FAO Philippines Newsletter 2015. Issue 3

welcome Contents

Asia-Pacific region achieves elcome to the third issue of the capacities of local governments and MDG hunger target, but FAO Philippines newsletter. My farmers in community-based disaster millions still chronically W team and I are pleased to update risk reduction and management. 3 hungry you on the status of our programmes and the activities we have undertaken in DRR is also integral to the three new the second quarter of 2015. livelihood restoration projects that Three new projects launched FAO recently launched in central and to restore agricultural We continue to maintain our western Mindanao. Through these livelihoods and food security engagement in Typhoon Haiyan- new projects, more than 15 000 farmer 4 in Mindanao affected regions as we approach the and fisher-households will be able final phase of our recovery efforts. to resume their farming and fishing Eighteen of our 22 projects have been activities and gain knowledge on DRR. IPC chronic food security completed, with substantial impacts Women and combatants of the Moro analysis of Mindanao in restoring agriculture and fisheries- Islamic Liberation Front who are likely 6 based livelihoods and improving the to be decommissioned as part of the capability of beneficiary communities to peace process will also benefit from prepare for and cope with future shocks FAO’s assistance. and emergencies. We aim to complete Building more resilient our activities by year-end, bringing the I am proud to highlight that all of farming communities after total number of beneficiaries to at least these accomplishments and new 8 Typhoon Haiyan 154 000 households that will be well on opportunities to contribute to their way to longer-term recovery. Philippine development are outcomes of our strong partnerships with Shifting weather patterns observed the Government, donors and other Partnerships: throughout the archipelago as well as stakeholders. Working together to the onset of the rainy season further 10 improve food security reminds us of the urgent need to On behalf of FAO, I would like to thank support the Philippines in disaster risk all of our government counterparts reduction (DRR) and climate change and development partners for their adaptation. While we intensify our continued support. I hope that the Events collaboration with the Department stories in this newsletter will continue to of Agriculture to contribute to the inspire you to stay on track in pursuing 12 development of a national DRR our shared vision of more food secure strategy, we are also simultaneously and resilient farming communities. implementing assistance activities at the local government level. This includes consolidating capacities for disaster risk reduction in agriculture, specifically replicating good practice farming options, providing localized weather outlooks for agriculture, promoting the use of post-disaster José Luis Fernández needs assessment tools and increasing FAO Representative in the Philippines

FAO Representative José Luis Fernández plants a rambutan tree to mark the hand over of assistance to coconut farming communities devastated by Typhoon ©FAO/R.Cabrera Haiyan in Leyte Province. FAO is equipping affected farmers to diversify and intensify their livelihoods through intercropping and livestock integration.

2 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2015 ©FAO/V.D.Anna 3 I Issue 3 production and provide the essential support services including irrigation, credit, farm-to-market roads and research and development, among others. FAO support Guided by its Country Programming Framework, FAO complements the Government’s initiatives by strengthening the capacity of national and local government agencies in improving food and nutrition security, enhancing agricultural production and productivity and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and agricultural adaptation and mitigation to climate change and disaster risk reduction. About the report The Regional Overview of Food Insecurity-Asia and the Pacific is part of the State of Food Insecurity in the World (SOFI 2015), which is published annually by FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme. The report can be downloaded from the FAO Philippines website: www.fao.org/ philippines but millions still chronically hungry but millions still chronically remain in addressing malnutrition caused by short-term inadequacy of food intake, with 33.6 percent of children under five stunted. In 2015, 13.7 million Filipinos are still undernourished and approximately 19 percent of the population are living on only USD 1.25 a day. “FAO remains strongly committed to support the Philippine Government in its effort to fight against hunger and malnutrition and in making economic growth inclusive and beneficial to the vulnerable segments of the population, particularly in the farming communities,” said FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández. The report concluded that slow progress of many countries in the region was due to the rise of inequality and slow growth in agriculture, which continues to employ the poorest people and affords lower wages than industries or services. Employment and livelihood security is also undermined by threats of natural disasters. More often than not, those with limited resources and vulnerable livelihoods bear the brunt of natural disasters brought by changing climate conditions. Government initiative Maintaining or achieving food staples self-sufficiency is a major national priority for the Philippines and in support of this, the Government has earmarked Php 86.1 billion (USD 1.9 million) for the Agricultural Development Program in 2015. The funding is being used to boost crop Asia-Pacific region achieves MDG hunger target, region Asia-Pacific c cifi a

