©FAO/Veejay Villfranca ©FAO/Veejay Villfranca 2018 - Issue #4 2018 - Issue

Supporting Aquaculture Resources Mapping and Resources Aquaculture Supporting Solutions ICT-based Through Development Planning Early action to protect livelihood ofEarly action to protect rice farmers in Mindanao against El Niño Philippines launches campaign on responsible use ofPhilippines launches campaign on responsible antimicrobials Transforming Bangsamoro communities intro agro- intro communities Bangsamoro Transforming economic areas Visit to the Philippines of Permanent and Alternate Alternate and Philippines of to the Visit Permanent of of Member States FAO Representatives Farming households displaced by Marawi conflict households displaced by Marawi Farming CERF FAO, assistance from receive Australia provides emergency assistance to farmers emergency provides Australia Mangkhut Typhoon by affected Featured Stories Featured to Foundation Philippine Disaster Resilience FAO, disaster- more on building partnership strengthen communities Filipino resilient FAO Philippines Newsletter Philippines FAO Cover photo: A farmer in Pampanga. WELCOME reetings from the FAO FAO has been supporting the Philippines Contents Representation in the Philippines! Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources FAO, Philippine Disaster GI present to you the fourth quarter (BFAR) in promoting sustainable practices Resilience Foundation to issue of our country newsletter. and developing policies that institutionalize strengthen partnership on good aquaculture practices and enhancing 3 disaster risk reduction 2018 was a momentous one for FAO systematic data on the country’s Philippines. The range of our activities aquaculture resources. These interventions Australia provides emergency this year is only testament to the would be helpful for decision-makers assistance to farmers affected broadening scope of FAO’s work in in developing plans and programmes 4 by Typhoon Mangkhut the Philippines – a feat we cannot promoting the aquaculture sector’s growth. accomplish without our partners’ FAO supported a project that developed Farming households displaced support. geographic information system (GIS)-based by Marawi conflict receive tools and methodologies to help BFAR assistance from FAO, CERF 5 FAO continues to provide humanitarian address its data needs. Transforming Bangsamoro support to those affected by natural and communities intro agro- human-induced disasters. In Marawi, We also highlight FAO’s work with the economic areas more than 11,000 farming families Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), 6 have been supported to re-establish the Bangsamoro Development Agency Visit to the Philippines of their livelihoods and food security. (BDA), and the Office of the Presidential Permanent and Alternate Likewise, farmers that were affected Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Representatives of Member by typhoons Mangkhut and Yutu have a project that aimed to develop and pilot 7 States of FAO also been assisted in reclaiming their a socio-economic model in transforming Philippines launches campaign lost livelihoods. Our work continues, conflict-affected communities into agro- on responsible use of with the generous support of our economic zones. The project focused on 8 antimicrobials partners, in restoring the food supply increasing productivity and integrating and agribusiness value chains in the beneficiaries in the value chain, expanding Early action to protect communities most affected by these their access to and linkage with markets livelihood of rice farmers in disasters. and improving their technical and financial Mindanao against El Niño 9 management capacities. Supporting Aquaculture Global FAO forecast and national Through ICT-based Solutions climate outlook have shown that the Towards the end of 2018, a delegation Philippines will be experiencing El Niño, composed of Permanent and Alternate 10 or prolonged period of drought, through Representatives of Member States of the 2019 and which will adversely affect the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) World Food Day 2018 agriculture sector and its stakeholders. based in Rome, Italy visited the country to FAO is piloting an Early Warning Early learn more about and better understand 11 Action (EWEA) initiative to protect FAO’s work. The Representatives met with livelihood of rice farmers in selected key stakeholders of FAO in the country, as Events areas of Mindanao from the potentially well as beneficiary communities of FAO adverse impacts of drought brought Philippines during the implementation of 12 about by El Niño. its Typhoon Haiyan Recovery Programme from 2013-2015. In 2018, FAO continued to expand its partnerships and we have signed As we welcome 2019 we also look forward a Memorandum of Understanding to your continuing support to and with the Philippine Disaster partnership with FAO. Resilience Foundation that will enable collaborations on emergency response, Mabuhay! preparedness, mitigation and building livelihood resilience. The partnership will promote and strengthen joint actions to restore livelihoods and improve the José Luis Fernández levels of food security and nutrition FAO Representative in the Philippines in areas vulnerable to natural and human-induced hazards, in particular by supporting vulnerable communities and providing assistance to increase resilience.

