DFA, IFAD Reaffirm Commitment to Food Security and Rural Development
IFAD Asia Pacific Regional Director Ms. Reehana Raza and Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo concluded a productive discussion on how IFAD and the Philippines can strengthen collaboration in the area of poverty reduction and food security. (DFA-OPCD photo by James Ryan Artiaga)
PASAY CITY 29 May 2023 - Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo and International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD) Asia Pacific Regional Director Ms. Reehana Raza pledged to strengthen cooperation and partnership between IFAD and the Philippines in promoting food security, agricultural modernization, and rural development during the latter’s call at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on 22 May 2023.
“We appreciate IFAD's unwavering commitment in supporting the Philippines’ development aspirations, particularly in uplifting the lives of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk in rural areas. IFAD plays a significant role in promoting inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and empowering rural communities in our country. The Philippine government is fully dedicated to working hand in hand with IFAD to create meaningful impact and transform the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society," said the Undersecretary.
During the call, the Undersecretary and Ms. Raza exchanged insights on the strategic integration of IFAD's initiatives with the national development priorities outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). Both parties expressed their commitment to fostering collaboration and synergies to effectively address development challenges in remote and rural areas.
The discussion also highlighted IFAD’s priorities in the Philippines, as the organization seeks to strengthen its collaboration with relevant Philippine government agencies as well as other UN entities driving the global food security agenda such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Undersecretary Domingo conveyed the Philippines’ interest to partner with IFAD in initiatives related to south-south and triangular cooperation (SSTC) with the Philippines as a potential source of development assistance. This collaboration would enable the sharing of best practices, expertise, and resources between the Philippines and other countries in the Asia Pacific region, further strengthening regional development and resilience.
The Philippines has been a pioneering member of IFAD since 1978 and has worked closely with the international financial institution to implement close to 20 projects worth close to US$ 1 billion. IFAD’s projects in the Philippines focus on rural agricultural development.
The courtesy call served as an important platform for reinforcing the partnership between IFAD and the Philippines, highlighting the shared commitment to implementing the PDP and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Undersecretary Domingo was accompanied by Office of the United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) Division 1 Director Ms. Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia while Ms. Raza was joined by IFAD Country Representative Mr. Umit Mansiz, Country Programme Officer Ms. Ma. Genesis Catindig-Reyes, and Senior Adviser and former Country Representative Mr. Yolando C. Arban. END