he Asia-Pacific region has achieved Goals’ Development Millennium the hunger target (MDG-1c) of halving

d th e an P

The Philippines has made significant progress in improving food production and recently won recognition from FAO for achieving theMDG-1c international target. Notwithstanding, according to the regional report, challenges still Boosting efforts to fight hunger in the Philippines Besides the calorie consumption deficit, the problem of undernutrition is also manifested in high rates of stunting in children below five years of age, while various micronutrient deficiencies prevail among people of all ages. At the same time, the number of people who are overweight or obese is rapidly increasing in the region, especially in Southwest Pacific Island countries and middle-income countries of Asia. While the report confirmed that Asia and the Pacific region has made some great strides in food security, achieving the largest reduction in the absolute number of undernourished people (236 million) and almost all countries now having adequate food supplies to meet people’s average dietary needs, the region is sadly still home to almost 62 percent of the world’s undernourished. the proportion of undernourished people in 2015, however there are still 490 million people in the region, two-thirds of the world’s population, suffering from chronic hunger according to a regional report on the state of food insecurity issued by the FAO. T y it d Secur Foo

Asia remains a serious problem in many economies. remains a of underweight children under the age of 5 targets in the region showed that the proportion An assessment of the achievement of MDG

©FAO/R.Cabrera Mindanao ©FAO/M.Navales

Three new projects launched to restore agricultural

Farmers in Maguindanao Province livelihoods and food security in Mindanao re-plant their disaster-stricken farm with support from FAO.

AO has launched three new The Department of Agriculture (DA) assistance will include training to projects in central and western estimates that crop and vegetable enhance farmers’ capacity to cope F Mindanao, through which production losses in Maguindanao with future shocks and emergencies. more than 15 000 agriculture- alone have reached more than Climate-smart farmer field schools dependent households in vulnerable 24 000 metric tonnes as a result of will also be established to build communities will be able to resume three natural and human-induced farmers’ knowledge of climate change their farming and fishing activities disasters that struck the region in the adaptation as well as seed banking and disrupted by armed conflict, drought first half of 2015. More than production that will reduce difficulties and flooding. These are part of 125 people in the province, most of in sourcing seeds for the next cropping the Organization’s larger effort to them from farming households, were season. strengthen the agriculture sector and displaced by armed clashes in January, food security in the Philippines. which was immediately followed In Zamboanga City, FAO and the by mild drought due to the El Niño International Labour Organization (ILO) “We are working closely with the phenomenon, and flooding caused by are jointly implementing a project that Government and other partners, torrential rains and overflowing rivers will support the livelihood recovery including the Department of and tributaries. of fisherfolk displaced by the armed Agriculture and Fisheries of the encounter between the Government Autonomous Region in Muslim In partnership with the DA, Bureau and the Moro National Liberation Front Mindanao, in responding to the of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in September 2013. urgent livelihood recovery needs and local government units, FAO will of the affected population. This will distribute inputs for the production Through this project funded under help restore agricultural production of crops, vegetables, livestock, poultry the Peace Building Fund of the United and prevent further losses, which and fisheries to farmers and fisherfolk Nations, FAO will support 400 small- directly affects food security,” said FAO in the provinces of North Cotabato and scale fishers and seaweed farmers, Representative in the Philippines José Maguindanao. Project beneficiaries, primarily women and the youth, Luis Fernández. many of them women and soon to by providing fishing gear, seaweed be decommissioned combatants of production inputs and training that will “As a continuation of the support we the MILF, will also receive farm tools, equip them to engage in sustainable provided in the preparation of the small farm machinery and post-harvest fishing methods and seaweed farming. first Bangsamoro Development Plan equipment that will allow them to re- Beneficiaries will then be assisted in (BDP), we are coordinating with the start production. business skills development, post- Bangsamoro Development Agency to harvest and value-adding processing provide assistance for the formulation In view of the shifting climatic and in gaining access to potential of BDP II, particularly for the conditions and extreme weather markets, which will increase their agriculture, agribusiness and fisheries events, which has become the “new participation in the value chain. sector,” he added. normal” in the Philippines, FAO