Also in relation to supporting preparedness measures, FAO is working with the government on initiatives to address threats to animal and plant health that may impact negatively on food security. Our work in this area aims © FAO/Jay Directo to continuously increase awareness and promote good farming and biosecurity practices aimed at preventing infection in livestock, aquaculture, and crop production.

2 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2018 PARTNERSHIPS ©FAO/Jaclyn Grey

FAO, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation to strengthen partnership on disaster risk reduction

(L-R): FAO Humanitarian and Conflict Resolution Specialist Bonifacio Javier III, FAO Assistant Representative for Programme Tamara Palis-Duran, FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernandez, PDRF President Rene Meily, PDRF Chief Resilience Officer Guillermo Luz, PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon, and PDRF Operations Center Director Ninoy Castro.

he ever-increasing threats from management and climate change adaptation response efforts to disaster-affected climate change, evidenced by the work in the country, on the other hand, focuses communities, and e) supporting Tincreasing severity and frequency on building the resilience of vulnerable farming resilient livelihoods and environmental of disasters, require concerted efforts and fishing communities to both natural and sustainability in disaster recovery and to build and strengthen resilience of human-induced disasters, and enhancing the rehabilitation. communities in countries most vulnerable Government’s capacity to address threats and and at-risk from disasters, like the respond to crises. José Luis Fernandez, FAO Representative Philippines. in the Philippines, says “Disasters and “FAO has led the way globally toward food climate change impacts, including In response to this challenge, and to self-sufficiency, nutrition and resilience and shifts in weather patterns and extreme mark the International Day for Disaster PDRF is proud to partner with it in making the weather-related events disrupt economic Reduction on 13 October, the Food and Philippines a healthier and safer country,” said activities and livelihoods, and ultimately Agriculture Organization of the United Rene Meily, PDRF President. threaten food security. Increasing the Nations (FAO) and the Philippine Disaster resilience of agricultural communities to Resilience Foundation (PDRF) have signed The partnership will allow joint activities on: a) these threats and crises is at the heart a Memorandum of Understanding that surveillance of geographical areas vulnerable of FAO’s work in the Philippines. FAO will enable collaborations on emergency to disasters, b) information sharing on damage therefore welcomes the opportunity to response, preparedness, mitigation and and needs assessments for joint response expand our partnership in this area with building livelihood resilience. and recovery efforts, c) capacity building for the private sector through the PDRF.” disaster recovery, d) collaborative emergency The partnership will promote and strengthen joint actions to restore livelihoods and improve the levels of food security and nutrition in areas vulnerable to natural and human-induced hazards, in particular by supporting vulnerable communities and providing assistance to increase resilience.

PDRF, founded in 2009 by some of the country’s largest private corporations and leading non-government organisations (NGOs), is an implementing NGO in the disaster risk management sector promoting disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery. PDRF works with field experts and reputable humanitarian institutions to organize and coordinate private sector solutions to disaster ©FAO/Jaclyn Grey management. It has also established the world’s first private sector-led national emergency operations center in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. FAO’s disaster risk reduction and FAO staff visit the Phiilippine Disaster Resilience Foundation Emergency Operations Center in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Issue 4 I 3 © FAO/Jaclyn Grey

© FAO/Jaclyn Grey “This is why my family and I are thankful “This is why my family and I are thankful for the assistance of the DA and the Australian Government. The vegetable seeds and fertilizer from FAO are a great help for we won’t have to buy them anymore. We also used the cash assistance from WFP to hire farm labor in the December planting season.” Elizabeth Artates, a 48-year old widow from the same municipality, said losing her family’s harvest to Typhoon Ompong was heartbreaking. “I borrowed money from the previous planting season and was looking forward to the harvest in October. We lost everything, even the vegetables that we planted for our daily food.” “Farming is very important to me and my family – it is our only source of income. It helps provide food and funds for my children’s education,” says Elizabeth. “The Australian Government’s assistance is a big help – I won’t have to borrow as much money to buy fertilizer and pay for farm labor.” Recovering from the typhoon Estanislao Ursua’s family has been farming for generations; however, he and his eight and siblings grew up poor. Now 62 years old living in Barangay Casili in the Municipality of Camalaniugan, Estanislao still tends to their family farm. He was able to send his five children to school – three have graduated from college – through farming and by doing carpentry work during off- planting season. He says Typhoon Ompong was one of the strongest that he has experienced. “With Typhoon Lawin back in 2016, we were still able to save some of our harvest. Typhoon Ompong wiped out almost all of our harvest,” Estanislao said. “On the average, we earn Php40,000 – Php50,000 (USD800 – 1 000)from a regular harvest season. It was one more month to go before harvest when Typhoon Ompong hit. We were left with nothing.” Estanislao said his family considered borrowing money from short-term lenders to buy rice seeds and fertilizer and pay for farm labor. The five percent interest is a burden but they have limited options. Emergency Coordinator Abet Aduna (2nd from right), Department of Agriculture Region II officials, and local government officials. Emergency Coordinator Abet Aduna (2nd from right), Australian Embassy Inge Stokkel (4th from right) led the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers affected by Typhoon Mangkhut in Cagayan. She was joined by FAO the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers affected by Typhoon Mangkhut in Cagayan. She was joined Australian Embassy Inge Stokkel (4th from right) led

