SFA Locsin, new FAO Representative in the PH, Ms. Kati Tanninen commits to strengthen partnership to enhance food security in the PH

Newly-appointed FAO Representative in the Philippines Ms. Kati Tanninen (left) calls on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (right) virtually on 23 March 2021. (DFA-UNIO photo)

PASAY CITY 24 March 2021 – Newly-appointed Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in the Philippines Ms. Kati Tanninen called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. virtually on 23 March 2021.

During the meeting, Secretary Locsin stated that FAO’s technical support has been invaluable in the food security and nutrition aspect of the Government’s COVID-19 response. Its assessment of the impacts of the pandemic on food supply chains in the Philippines will inform the national government’s interventions to support recovery of the agricultural sector, facilitate effective mobilization of resources towards more sustainable food production systems, and enhance knowledge and capacities of stakeholders. 

He also commended FAO’s work and contribution to peace-building initiatives and economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remains committed to continue its cooperation with FAO in its work in eradicating poverty and hunger in the Philippines.  

Ms. Tanninen assured of FAO’s continued engagement and collaboration with the government in the areas of food security, resilience, climate change, disasters, agricultural productivity, and fisheries, among others. She recognized DFA’s important role in coordinating with different agencies and stakeholders as both agencies work towards contributing to the Philippines’ national development goals. END