4 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2015 FAO and ILO are also assisting the City Government of Zamboanga in identifying and operationalizing priority livelihood recovery options for the fisheries sector that will be included in the Zamboanga Livelihood Framework. Simultaneously, the project will build the capacity of community-based organizations and local government staff in promoting the conservation and protection of fisheries resources.

“We are taking advantage of the current momentum for peace and sustainable growth in Mindanao in the hope that the livelihood recovery efforts we are implementing will help lay a stronger foundation for food security in the region,” Fernández said.

The total budget for the three new Mindanao projects being implemented ©FAO/M.Navales ©FAO/M.Navales by FAO is USD 3.77 million, of which USD 3 million is provided by the New Zealand Government, USD 300 000 by the Peace Building Fund of the United Nations and USD 470 000 by FAO. Farmers in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao receive the first tranche of seeds and fertilizer from FAO.

Host government and development partners affirm FAO-ILO support to livelihood recovery in Zamboanga City

FAO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) recently conducted a joint mission to Zamboanga City to meet with government and development partners on the urgent need for livelihood recovery assistance, specifically in the

fisheries sector, as the city transitions from ©Zamboanga City Public Information Office the humanitarian phase to recovery.

Over 23 000 households were displaced as armed conflict erupted between a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front and Government forces in September 2013. While only about 1 900 individuals remain in evacuation centres (OCHA, June 2015), many of the residents who had already moved to transitional and permanent housing sites are still dependent on aid for food and nutrition, which may be (L-R) Zamboanga City Executive Assistant for Muslim Affairs Jojo Abdul Salam, FAO Project Manager and Farming System Specialist Cesar Galvan, FAO Representative José Luis attributed to limited access to livelihoods. Fernández, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, FAO-ILO Livelihood Coordinator Dennis Fabre, ILO Disaster Response and Livelihoods Development Officer Simon At various meetings held during the Hills and FAO Emergency Coordinator Alberto Aduna. mission, the City Government, national government line agencies and other humanitarian and development partners support project that will target Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It is also acknowledged the significant contribution 400 small-scale fishers and seaweed expected to provide sustainable livelihood of FAO and ILO’s joint effort in guiding farmers, primarily women and youth opportunities for women, which was the Livelihood and Food Security Cluster members. The project will be implemented among the challenges identified during a in operationalizing its livelihood strategy. by the third quarter of 2015 under meeting with representatives of the United FAO and ILO are also directly assisting the Peace Building Fund of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the City Government in identifying and Nations. It will help address the need United Nations Office for the Coordination prioritizing fisheries-based livelihood for durable fisheries-based livelihood of Humanitarian Affairs, Community recovery options. recovery support, which was emphasized and Family Services International, ACF by Zamboanga City Mayor Isabel Climaco- International, KFI, Ateneo de Zamboanga FAO and ILO will complement its technical Salazar and representatives of the Office University and Philippine Government assistance with a livelihood recovery of the City Agriculturist and the Bureau of agencies.