he Australian Government has provided PHP23 million (AUD600,000) to assist 2,000 farming families

FAO Philippines Newsletter - 2018 I 4

affected by Typhoon Mangkhut Typhoon by affected Australia provides emergency assistance to farmers assistance emergency provides Australia WFP implemented an emergency cash- based program to address food security and nutrition needs of the farming families. The program provided one-off cash support representing 10 days of the minimum wage for agricultural workers in the area. FAO also provided technical support through production-related training. These interventions will help the vulnerable farming families who missed the harvest season in October due to the typhoon. Jose Luis Fernandez, FAO Representative in the Philippines, acknowledges that the Australian Government’s contribution is critical and timely in helping the affected farming families to get back on their feet again.Through this assistance, the farmers were able to cope better with financial challenges as they try to recoup and recover from their losses. FAO distributed fertilizers to farming families to complement the Department of Agriculture’s provision of rice seeds, and vegetable seeds as alternative short-term income source while waiting for the next harvest season early next year. Australia’s emergency assistance was implemented through a partnership with FAO)and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). rebuild their livelihoods in Cagayan Province, in the most affected areas by Typhoon Ompong (“Mangkhut”). T RESPONSE TYPHOON MANGKHUT MANGKHUT TYPHOON MARAWI RESPONSE ©FAO

Farming households displaced by Marawi conflict receive assistance from FAO, CERF

FAO distributes mallard ducks as part of poultry and small ruminants production package of assistance supported by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.

arming households that were displaced Restoring livelihoods Sabair, a 37-year-old father of four following the Marawi siege have received from Marawi City who also currently Flivelihood assistance from the Food Nihanga Sarip, 72 years old, was originally lives in Saguiaran City. and Agriculture Organization of the United from Barangay Naga in Marawi City but Nations (FAO) and the United Nations has been living in an evacuation center in According to the Department of – Central Emergency Response Fund (UN- Barangay Bubong, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur Agriculture (DA), total damages in CERF). since the siege erupted. Nihanga received the agriculture sector amounted to mallard ducks as part of the project’s more than PhP 219 million or US$ 4.3 The assistance helped restore the agricultural poultry and small ruminants production million as the impact of the conflict livelihoods and improve food security and package of assistance. “The ducks are a big caused destruction of agricultural nutrition of 3,800 internally displaced and help, I will take care of them in the house of facilities and infrastructure, missed host farming and fisherfolk families in my relatives. The duck eggs will add to our harvesting and cultivation periods Lanao del Sur affected by the Marawi siege food supply as well as provide us additional for rice, corn, and vegetables and through the provision of adequate supply of income.” other short-term crops, death and agricultural inputs, and promotion of resilient drifting of livestock, poultry, and other and sustainable agricultural livelihoods. Rachma Cabugatan, 48 years old and a ruminants. mother of six from Marawi City lives in a The project covered 1,183 from households bunkhouse in Saguiaran City, Lanao del Sur. The project helped ensure food from Saguiaran, 919 from Marantao, 875 She says, “I came from ‘ground zero’ and security by restoring agriculture-based from Ditsaan-Ramain, and 823 from Piagapo I’m thankful for the assistance in giving us livelihoods and agricultural capacities., municipalities. The agricultural input the ducks to help with our livelihood.” as well as helped reduce dependence packages included rice, corn and vegetable on external food aid. seeds, fertilizers, poultry and livestock, fishery “We are thankful for the goat and vegetable inputs, and small farming machinery, helping seeds. We’ll take care of the goat because it restore agri-based livelihoods, increasing is a big help to our livelihood,” says Amirel their food security and agricultural capacity.

