their damaged farms with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership [...]

Drone mission in drought-stricken Iloilo to help strengthen disaster assessment protocols

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

ILOILO – Drones were flown over agricultural areas in drought-stricken Iloilo Province to advance aerial assessment procedures and inform disaster preparedness and response efforts. The mission was deployed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a follow on to [...]

Palawan coastal towns support declaration of closed fishing season

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Palawan – Fisherfolk in 11 coastal towns in the Calamianes group of islands have unanimously expressed support for the declaration of monthly closed periods for rabbitfish fishing to protect the spawning populations of the species.

This comes soon after the launch of their community-level Fisheries Improvement Plans (FIPs), which [...]

Indigenous women represent Philippines in global leadership school

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Manila – Sixteen women from across the Cordillera Administrative Region and Mindanao are representing the Philippines in the Global Leadership School of Indigenous Women spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Indigenous Women Forum (IIWF-FIMI).

Implemented in Bolivia, Peru, India and [...]

FAO and DA initiate use of drones for disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Pampanga – Drones were launched to officially mark a joint undertaking by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to initiate the use of the technology for disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector.

“The adoption of modern technologies in [...]

Community-based forestry can be a driving force in boosting sustainability and people's livelihoods

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Clark, Philippines/Rome - Community-based forestry has shown itself to be a potent vehicle for promoting [...]

Backed by a global accord on climate change, Asia-Pacific forestry leaders gather to set agenda through 2020

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Clark, Pampanga, Philippines – Key forestry leaders from Asia-Pacific began deliberations today [23 February 2016] on a series of critical natural resources issues challenging the region. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to the negative impacts of climate change are among the priority topics on the agenda for the five-day [...]

Philippines to host Asia-Pacific Forestry Week 2016

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

MANILA – More than 1 000 government and forestry and natural resources officials, and representatives of international and non-government organizations and forest industries from over 30 countries are expected to gather at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga from 22 to 26 February for Asia-Pacific Forestry Week 2016.

Spearheaded by the [...]

Mobile clinic to enable early coconut pest detection and rapid response

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

AKLAN – In response to the serious threat of coconut pests to the recovery of coconut plantations in Western Visayas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) launched the first mobile coconut pest clinic in the region.

The [...]

FAO, DA work together to restore livelihoods of typhoon-hit farmers in Central Luzon

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Manila – Rice farmers in Central Luzon whose livelihoods were severely affected by two successive typhoons in the last quarter of 2015 have much to look forward to as 2016 begins. Through the partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture [...]

FAO emphasizes need to strengthen human resource capacities for effective agricultural mechanization

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Manila – As efforts are sustained to hit the 2016 target for raising farm mechanization levels in the Philippines, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the need to strengthen human resource capacities to ensure that investments are maximized.

Since 2010, the Department of Agriculture has been [...]

FAO calls for support to mobilize a six-year Mindanao strategic programme for the agriculture sector

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recently convened members of the donor community as part of its efforts to mobilize resources to fund the implementation of a six-year strategic framework for Mindanao’s agriculture sector.

The Mindanao Strategic Programme for Agriculture and Agribusiness (MSPAA), which [...]

Farmers and fisherfolk are portraits of resilience after Haiyan

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Tacloban – The road to recovery was not easy for farmers and fisherfolk who lost almost everything they had when Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) struck on 8 November 2013. Many of them were already hard-pressed to make ends meet even before the disaster and the will to rebuild their [...]

IRRI provides genome sequences of 3 000 rice varieties to International Treaty

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome - Genome sequences of more than 3,000 rice varieties have been placed with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) by the world's leading rice research institute in a move boosting plans to set up a global data exchange system for crop genetic resources.

The [...]

“Common currency” for measuring food insecurity reveals millions still chronically hungry

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila – The Philippines continues to take significant steps in assessing the food security situation in the country through the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Currently used in 40 countries, the IPC is an internationally-recognized process to determine and analyse the severity and causes and of acute and chronic [...]

FAO and UNDP join forces under German-funded initiative to raise profile of agriculture in climate change planning

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome/Bangkok - A new UN programme funded by Germany will help eight developing countries revamp and strengthen their adaptation responses to climate change.

Through the Integrating Agriculture in National Adaptation Plans programme, FAO and UNDP will work with ministries of agriculture in Nepal, Kenya, the Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, Uruguay, Viet Nam [...]

