PHILIPPINES – Local leaders, agriculture experts, and reform advocates gathered in Medellin, northern Cebu, for the region’s first Food Security Forum, aiming to push policies and collaborations toward making the Philippine province food-sufficient.
The forum, hosted by Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon, convened mayors from various municipalities, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders in what organizers described as a landmark effort to address Cebu’s food security challenges.
The event was organized with the help of Doctors for Reform – Parallel Group, led by Dr. Ronald Oporto, alongside logistics support from Ed Mendez.
According to organizers, the initiative reflects growing concern over Cebu’s reliance on food imports and the need to strengthen local agricultural production.
Former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol attended the forum, offering policy insights and experience.
He was joined by other resource speakers, including Arnel Corpus, a livestock specialist known for promoting sustainable Wagyu cattle farming in the Philippines.
Corpus shared strategies on agri-business innovation and livestock sustainability.
“Strong participation from municipal representatives across northern Cebu sends a clear message that food self-sufficiency is a shared priority for the region,” said one of the event’s coordinators.
The Philippines, including Cebu, remains dependent on food imports such as rice and livestock products despite having significant agricultural potential.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the country imported around 3.5 million metric tons of rice in 2024, the bulk of which went to urban centers like Cebu City.
Forum participants discussed key measures, including modernizing farming practices, supporting local livestock production, and creating policies that support farmers’ income stability.
Organizers emphasized that this was just the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at building a more resilient and self-sustaining food system for Cebu province.
Follow-up meetings are expected in the coming months to formalize working groups and action plans.
Business News Asia