Convergence also became a key feature of the project with FAO working with the World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on emergency response initiatives particularly in the municipalities of Saguiaran and Ditsaan Ramain. Under this convergence approach, WFP supplemented FAO interventions through the provision of food-for-work to farmer beneficiaries in the land clearing, plowing/land cultivation and establishment or repair of paddy dikes and irrigation canals. Other farmer beneficiaries not covered by WFP, on the other hand, received cash-for- © FAO work assistance from UNDP to ensure no one is left behind.

Issue 4 I 5 PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN MINDANAO ©FAO/Juca Lacsina

Transforming Bangsamoro communities intro agro-economic areas

FAO has been working in Mindanao to transform conflict-affected areas, particularly in the Bangsamoro region, by contributing to the development of agriculture and agri-businesses. the barangay. The CBO also established indanao is widely known as the FAO worked with two community-based a system where 25% of the net profit is Philippines’ food basket, with organizations (CBOs) in implementing the M returned to the CBO as a capital build one-third of its land area devoted to project: the Cabpangi Integrated Farmers up or revolving fund that can be used to agriculture. The second biggest island in Association (CIFA) in the Municipality procure inputs to continue or expand the country, Mindanao largely accounts for of Pigcawayan in North Cotabato, and production. the production of high value commodities the Boliok/Amadeo Vegetable Growers such as rubber, pineapple, banana and Association (AVGA) in the Municipality of Similarly, in Barangay Cabpangi in coffee, among others. However, sustained Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao. Pigcawayan, the CBO also improved rural poverty, rapid depletion of natural their rice production techniques. The assets, significant climate-induced Sowing the seeds of change CBO also increased their capital build up losses, and armed conflict have severely since a loan program was established undermined the full development of the In addition to providing agricultural inputs with the distribution of fertilizer, and loan region’s economic potential. as a start-up support for agri-business payments are being used as revolving enterprises, FAO also held consultations funds to buy inputs on loan for the next Most of the conflict-affected and with other government agencies, buyers cropping season. Since the CBO is able vulnerable areas in Mindanao depend and traders to explore potential technical to provide its members timely access to on agricultural activities for food and and market support to the CBOs. FAO agricultural inputs, the relationship with livelihoods. FAO has been working in also conducted trainings on values the traders or “middlemen” is slowly being Mindanao to transform conflict-affected enhancement, leadership and facilitation, cut, resulting to higher gross selling price. areas, particularly in the Bangsamoro project management, Islamic banking and region, by contributing to the development financial management, and farm business Scaling-up transformation of conflict- of agriculture and agri-businesses. preparation. FAO also introduced new affected communities production strategies (e.g., staggered From 2017-2018, FAO worked with the planting, off-season production, rice seeds Other members of the community are also Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), production) to help establish other income being encouraged to become members of the Bangsamoro Development Agency sources within the CBOs. these CBOs. Youth were also engaged in (BDA), and the Office of the Presidential agriculture during the weekends. CBOs are Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on These CBOs are now more active and now able to conduct economic activities a project that aimed to develop and pilot are able to generate better income and beyond the usual production cycle (e.g., a socio-economic model in transforming yield levels. In Barangay Boliok in Sultan off-season crop production). conflict-affected communities into agro- Mastura, the CBO followed a staggered economic zones. planting calendar which resulted in a more CBOs including people’s organizations, stable production and supply of produce women’s organizations, farmers’ and The project focused on increasing including of vegetables, even during off- irrigators’ associations, cooperatives and productivity and integrating beneficiaries season harvest of rice. The consolidation the like can serve as strong pillars to in the value chain, expanding their access of produce (collective volume) among economic development of conflict-affected to and linkage with markets and improving the members of the CBO allowed for the area especially when fully capacitated and their technical and financial management establishment of a relationship with a provided with technical and in-kind start- capacities. buyer (“suki”) and also improved selling up support. prices in the public market nearest to

6 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2018 VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES The Permanent and Alternative Representatives of Member States of FAO based in Rome, Italy met with Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.i ©FAO/Jaclyn Grey

Visit to the Philippines of Permanent and Alternate Representatives of Member States of FAO

delegation composed of Permanent Aand Alternate Representatives of Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based in Rome, Italy visited the Philippines from 26 – 30 October 2018.

