President Marcos Pushes for Food Security at WEF

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of food security through increased productivity in agriculture and fisheries during a session on nutrition security at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He proposed the use of climate-resilient technologies and the promotion of urban and vertical farming, as well as community gardening as ways to boost food production. President Marcos announced that the government will focus on productivity-enhancing interventions for the agricultural sector while focusing on the impact of climate change. He also highlighted the importance of the distribution sector, specifically mentioning government-funded programs such as school feeding programs and pandemic assistance. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of food security through increased productivity in agriculture and fisheries during a session on nutrition security at the World Economic Forum in Davos. President Marcos proposed the use of climate-resilient technologies and the promotion of urban and vertical farming, as well as community gardening as ways to boost food production.

According to the 2021 Global Food Security Index, the Philippines ranks 64th out of 113 countries in terms of food security metrics. Marcos emphasized the need for further action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims for Zero Hunger. He acknowledged that nutrition challenges differ from country to country, and emphasized the need for interventions that make food available, affordable, and accessible, particularly in light of the looming global food and energy shortage.

Marcos also announced that the government will focus on productivity-enhancing interventions for the agricultural sector while focusing on The impact of climate change. President Marcos also highlighted the importance of the distribution sector, specifically mentioning government-funded programs such as school feeding programs and pandemic assistance.

In an interview on the way to Switzerland, Marcos defended the recent importation of onions, saying that the government had no choice but to import them due to a lack of local production. He stated that the administration is working to increase the production of onions and other products to avoid future imports. He also announced plans to maintain a two-month buffer stock to ensure a steady supply. 

The Sugar Regulatory Administration is also drafting a plan to import up to 450,000 metric tons of refined sugar in response to his directive.

Overall, Marcos emphasized the need for sustainable and productive solutions to food security, through both government efforts and community participation. He aims to make food more accessible, affordable, and nutritious for all Filipinos.

Photo by Evangeline Shaw on Unsplash