News Details

PH Backs Regenerative Farming to Tackle Climate Threats, Strengthen ASEAN Ties

NPO

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October 3, 2025

MANILA – The Philippines is ramping up efforts to adopt regenerative and resilient agricultural systems as part of its strategy to address climate change, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday.

The DA emphasized regional partnerships during the 47th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) held in Pasay City, where member-states discussed shared challenges such as rising heat indices and extreme weather events.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that Southeast Asian countries face similar climate risks, underscoring the need for predictive tools and adaptive technologies.

“There’s already global warming, the heat index is rising, and when it is hot, the spread [of its effects] is really there. A lot of technologies are needed for predictions to address these issues,” he said.

Among the advancements highlighted were studies from the University of Singapore that provide rainfall and heat index forecasts, which Laurel said will help guide ASEAN members in climate adaptation planning.

The forum also showcased technologies such as alternate wet-and-dry rice production, advanced irrigation, smart farming tools, and greenhouse systems designed to lower costs, conserve water, and rejuvenate soils. Pest and disease management research was also underscored, given the growing global risks to food security.

“The main goal is to produce more, use less water, rejuvenate the soil, get more planting materials, and eradicate pests and diseases,” Laurel said.

ASEAN ministers further endorsed regional cooperation efforts, including the ASEAN Vision for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (FAF) Towards 2045, the FAF Sectoral Plan 2026-2030, the ASEAN Implementation Plan for Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture Systems as a Priority Economic Deliverable (PED), with the Philippines set to chair ASEAN in 2026, and the ASEAN One Billion Trees Growing Programme Initiative.

— NPO News Team | PNA-PR