The Representatives met with key stakeholders of FAO in the country, as well as beneficiary communities of FAO Philippines during the implementation of

its Typhoon Haiyan Recovery Programme ©FAO/Veejay Villafranca from 2013-2015.

The delegation observed a drone demonstration as part of FAO’s support to the Philippine Government under the “Development of an Enhanced Production and Risk Management in Agriculture Integrated Decision Support System (EPRiMA)” project. In 2015, through a collaboration between the Department The Representatives visited a community nursery and garden in Tanauan, Leyte supported by FAO after Typhoon Haiyan. of Agriculture (DA) and FAO, drone-based methodology for pre- and post-disaster the Government’s capacity to prepare, After Typhoon Haiyan, FAO Philippines assessments were introduced and tested address threats and respond to crises. in the Bicol and Davao Regions to initiate developed a strategy on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and an innovative way of enhancing disaster Department of Agriculture Secretary climate change adaptation (CCA) that served risk reduction in the agriculture sector. Emmanuel Piñol and Senator Cynthia as a guide in mainstreaming DRRM and CCA The EPRiMA project is further improving Villar also met with the Representatives in its work in the country, primarily to build the use of drones for crop monitoring and to discuss current issues, priorities, and the resilience of vulnerable farming and post disaster assessment and validation. programs for the further development fishing communities to both natural and of the agriculture sector in the human-induced disasters, and enhancing The Representatives also visited the Philippines. Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City for an exposure trip to the kinds of commodities that are being sold in Philippines’ public markets. The Permanent and Alternative Representatives of Member States of FAO based in Rome, Italy met with Department of Agriculture Secretary In Leyte, the Representatives met and Emmanuel Piñol.i interacted with FAO project beneficiaries from the municipalities of Mayorga and Tanauan. The visit to Leyte provided opportunities for awareness raising, information exchange, and better Meeting with Senator Cynthia Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Food and understanding FAO’s work in the country. Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources

©FAO/Jaclyn Grey Issue 4 I 7 ANIMAL HEALTH ©FAO/Jim Caro

Philippines launches campaign on responsible use of antimicrobials

“iAMResponsible” campaign on responsible use of antimicrobials was launched during the Philippines Antibiotic Awareness Week.

he Philippines, with support FAO-Philippines partnership on AMR only when needed – right drug, right dose, from the Food and Agriculture right time, right route, right species, and TOrganization of the United The Philippines is one of the first countries right patient. Nations (FAO), has launched the to answer the call for action against the “iAMResponsible” campaign calling for threat of AMR. In 2014, the government Farm owners, on the other hand, are more responsible use of antimicrobials, created the Inter-Agency Committee for called on to apply good animal husbandry including antibiotics, to mark the World the Formulation and Implementation practices and use antibiotics only when Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) of the National Action Plan to Combat prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. on 12-18 November. The theme of this Antimicrobial Resistance in the Philippines Drug manufacturers, distributors, and year’s WAAW is ‘handle antibiotics with (ICAMR), composed of the Department of retail stores (e.g., agrivet supply) are also care.’ Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture encouraged to share the responsibility of (DA), Department of Science and fighting AMR, primarily in ensuring that The term antimicrobials is used, Technology, Department of Interior and antibiotics have proper prescriptions before pharmaceutically, to describe drugs Local Government, and the Department of it is sold. used to prevent and treat parasitic, Trade and Industry. bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The campaign has been launched in the Antimicrobial resistance is the ability FAO is currently working with the DA, different regions in the country. A jingle of bacteria to survive treatment with particularly with the Bureau of Animal composed by Necol Aviles and sang by antimicrobials, including antibiotics. Industry (BAI), in implementing the AMR Jovit Leonerio also won in the jingle-writing Thus, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is project, ‘Engaging the food and agriculture contest by the Philippines’ BAI-FAO AMR the general term for drug resistance in sectors in sub-Saharan Africa and South Project, in order to promote AMR initiatives microbes. It occurs naturally but misuse and South-east Asia in the global efforts to among different stakeholders. and abuse contribute to an acceleration combat antimicrobial resistance using a One in cases of AMR. Health approach’, launched in 2017. Under the Global Action Plan on AMR, FAO has also been working closely with the Irresponsible use of antimicrobials such The project has been helping implement World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as antibiotics could have catastrophic activities related to the AMR National in promoting prudent and responsible and costly consequences. Resistant Action Plan. This include: development and use of antimicrobials in animals, and with bacteria maybe transferred between implementation of the AMR Surveillance the World Health Organization (WHO) in animal, humans and the environment. Program in Animal Health Sector; enhancing food safety and quality. AMR makes antibiotics less effective strengthening capacity in central and in fighting infections, and can result regional government laboratories in relation to increased deaths in humans and to AMR surveillance; supporting the different animals. AMR has become a major DA regional offices and local government health threat leading the UN General units in the establishment of the AMR Assembly to include AMR as a priority Regional Councils, as part of a national health issue tackled alongside network on AMR; and raising awareness on responses to Ebola and human AMR particularly in the food and agriculture immunodeficiency virus or HIV. sector.