Issue 3 I 5 Food Security Mindanao ©NNC/F.Tan

IPC chronic food security analysis of Mindanao IPC Chronic Analysts discuss area-specific food security levels. From left are NNC Nutrition Surveillance Division Chief Hygeia Ceres Catalina Gawe, FAO Emergency Coordination Officer Alberto Aduna, NNC Nutrition Officers Gladys Mae Fernandez and Ellen Ruth Abella. n the food security community, How does it work? Acute IPC Analysis in the Philippines there has been a need for clarity and Icommon definitions for classifying The IPC provides a common The IPC is led by the National IPC various food security situations in classification system (a ‘common Steering Committee and overseen by terms of severity and implications for currency’) that draws from the the National Nutrition Council, the action. The Integrated Food Security strengths of previous and existing institutional home of the IPC. Phase Classification (IPC) is designed classification systems and integrates to fill this critical gap in food security them with supporting tools for analysis Since the adoption of IPC acute analysis analysis. and communication. It aims to provide in 2012, the Philippines has conducted decision makers with a rigorous three trainings back-to-back with Acute The IPC is now being used in over analysis of food insecurity in both analysis. The first analysis started in 40 countries and has evolved into emergency and development contexts, November 2012 with 25 of the most a system which works in multiple and key objectives for response to at-risk provinces located in Mindanao. contexts for multiple stakeholders. better coordinate interventions. This was immediately followed by Among the various innovations and another analysis in February 2013, as improvements, Version 2.0 of the By using the IPC common scale and Typhoon Bopha severely hit some of IPC approach introduces a prototype ‘currency’, key stakeholders (involving the provinces in Mindanao. chronic food insecurity scale in addition Government, UN, NGOs and civil to the acute food insecurity scale. This society) work together to consolidate After Typhoon Haiyan hit three regions underscores the necessity of investing wide-ranging evidence on food insecure of the country in November 2013, simultaneously in both short-term populations and answer the following the IPC again provided the platform relief as well as support to building the questions: How severe is the situation? for objective food security analysis, resilience of communities over the long Where are the areas that are food aiding identification of the most at- term. insecure? Who are the food insecure risk provinces. The IPC Acute analysis people? What are the key causes? highlighted the mitigating impact of humanitarian aid and response across Acute Food Chronic Food How is acute and chronic food various geographic areas. The report insecurity Insecurity insecurity measured with the IPC? was also used by the Department Phase Level of Agriculture and development The IPC standardized scale categorizes organizations and donors in the 1. Minimal 1. No CFI the severity of food insecurity into a preparation of their disaster assessment 2. Stressed 2. Mild five-phase colour scheme for acute and reports, helping design responses four-level colour scheme for chronic. towards recovery and reconstruction. 3. Crisis 3. Moderate Each phase and level has important 4. Emergency 4. Severe and distinct implications for why and where to intervene and therefore 5. Famine defines priority response objectives.

6 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2015 From Acute Analysis to in the fourth quarter of 2015 focusing of around 35 institutions from the UN, Chronic Analysis on the remaining provinces of NGOs and International Red Cross and Mindanao and selected provinces of Red Crescent Movement), Joint Research In January 2015, after going through Luzon that are considered to be at risk Centre of the European Commission, the capacity-building of analysts on to poverty and food insecurity. Outputs Oxfam, Permanent Inter-State Committee the chronic food insecurity analysis of the analysis are expected to serve for Drought Control in the Sahel/CILSS, protocol, the first IPC Chronic Analysis as inputs for the new medium-term Save the Children, United States Agency for Workshop was held in the Philippines. food insecurity planning of the national International Development’s Famine Early Based on the IPC analysis, about government and development planning Warning Systems Network and World Food three-quarters of the population in the at the provincial and regional levels. Programme. 18 provinces of Mindanao fall under levels 2, 3 and 4, with an estimated Severe CFI Level 4 Lanao del Sur and Sulu 1.96 million people suffering from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, severe chronic food insecurity (CFI), The global effort to develop a common Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao 3.67 million people from moderate CFI approach for food security analysis and del Norte, Davao del Norte, and 7 million people from mild CFI. response through the implementation Moderate CFI Davao del Sur, Davao Level 3 Oriental, Compostela Valley, of IPC is led by FAO along with other North Cotabato, Sarangani, Next Steps international institutions: ACF International, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del CARE, Central American Integration Norte, Surigao Del Sur and Another chronic food insecurity System, Food Security Cluster of the Inter Maguindanao analysis is scheduled to be conducted Agency Standing Committee (a partnership Mild CFI Level 2 Zamboanga del Sur

