Philippines urges closer ASEAN ties to strengthen food security
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said trade arrangements and investment between ASEAN members could help address shortages when domestic output is strained.
The Philippines is seeking closer integration within ASEAN to bolster food security and broaden market connections. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called on member countries to strengthen cooperation, citing climate and geopolitical challenges affecting farming and food output.
Tiu Laurel said stronger trading arrangements and reciprocal investment between members were essential to tackling supply shortages when local production faced pressure. He also raised the possibility of extending the Philippine “Big Brother, Small Brother” programme across the region. The initiative pairs small agricultural entrepreneurs with larger businesses to develop their capabilities.
In the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture implements the initiative through Adapt-A-Coop, which connects cooperatives with mentors from the private sector. Their guidance covers accounting for costs, improving packaging and tailoring promotion to markets. The programme also seeks to strengthen management, financial literacy and productivity while widening farmers’ access to buyers.
Tiu Laurel emphasised that smallholders needed stronger financial and business skills, including an understanding of production and marketing costs and how to reach suitable markets. The programme aims to connect farms directly with commercial buyers, limiting reliance on intermediaries and helping producers obtain better prices.