For FAO, the emphasis is on promoting The “iAMResponsible” campaign, good farming and biosecurity practices spearheaded by the BAI- FAO AMR Project, aimed at preventing infection in will help further raise awareness on and livestock, aquaculture, and crop encourage the responsible use of antibiotics. production. Among veterinarians and practitioners, the campaign stresses to prescribe antibiotics

8 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2018 EARLY WARNING EARLY ACTION ©FAO/Noel Celis

Early action to protect livelihood of rice farmers in Mindanao against El Niño

Droughts are a major hazard for Mindanao.

he Philippines is a country The initiative focuses on Mindanao, weather conditions brought by the El frequently affected by natural particularly the provinces of Maguindanao and Niño. Tdisasters. The 2016 World Risk North Cotabato, which have high vulnerability Index ranked the country third in the rates and high exposure to drought. The Droughts are a major hazard for list of the most-disaster prone countries project aims to target approximately 1500 Mindanao with the region having a and between 1995 and 2015 alone, 274 households who are small scale farmers who history of drought-related issues, disasters were officially recorded. The on average cultivate 1 Hectare (HA) of land and being the breadbasket for the social and economic cost of natural each. country can cause significant issues for disasters in the country is increasing This project builds on the piloting of a drought production and trade when affected. due to population growth, change in EWEA system (EWS) established by FAO in land-use patterns, migration, unplanned February 2018. FAO Philippines will utilize During the most recent 2015-2016 urbanization, environmental degradation the EWS designed as a monitoring tool to episode, El Niño induced widespread and global climate change. The build evidence and confidence about the drought throughout the country, where Philippine archipelago is constantly at development and potential impact of El Niño. the event lasted 18 months beginning risk of a multitude of hazards including in February 2015 and officially ending earthquakes (as the country sits along the The EWS has been set up to provide timely by July 2016. The event impacted 16 of Pacific Ring of Fire), volcanic eruptions, information in advance, ensuring enough lead the country’s 18 regions, however the droughts, cyclones, floods and tsunamis. time is provided to launch and implement impact was strongest in the region of early actions on the ground. With the aid of Mindanao, where 27 provinces were When affected by El Niño, the Philippines EWS, FAO is able to develop early actions affected. Overall, the estimated total alternate climatically between intense together with the government partner damages to crops between February droughts and typhoons. As the climate agencies and stakeholders to protect the 2015 and March 2016, has been changes, the Southern Oscillation is vulnerable farmers against the extreme estimated at USD 325 million. increasing in frequency and severity, and in turn increasing the intensity of natural disasters. Such changes are testing the traditional resilience methods of the country and being able to protect the population from these shocks is becoming increasingly challenging.

In response, FAO with support from the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium, is piloting an Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) initiative to protect livelihood of rice farmers in selected areas of Mindanao from the potentially adverse impacts of drought brought about by El Niño. ©FAO The project aims to protect rice production by providing irrigation systems and inputs, and by offering alternative livelihoods such as livestock farming and high-value commercial crops to prevent asset depletion and increase resilience.

