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DA and FAO Unite for a Hunger-Free Future: Philippines Marks World Food Day with Call for Global Solidarity

NPO

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October 19, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) renewed their shared mission to build a peaceful, sustainable, and food-secure world during this year’s World Food Day (WFD) celebration, highlighting the power of collaboration in ensuring a better future for all last week.

In a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, DA and FAO officials joined the global community in a collective pledge to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and equity within food systems. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future!”, underscores the importance of unity and global cooperation to eradicate hunger and transform the way the world produces and consumes food.

President Marcos and Secretary Laurel Lead the Call for Collective Action

In a heartfelt video message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the country’s firm commitment to sustainable agriculture and food accessibility.

“The Philippine government, through the Department of Agriculture, remains committed to making safe and nutritious food readily available and accessible to every Filipino,” the President said, urging everyone to work together to build a future where no one is left hungry.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., also delivering his message virtually, called on Filipinos to take part in this shared responsibility — from supporting local farmers to reducing food waste and making healthier dietary choices.

“Food security is a collective mission,” Secretary Laurel said. “Let’s keep working hand in hand with full hearts and full plates toward a future where no one goes hungry.”

FAO Reaffirms Partnership with the Philippines

Assistant FAO Representative for Programme Dulce Carandang reaffirmed the organization’s steadfast support to the DA, noting that the path toward a food-secure and resilient Philippines requires urgent and continuous action.

“The journey toward a food-secure and resilient nation is far from over. FAO remains a steadfast partner in this shared mission to nourish the country and the world,” Carandang said.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Poster Making Contest Winners Honored

As part of the celebration, the DA and FAO recognized five young artists whose works best captured the spirit of this year’s World Food Day theme in the National On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest, organized by the DA-Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-AFID) and participated in by students from 14 regions nationwide.

Top Five Winners:

• Jade Maxene C. Arevalo, Pasonanca Elementary School (Region IX)

• Yonna B. Yalung, San Isidro Elementary School (Region III)

• Athena Marvienne B. Alidro, Baybay I Central School (Region VIII)

• Enrique S. Lunop, San Roque Central Elementary School (Region XI)

• Andre Alexis A. Dacayo, SPED Integrated School (Region XII)

Each winner received a ₱20,000 cash prize and a plaque from FAO, while all regional participants received ₱5,000 each in recognition of their artistic advocacy for food security.

Lighting the Way Toward a Sustainable Tomorrow

The culminating ceremony was led by DA Undersecretary for Administration and 2025 WFD Chair Allan Q. Umali, FAO Assistant Representative Dulce Carandang, World Food Programme Representative David Jo, and Quezon City Nutrition Section Head Jirah Sideco, along with senior DA officials and partners from various sectors.

Together, they reaffirmed a unified vision: a Philippines where every plate is full, every farmer is empowered, and every community is resilient.

NPO News Team | DA – AFID - FAO Philippines – PR