By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged member states of the United Nations (UN) on Wednesday, Sept. 21, to put more investment in measures ensuring food security and improved agricultural productivity.
Marcos stressed in his UN General Assembly address that sustainable solutions must be sought to preserve the planet in building a resilient and inclusive future.
“This requires investment in food security, the fragility of which has been clearly demonstrated by the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine,” he said.
“We need to take concrete steps towards a modern and resilient agriculture, for food is not just a trade commodity nor is it just a livelihood. It is an existential imperative, and a moral one. It is the very basis of human security,” he added.
He cited the crafting of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the provision of innovative solutions and financial assistance to workers in the agriculture sector.
These, he said, will aid farmers and fisherfolk “adapt new technologies and connect to national and global value supply chains.”
Marcos, who heads the Philippine Department of Agriculture, said he is anticipating cooperation with the UN and its partners in strengthening agricultural productivity and food security.
The chief executive also put emphasis on the use of sustainable solutions as he called for enhanced cooperation in protecting biodiversity amid the challenges posed by climate change. – gb