Issue 4 I 9 FISHERIES ©BFAR Supporting Aquaculture Resources Mapping and Development Planning Through ICT-based Solutions

ccording to the FAO State of the World The Department of Agriculture – Bureau Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018 report, of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA- Atotal fish production in 2016 has BFAR) has been developing strategies to increased by 67 percent (since 1960), and 88 meet the growing domestic and export percent (or 151 million tonnes) of production demands for aquaculture products was directed for human consumption. while recognizing the need for more However, despite the increase on food sustainable production and management production, challenges on food security and practices. One of the challenges that nutrition persists globally, as shown by 821 BFAR has to address is the lack of million individuals still suffering from hunger systematic data of existing and potential and malnutrition. With all the technological aquaculture resources that would advances today, the world is able to produce otherwise be helpful for decision-makers enough food for everyone, and yet many in developing plans and policies to still go hungry. One of the reasons is promote the aquaculture sector’s growth. natural resources degradation, including of marine resources, which has been rapidly FAO has been supporting BFAR in increasing. promoting sustainable practices and developing policies that institutionalize The global call to address this pressing issue good aquaculture practices, and ©BFAR continues – and this includes conserving enhancing systematic data on the and sustainably utilizing the oceans, seas country’s aquaculture resources. These and marine resources for sustainable interventions would be helpful for development, or also known as the decision-makers in developing plans and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14). programmes promoting the aquaculture The Philippines, through the Department of sector’s growth. Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), is one of the active One of the initiatives that FAO member countries that has stepped forward supported in partnership with BFAR was the Supporting Aquaculture to commit to contribute to the SDG 14. develop business plans and regulation for Resources Mapping and Development selected pilot sites. It has functionalities Planning Through ICT-based Solutions. In the Philippines, aquaculture is vital to such as web mapping, operational data This project developed geographic the country’s food sufficiency and it is a monitoring and recording of fishpond lease information system (GIS)-based tools and driver of rural economy. According to the agreement (FLA) transactions.Through these methodologies to help BFAR address its Philippine Statistics Authority, aquaculture ICT solutions, information consolidated data needs. The Caraga State University provides 48% of the overall fisheries output with AquaR would help in creating (CSU) was commissioned to create an in the 3rd quarter of 2018, which directly effective strategies to institutionalize good integrated GIS mapping and database employs 202,203 individuals. With the aquaculture practices in the Philippines. aquaculture industry continuing to expand, registry and management system, called the Aquaculture Resources (AquaR), for environmental and social issues become From November 2018, BFAR has adopted the Philippines’ existing and potential more evident such as exploitation of marine and started the rollout of AquaR in all its aquaculture areas. habitats, illegal, unreported and unregulated regional offices, with its Aquaculture Division fishing, prevalence of several typhoons and and Fisheries Regulatory and Licensing Designed using Free and Open Source changing environment, among others. These Division-Fishpond Lease Section tasked Software, the AquaR Web Portal is an are further exacerbated by the challenges of to spearhead the follow-up trainings and online mapping and registration system acquiring essential and up-to-date data due provide the necessary technical assistance that helps provide an inventory of the to limited technological innovations. for its successful adoption. Philippines’ aquaculture farms and

10 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2018 ©FAO/Jaclyn Grey ©FAO/Jaclyn Grey 11 I Issue 4 Mats Persson, and FAO Zero Hunger Champion Megan Young. billion per year. Achieving Zero Hunger will require a mix of public and private investments, and risk-informed policies and interventions to ensure that the poor and most vulnerable benefit from the growth and employment opportunities generate. Zero Hunger is key to achieving the overall 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Many SDGs such as quality education and good health for all cannot be achieved without first eliminating hunger. Food and agriculture also lie at the very heart of the 2030 Agenda from ending poverty, hunger and malnutrition to sustaining our natural resources and responding to climate change. World Food Day 2018 Culminating Activity at Quezon City Memorial Circle. World Food Day 2018 Culminating Activity at Quezon World Food Day 2018 Poster Making Contest winners with FAO Representative in the Philippines Jose Luis Fernandez , Dept of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol, WFP Deputy Country Director “Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 is possible “Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 is possible but we all need to get involved, across sectors and across professions. The right policies need to be in place and tackle the root causes of hunger and malnutrition to ensure healthy, balanced and nutritious diets to a growing population of Filipinos,” said Jose Luis Fernandez, FAO Representative in the Philippines, at the WFD 2018 culminating event. are In the Philippines, about 17 million people employed in the agriculture sector. Farmers and fisherfolk, unfortunately, remain to be among the poorest with their incomes especially vulnerable and at-risk in a disaster- prone country like the Philippines. The estimated impact of undernutrition on the Philippine economy is at least Php220 World Food Day 2018: Our Actions are Our Future are Actions Day 2018: Our Food World orld Food Day 2018, with theme “Our Actions are Our Future. A #ZeroHunger world by 2030 is