Region XIII Key for Map Chronic Food Insecurity Level 1,300,000 (73%)

©NNC/F.Tan Severe CFI SevereModerate CFI CFI 27 45 19 9 Surigao del Norte Mild CFI Minimal CFI Region X 0% 100% Areas with Inadequate Evidence 2,021,000 (79%) Camiguin 21 41 26 11 Agusan del Norte Not Analysed 0% 100% Surigao del Sur Recurrence of Crises Areas classified as Crisis or worse Misamis Oriental during at least 3 years in previous Region IX Agusan del Sur 10 years 2,440,000 (67%) Misamis Occidental Mapped level represents highest CFI severity for at 33 40 17 10 least 20% of the households. Zamboanga del Norte Lanao del Norte Bukidnon 0% 100% Key for Callout Boxes Zamboanga del Sur Lanao del Sur Area Name Zamboanga Sibugay Davao del Norte Pop. And % in Level 2, 3 & 4 Compostella Valley ARMM % of pp in each Level 0% 100% 2,401,000 (86%) North Cotabato Davao Oriental Aggregate Numbers 14 38 28 20 Maguindanao 0% 100% Level % (‘000s) 1 27% 4,651 Davao del Sur 2 40% 6,996 Basilan Sultan Kudarat 3 21% 3,674 Region X 4 11% 1,965 South Cotabato Region XII 3,090,000 (71%) = 10% of the pop 32 42 17 8 Sulu 1,383,000 (71%) Sarangani Chronic analysis assumes % HH’s equals % pop 29 35 25 11 0% 100% 0% 100% 100 km

Disclaimer: The boundaries, names, and designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance 50 mi by collaborating agencies or the IPC Global Partners.

Summary of Chronic Food Security Outcomes, Underlying and Limiting Factors

The 18 provinces analysed in Mindanao those classified under levels 3 and 4, facilities; and use of non-improved cooking account for an estimated 12.6 million people indicated high prevalence of stunting, poor fuel (61 to 96 percent) such as charcoal and suffering from mild, moderate and severe access to improved water source and low wood that contribute to inadequate food chronic food insecurity. Among these, Lanao breastfeeding rates. utilization in the provinces. del Sur, Maguindanao and Sulu registered the highest percentage of mildly, moderately Food availability is not a limiting factor Underlying factors. The relatively high and severely chronically food insecure at 90, as it is generally adequate in half of the percentage of landless households assumed 88 and 85 percent, respectively. analysed provinces in Mindanao based on to be among those who rely on the non- self-sufficiency ratio for rice and corn and efficient energy sources have limited food Lanao del Sur and Sulu were classified under availability of considerable amount of meat, availability and have poor food access due level 4 (severe chronic food insecurity), fish, poultry and vegetables. Alternative to low incomes and seasonal employment. while Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, crops and fish products are consumed. The long history of human-induced disasters Zamboanga Sibugay, Bukidnon, Camiguin, in the southern Philippines largely affects Lanao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao Food access is a major limiting factor to the peace and order situation of the del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, most of the provinces, except in Zamboanga communities and contributes to limited North Cotabato, Sarangani, Agusan del del Sur and Davao del Sur. PSA’s data investments and programme interventions, Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur indicates that 14 of the provinces had as indicated in conflict-affected parts of were classified under level 3 (moderate underemployment rates of 22 to 40 percent, Sulu and Maguindanao provinces. In terms chronic food insecurity). The province of which is higher than the 19 percent national of human capital, the work force classified Zamboanga del Sur was the lone province in average. as the vulnerable groups like labourers and level 2 (mild chronic food insecurity). unskilled workers have limited income and Food utilization is also a major limiting factor contribute to the high incidence of poverty Access to quality food and diversification in eight provinces due to poor access to and underemployment. While the literacy of food consumed is poor and a major improved water source (11 to 34 percent); rate in some provinces is high, it does not problem in the provinces despite available lighting (10 to 61 percent), which is linked to ensure employment, again as indicated by food supply. The provinces, especially longer storage of food and better cooking limited employment opportunities.

