AIS and SDSN PH hold webinar on food availability, sustainability, and access

Last 1 March 2023, a webinar entitled “Securing Food: Availability, Sustainability and Access” was organized by the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability (AIS), Ateneo de Manila University; Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan; Xavier Science Foundation; Ateneo de Davao University; and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN PH). Moderated by Ateneo School of Government Dean Dr Philip Arnold P Tuaño, the event featured presentations from three experts in the fields of agriculture and economics, reactions from two sectoral representatives, and a brief open forum.  

Dr Fermin D Adriano, former Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Agriculture (DA), began the webinar by detailing the underperformance of the Philippines’ agricultural sector in comparison to ASEAN neighbors, and domestically to the service and industry sectors. This has led to a marginally higher poverty index in agricultural areas, while also contributing to rising inflation in food prices. He proposed that the country needs to move away from restrictive economic policies, such as high tariffs, land fragmentation, and rice centricity, in favor of strategies that promote agricultural stability, innovation, and diversification. He also expressed his hope that the state embraces a more developmental role, instead of a regulatory one, in supporting Filipino farmers.

The second speaker, former Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Ateneo Economics Professor Dr Cielito F Habito stressed the difference between food security from food self-sufficiency. He maintained that the Philippines’ pursuit of self-sufficiency via protectionist policies has manufactured much of the country’s current food insecurity. Dr Habito also focused on the social threats posed by widespread malnutrition, warning that early stunting in children may lead to brain underdevelopment, cognitive deficiencies, and ultimately, a less productive workforce. Moving forward, Dr Habito echoed Dr Adriano’s calls for easing protectionist trade policies, and also pushed for the government to embrace a “provincialization” of agricultural development.

Wrapping up the lineup of speakers was Mr Patriciano Jude Esguerra III, a policy consultant for the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros and former Undersecretary at the National Anti-poverty Commission (NAPC). Mr Esguerra’s talk centered around more micro-level challenges of food security.  He first discussed the inadequacies of the crop insurance system, urging for the involvement of the private sector and the switch to weather-based insurance indices to improve coverage. Secondly, he underpinned the importance of expanding cold storage capacity to support agricultural productivity and diversity. And thirdly, he called for the end of government coordination in cartel-like activities, particularly in the importation of goods.

The event also featured sharings from two reactors. Representing the student sector, Ms Kristal Noriz T Ras, an agriculture student from Xavier University, linked the low productivity and gains in agriculture to a growing disinclination among the youth towards pursuing careers in the field. Lastly, Ka Rene Cerillo, the Advocacy and Paralegal Affairs Officer of the Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka, elevated everyday concerns of farmers, such as the additional costs of agricultural inputs, the lack of storage facilities and subsequent loss in profitable produce, and the growing discouragement of farmers due to economic burdens.

Attended by over 250 participants across Zoom, Facebook, and Youtube, the webinar was the first in a 5-part series on the “Policy and Governance of Sustainable Food Systems”. Participants were mostly from the Philippines, with international attendees originating from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Croatia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Vietnam. This is also the first public event of the SDG2 Zero Hunger Project of SDSN PH since its formulation and the appointment of Mr Edgardo Valenzuela as its Project Coordinator. Prior to this, several webinar series were organized by an informal working group composed of food advocates from various universities. The second webinar is set to take place on 3 May 2023 with the focus being on Social Protection and Safety Nets.