Central Mindanao farmers catch the planting season with FAO assistance

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Maguindanao – Agriculture-dependent families in Maguindanao are still reeling from the residual impact of conflict, drought and flooding that affected the province in succession during the first half of 2015. In order to meet the first cropping season of the year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [...]

Building more resilient farming communities after Typhoon Haiyan

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Tacloban - To help build the resilience of small-scale rice, corn and coconut-based farming communities severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan, some 40,000 households are receiving recovery support in the form of water- and pest-resistant storage containers, along with training that will help farmers to protect their seeds and reduce post-harvest losses.

One [...]

Achieving Zero Hunger: Combining social protection with pro-poor investments

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome - Eradicating world hunger sustainably by 2030 will require an estimated additional $267 billion per year on average for investments in rural and urban areas and in social protection, so poor people have access to food and can improve their livelihoods, a new UN report says. This would average $160 [...]

NZ Ambassador visits Haiyan-affected coconut farming community in Leyte.

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - During a recent field visit to an FAO project site in the Leyte community of Malitobgay, Ambassador David Strachan from the New Zealand (NZ) Embassy praised the coconut farmers for their recovery efforts.

The field visit included a tour of a contour farming site that was developed by the [...]

Asia-Pacific region achieves MDG hunger target, but millions still chronically hungry

Fri, 29 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - The Asia-Pacific region has achieved the Millennium Development Goals’ hunger target (MDG-1c) of halving the proportion of undernourished people in 2015, however there are still 490 million people in the region, two-thirds of the world’s population, suffering chronic hunger according to a regional report on the state of [...]

Agencies convene to develop integrated pest management strategies against coconut-scale insect infestation

Thu, 28 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

LOS BANOS, LAGUNA -- Representatives from the Government, research and academic institutions, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will convene today in an international conference to develop sustainable Integrated Pest Management strategies against the coconut scale insect (CSI) at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for [...]

Angling for gender equality in the seafood industry

Thu, 21 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

– While women are estimated to make up nearly half of all people in the fisheries sector, their work often goes unrecognized and underpaid, their access to opportunities and resources remains limited and their representation in positions of leadership trails far behind other industries.

These are among the key findings of a

Food waste & loss – the blind spot in the fight against hunger – 7 tips on how to reduce food waste!

Thu, 14 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome - Whether we categorize uneaten food as “lost” or “wasted” depends on when it falls off the food chain. Imagine how everything we eat travels across a food chain, a complex journey that stretches from farm to table. Studies show that an astounding 1/3 of all the food we [...]

Philippines takes first steps towards a national DRR strategy for agriculture

Fri, 08 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - While the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, it is also one of the most advanced countries in implementing the shift from a reactive emergency response to a proactive risk reduction approach. Now, through the leadership of the Department of Agriculture (DA), together [...]

Sustainable Agriculture: key to lasting peace in Mindanao

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - In 2014, ten of the 16 poorest provinces in the Philippines were in Mindanao. Poor access to basic services and limited economic opportunities are results of disruptions and uncertainties caused by conflict and natural disasters in the region.

More than half of the population in Autonomous Region of Muslim [...]

Forestry experts meet in Manila to strengthen tools that promote sustainable forestry practices in Asia

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - Representatives from government forestry ministries and agencies, inter-governmental and non-governmental bodies, the private sector and organizations in Asia will meet this week to strengthen policies and practice on sustainable forest management in the region.

Jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the [...]

Contour farming puts farmers back on the path to recovery

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - Building the resilience of farmers is a key priority of FAO’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. For farmers whose coconut stands were destroyed by the typhoon, this means being provided with a stable source of alternative livelihood that can be sustained even with limited [...]

Healthy soils are the foundation of food production

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome - Healthy soils are the foundation of global food production and ought to become a key agenda item in public policy, said Moujahed Achouri, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, addressing the third Global Soil Week in Berlin today.

Global Soil Week brings together [...]

For developing countries, new opportunities in geothermal energy

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome -- Geothermal energy, the flow of heat energy radiating from the earth’s core, provides unique opportunities for cost efficient, sustainable food production and processing in developing countries, says a new report published by FAO today.

In some developing economies, as much as half of all food produced is lost post-harvest – [...]