Issue 3 I 7 Haiyan Recovery and Rehabilitation ©FAO/R.Cabrera

Building more resilient farming communities

FAO Provincial Program Officer Quincy Ybañez (left) briefs after Typhoon Haiyan beneficiaries in Leyte Province on the contents of the farming kits that they will receive, which includes farm production inputs, hand tools and seed storage containers.

o help build the resilience of resistant will help farmers minimize be put under pressure to sell their small-scale rice, corn and coconut- their losses and will enable them to produce straight away in order to T based farming communities store up to 80 kgs of seeds, which meet their immediate needs so this severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan, equates to being able plant increases farmers’ bargaining power, some 40 000 households are receiving two hectares of rice paddies,” said as they have the option to delay selling recovery support in the form of water- Ms Pinat. while negotiating a better price.” and pest-resistant storage containers, along with training that will help “There are also economic benefits to In addition, Ms Pinat explained that farmers protect their seeds and proper seed storage. Farmers will not the storage drums can keep seeds reduce post-harvest losses.

One of the most important post- harvest activities is the storage of grains and seeds, however during the storage period many farmers have been losing an average of almost 60 kg per household, according to a recent FAO Post-Harvest Haiyan Report.

“Appropriate storage facilities can play a crucial role in reducing seed and grain losses when natural disasters like floods or typhoons occur,” said Jackie Pinat, FAO Area Coordinator for Region VIII.

The report revealed that the majority of households were storing part of their rice seeds in rice sacks, which ©FAO/R.Cabrera were not protected from extreme weather conditions. Edgard Montoya, a farmer from Palo, Leyte Province, has “We know that other typhoons will been able to re-establish his livelihood after receiving a household farming kit and training through FAO. come, so these air-tight storage containers, being pest and water-

8 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2015 for up to four months, allowing the “The assistance really helped us get better prepared, because I am now farmers to save their good seeds from through the crisis, so that we could get more experienced, and more trained. the last harvest for the next cropping back to farming. Now I can grow and I have readily available seedlings and season. sell crops again. The money that I earn I can use the grain storage container from selling my crops, I can use to buy if ever another typhoon like Yolanda One of the recipients was Edgarde my families daily needs,” he says. comes again. But I pray that it won’t Montoya who has been farming rice happen.” in Palo, Leyte for more than 20 years. The inputs and trainings that have His coastal community was hit first by been provided to small-scale farmers the typhoon, and then by the resulting like Edgarde means they can now tidal surge. “When Yolanda came all implement these practices they’ve FAO’s Rice and Corn Recovery component the crops were washed out, even the learnt and be able to ensure safer and Coconut-Based Farming Systems houses were destroyed,” he recalls. grain and seed storage to reduce (CBFS) component is part of FAO’s losses, thereby increasing their USD 39.7 million Typhoon Haiyan Edgarde has since built back his resilience to natural disasters and their Strategic Response Programme to livelihood through receiving training ability to recover. address the recovery needs of affected on better farming practices, along farming families. The programme is with a household farming kit and farm Edgarde is well aware that more funded by the Governments of Canada, inputs that includes the seed storage typhoons will surely come but his Finland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, container. outlook is optimistic: “I think I am now Norway and United Kingdom. ©FAO/R.Cabrera

New Zealand Ambassador Ambassador visits Haiyan-affected coconut farming community in Leyte

During a recent field visit to an FAO project site in the Leyte community of Malitobgay, Ambassador David Strachan from the New Zealand (NZ) Embassy praised the coconut farmers for their recovery efforts.