possible” put a focus on rising hunger figures and calling on countries and other stakeholders to get back on track to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. FAO and the Department of Agriculture jointly organised the week-long World Food Day celebrations in the Philippines. The week opened with a photo and food products exhibit at the Department of Agriculture. The festivities culminated with a ceremony on 16 October at the Quezon City Memorial Circle where officials and employees DA and all its attached agencies lit candles as they pledged to uphold the objectives of World Food Day and to find long-term solutions towards strengthening cooperation and partnerships that will address the needs of the agriculture sector. FAO and DA also awarded the winners of the annual World Food Day poster-making contest for elementary students across the country. The event was led by FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández and DA Secretary Emmanual Piñol. World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Representative Deputy Country Director Mats Persson also delivered inspirational remarks. To promote World Food Day and Zero Hunger, FAO also launched actress/model and Miss World 2013 Megan Young as National Zero Hunger Champion. FAO is supporting the global effort to achieve Zero Hunger at international, regional and national levels by providing decision-makers with solid and relevant evidence, including statistics and monitoring data; advising on the formulation, supporting national agriculture and food policies, strategies and legislation; advocating for support from other sectors; and assisting in monitoring progress against SDG indicators/targets.

WORLD FOOD DAY FOOD WORLD W EVENTS

Year-end Development Partners Forum

On 27 November, FAO-Philippines held its Year-end Development Partners Forum in Makati City, as part of the Representation’s continuing efforts to promote resource ©FAO/Raffy Umbrero mobilization, visibility, advocacy and deepening partner engagement. The event highlighted FAO’s key initiatives and accomplishments in the Philippines for 2018.

The event showcased FAO’s contribution to the development and improvement of the agriculture sector. It also underlined FAO’s work on supporting key policy interventions and programmes, in particular the Philippines National Strategic Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction in Agriculture and Fisheries and the Philippines Social Protection Roadmap. These are key policy documents that aim to reduce to the risk of disasters, and to protect and enhance the resilience of the agriculture and fisheries sectors to natural hazards and disasters.

A Technology Exhibit was also organized to showcase the technologies that are being used for disaster preparedness and response for the agriculture sector, including

©FAO/Raffy Umbrero unmanned aerial vehicle systems (drones), satellites and imaging technologies, and geospatial data analytics.

Approximately 60 high-level representatives attended, including 36 embassies and international development organizations, 18 national government agencies and line agencies, and a number of non-government development organizations and private sector bodies. Attendees also included, among others, the recently-appointed Cabinet Secretary, Karlo Nograles, from the Office of the President, as well as four Ambassadors

International Conference on Nutrition-sensitive agriculture

Recognizing the importance and benefits of nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA), the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center on Food and Nutrition Security (UPLB-ISC-FaNS), in partnership with the FAO, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study

©FAO/Cecile Pastores and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and the Cavite State University (CvSU) held an international conference on nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems from 7-10 November 2018 at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City.

With the theme Strategic Approaches to Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture and Food Systems, the conference gathered advocates and stakeholders of nutrition-sensitive agriculture to assess NSA programs and activities in the ASEAN region, including the Philippines. It provided a venue to identify challenges and adopt best practices in implementing NSA. The conference aimed to broaden the level of understanding on the role of agriculture to meet the nutritional needs of a population. The conference’s Keynote Speaker was Senator Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

Launch of Philippines-United Nations Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development

The Philippines and the United Nations (UN) signed the Philippines-United Nations Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development (PFSD 2019-2023) at a ceremony held at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Pasig City on 21 November 2018.

©UN Philippines Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Ola Almgren signed the document on behalf of the Philippine Government and the UN, respectively. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Philippine Government and the UN Country Team, including FAO Representative in the Philippines Jose Luis Fernandez. Formerly known as the United Nations Development Assistance Framework, the PFSD 2019-2023 is the fifth Philippines-UN country plan since 1995, and the first that redefines the nature of the UN System’s engagement in the Philippines from one that provides “development assistance” to a collaboration in a strategic partnership. It also directs the UN Country Team’s (UNCT) attention and resources.

FAO Representation in the Philippines Email: [email protected] Website: www.fao.org/philippines Twitter: @FAOPhilippines

CA4909EN/1/06.19 12 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2018 © FAO, 2019