FAO project helps seaweed farmers regain livelihoods after Haiyan

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila - When Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck in November 2013, it severely damaged and destroyed many seaweed facilities and production, crippling the income of Filipino coastal farmers who relied on this as their main source of livelihood.

The Philippines is one of the [...]

Green Super Rice gives Bicol farmers higher yield

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila, Philippines - Fronting the Pacific Ocean, Bicol is one of the Philippines’ most disaster-prone regions, but farmers here now have a reason to expect higher productivity in spite of more challenging weather conditions. This is thanks to Green Super Rice (GSR) lines and other stress-tolerant rice varieties that are being [...]

FAO aims to increase funds for nutrition and climate change

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Rome - FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva today opened a week-long session of the organization's executive council, with an appeal to its members to approve a proposal including more funds to be directed at nutrition and climate change issues.

He expressed hope that FAO's member countries would reach consensus this week [...]

Haiyan rehabilitation project for rice farmers closes with ceremony in Ormoc

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Manila, Philippines - FAO, ILO and Save the Children recently marked the closure of the DFID-funded project supporting small-scale rice and corn farming communities that were severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Leyte province. The project focused on the synergies between the three agencies: restoration of livelihoods, income generation, food [...]

FAO praises government for early typhoon warnings to Philippine farmers and fishers

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Manila, Philippines - Philippine farmers and fishers have felt the full force of typhoon Hagupit (locally known as Ruby) which has now swept through seven regions of the country, including the Visayas and MIMAROPA areas that were severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan 12 months ago.

FAO-Representative in the Philippines, José Luis [...]

Farmers and Fishers Prepare for Typhoon Hagupit/Ruby

Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Philippine farmers and fishers are bracing for typhoon Hagupit (locally known as Ruby) which is expected to make landfall in Northern or Eastern Samar on Sunday morning.

While the typhoon’s track remains uncertain, Hagupit/Ruby is projected to hit various regions that were already severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan 12 months ago, [...]

Philippines moves closer to eradicating hunger

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The Philippines was one of thirteen countries yesterday that won recognition from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for outstanding progress in fighting hunger, an achievement which includes reaching international targets ahead of the end-of-2015 deadline.

Along with the Philippines, the countries of Brazil, Cameroon, [...]

International Year of Family Farming closes after giving fresh momentum to this vital sector

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

IYFF brought new political commitment in support of the world’s more than 500 million family farms

Rome/Manila, Officials and representatives from family farmers' international networks, cooperatives, the private sector, academia and UN agencies, today marked the formal closure of the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) by stressing how [...]

Countries vow to combat malnutrition through firm policies and actions

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Ministers and top officials from over 170 countries endorse political Declaration and Framework for Action to tackle hunger and obesity at Second International Conference on Nutrition

In a major step towards eradicating malnutrition worldwide, over 170 countries today made a number of concrete commitments and adopted a [...]

Typhoon Haiyan - One Year Later

Sat, 08 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

One year after Typhoon Haiyan devastated coastal and farmland areas in the central Philippines, farmers and fishers are well on the road to recovery and building more resilient livelihoods. FAO, in close collaboration with the government of the Philippines, is reaching out to communities in severely affected areas [...]

EU Ambassador lauds fishing communities' sustainable rehabilitation efforts

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Leyte, Philippines –Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union (EU) has lauded the fisherfolks of Abuyog, commending them for their remarkable resilience, particularly in playing their part in community-based rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda), during a field visit to the typhoon-ravaged community today.

Ambassador [...]

World Food Day - “Feeding the world, caring for the earth”

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Every year, on 16 October, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been promoting international awareness on and mobilizing support in eradicating poverty and alleviating hunger by providing food security and nutrition, and achieving sustainable development, particularly in vulnerable farming and fishing communities.

This [...]

FAO with the support of UK-DFID to develop first-of-its-kind hybrid boat for Typhoon Haiyan-affected fisherfolk

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Small-scale fishers whose livelihoods were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan will soon have access to a newhybrid boat developed jointly by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Government’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), FAO has announced.

The [...]

Six months after disaster, Philippine farmers bring in the harvest

Wed, 07 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Tens of thousands of farmers are bringing in the first rice harvest six months after one of the worst typhoons to ever hit the Philippines left their fields in tatters and their livelihoods at risk, FAO announced today.

After