The field visit included a tour of a contour farming site that was developed by the local community-based farming organization using sloping agricultural land technology (SALT). It also coincided with the distribution of agriculture inputs for coconut farmers which included the household farming kits that included the storage drums, vegetable seeds, heavy- duty tarpaulin, drying nets, watering cans and organic fertilizer.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador ©FAO/R.Cabrera praised the beneficiaries for their inspirational resilience and was proud that the people of New Zealand were able to New Zealand Ambassador David Strachan formally hands over a household contribute to their recovery and that their farming kit with a seed storage container to Malou Malate, a farmer from Javier, Leyte Province. Also at the distribution event were (from left) sustained hard work would ensure a more FAO Representative José Luis Fernandez, Hannah Walton-France of the self-reliant farming community. NZ Aid Program, Javier Vice Mayor Emma Abueva, and Tiffany Babbington, Deputy Director from the International Development Group. Accompanying the NZ delegation were Tiffany Babbington, Deputy Director from the International development In addition to distributing household The NZ project is part of FAO’s coconut- Group, Hannah Walton-France of the farming kits and developing SALT sites, the based farming systems component that NZ Aid Program and FAO-Philippines NZ-funded project is providing is providing support to 35 500 Haiyan- Representative José Luis Fernández. 4 000 small-scale coconut farming affected families across three regions “Being here today is a testament to the households with rehabilitation support of the Philippines. The component is excellent partnership between FAO and its through intercropping and livestock being implemented in collaboration partners at all levels, in the delivery of our integration to intensify and diversify with government partners from the support to the recovery and rehabilitation livelihoods in coconut-growing areas; departments of Agriculture, Agrarian ©FAO/R.Cabrera of communities affected by Typhoon establishing home and community Reform, Trade and Industry and the Haiyan/Yolanda,” said Mr Fernández after seed banking; establishing value-adding Philippine Coconut Authority. thanking the NZ Government for the activities, providing community-based support communities have received. processing and packaging of marketable products; building capacities in risk “We hope that through our partnership assessment and climate resilience; and and this program, we are able to facilitate integrating soil conservation with trees in farming communities in building back a sloping areas to prepare communities for better future for their families.” future disasters.

Partnerships: Working together

Members of a women farmers’ cooperative in Basey, Samar not only served as to improve food security recipients of FAO’s livelihood recovery assistance but also as partners in building a foundation for a resilient agriculture sector in their province.

