News Details

DA launches 2025 World Food Day celebration, urges united action for sustainable and food-secure future

NPO

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October 9, 2025

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially kicked off the 2025 World Food Day (WFD) celebration, highlighting the importance of collective and sustained efforts to transform agricultural and food systems for a better, more resilient future.

The celebration began on October 6, carrying this year’s global theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” The message underscores the need for unity and shared responsibility in addressing the challenges of food security and sustainability.

“This year’s theme speaks directly to the heart of what we do in the Philippines. It calls us to unite in transforming our food systems,” said Undersecretary Constante Palabrica, who delivered the message of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. during the ceremony.

Palabrica emphasized that the Philippines—blessed with fertile lands and rich marine resources—has both the opportunity and obligation to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all Filipinos.

He said the call to action means “bridging gaps, combining strengths, and collectively building a brighter, food-secure future,” where every sector contributes to resilient food systems that can withstand climate and market challenges.

“By working hand in hand, we empower each other to take ownership of our food systems,” Palabrica said. “Whether it’s a farmer adopting innovative planting methods, a cooperative pooling resources, or a community promoting sustainable fishing—every effort matters.”

He also encouraged broader participation from all sectors, particularly the youth, cooperatives, and the scientific community, to embrace innovation, promote fair trade, and develop climate-resilient crops to modernize Philippine agriculture.

Also present at the kickoff event were DA Undersecretary for Administration and 2025 WFD Chairperson Allan Umali, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Policy Officer Toshio Murakami, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie.

In his message, Murakami reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to partnering with the DA in supporting Filipino farmers through institutional market linkages and initiatives that promote nutritious local food production.

Meanwhile, Dabbadie emphasized that food represents more than sustenance—it embodies culture, identity, dignity, health, and peace. He said transforming food systems is “no longer a choice but a necessity,” urging stronger collaboration among government, partners, and communities to address climate change and other pressures on agriculture.

“Food is hope,” Dabbadie stressed, reaffirming FAO’s support for the Philippines in shaping policies, mobilizing investments, and sharing global expertise toward sustainable development.

As part of the opening activities, the DA launched an exhibit showcasing programs and partnerships with farmers’ cooperatives and associations that exemplify the shared vision of ensuring that no Filipino goes hungry.

The celebration will continue leading up to World Food Day on October 16, which also marks the 80th founding anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

NPO News Team | DA-AFID PR