artnerships are at the heart Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment 2012-2018. FAO actively participated of FAO’s mission to help build and Natural Resouces (DENR), Science in the formulation of UNDAF in P consensus for a world without and Technology (DOST), Social Welfare 2011, which is anchored on the hunger and are a crucial enabler for and Development (DSWD), Trade national priorities in the Philippine achieving FAO’s Strategic Objectives. and Industry (DTI), the Office of the Development Plan 2011-2016. In this respect, facilitating and Presidential Assistant for Food Security promoting partnerships for food and and Agricultural Modernization An active member of the Humanitarian nutrition security, agriculture and (OPAFSAM), the Office of the Country Team (HCT), FAO serves as rural development is a core function Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation co-lead of the agriculture component of the Organization’s new Strategic and Recovery (OPARR), as well as of the Food Security Cluster and Framework. with the National Commission on Agriculture Cluster under the IASC Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the cluster arrangement. HCT is composed In partnership, FAO can more National Economic and Development of UN agencies, multilateral financial effectively contribute to global efforts Auathority (NEDA). institutions and NGOs. FAO is also to eradicate hunger and reduce actively engaged in the Food Security poverty, improving food access for In addition, FAO works with affiliated Cluster in the Mindanao Humanitarian the poor and vulnerable by working agencies, including the Philippine Country Team which is mainly focused together with its partners. Partnerships Coconut Authority (PCA), Bureau on the internally-displaced persons in also make it possible to mobilize of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources conflict affected areas in Mindanao. the best available knowledge and (BFAR), Bureau of Animal Industry capacities and provide the most (BAI), Forest Management Bureau NGOs effective services in working toward (FMB), Bangsamoro Development Non-government organizations (NGOs) common goals. Agency (BDA), Office of the Presidential play a critical role in the fight against Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), hunger given their technical expertise, FAO partnerships in the Philippines Department of Agriculture and their knowledge and capacity on Fisheries in the Autonomous Region a variety of issues related to food Government in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) as security, and their increasing presence Working together with the Government well as the relevant Local Government in the field. In the Philippines, FAO is of the Philippines for more than Units. working with more than 20 NGOs in three decades, FAO has assisted the fight against hunger and poverty. the country in the pursuit of its UN Agencies development objectives through FAO continues to collaborate closely a multi-sectoral approach, which with other UN agencies through involves close partnerships with the the United Nations Development departments of Agriculture (DA), Assistance Framework (UNDAF)

10 I FAO Philippines Newsletter 2015 Community-based Organizations, obtain concrete results on the ground. including the Bureau of Agricultural Cooperatives and Farmers’ By partnering with academia, we are Statistics (BAS), Philippine Rice Associations capitalizing on the synergy generated Research Institute, the International FAO is the lead agency ensuring by common goals, specifically, the goal Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the that agriculture cooperatives and of achieving food security. Technical Education and Skills community-based organizations Development Authority (TESDA), DOST (CBOs) are recognized and remain in Currently, FAO is working closely PAGASA- Climate Prediction Section the international agenda. with the University of the Philippines and the DOST Food and Nutrition Los Banos – Insitute of Human Research Institute. Agricultural and food cooperatives Nutrition and Food, University of are important vehicles for reducing the Philippines Visayas, University Private Sector poverty and generating employment, of the Philippines Diliman – Institute FAO builds linkages with private sector and therefore contribute to socio- for Geological Sciences, University organizations that can offer innovative economic development and, ultimately, of the Philippines Tacloban, Visayas and efficient ways of contributing food security. State University, Central Bicol State to eradicating hunger and poverty. University of Agriculture, Occidental This is especially crucial in the area FAO is working with over 275 CBOs, Mindoro State College, Eastern of entrepreneurship and marketing cooperatives and Farmers’ Associations Samar State University, Aklan State where networks and skillful negotiation in the Philippines. These organizations University, Polytechnic University of are paramount. The private entities are instrumental in continuing the the Philippines, University of Southern like social enterprises and chambers extension activities, promoting Mindanao, Caraga State University, of commerce, with their willingness to

©FAO/V.Villafranca entrepreneurship and marketing which Samar State University, Western share the real workings of business, enable famers to take advantage of Philippines University and Coron are resourceful partners in sustaining the new opportunities brought about School of Fisheries. These partnerships the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. by the global integration of agriculture are an opportunity to leverage the and food systems. strengths of both organizations, allowing collaboration on matters of Academia and Research common interest. Universities FAO engages with academia and Technical Agencies research institutions to ensure that FAO continues to bolster its valuable knowledge and research are used to partnerships with technical agencies,

FAO, UNICEF and NNC: Partners in establishing an early warning system for food and nutrition security

Under a common goal of eliminating hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, the FAO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Department of Health’s National Nutrition Council (NNC) have been working together to improve the capacity of some of the most vulnerable communities in the Philippines to avert potential food and nutrition crises. ©FAO/C.Pastores

These strong partnerships have resulted in the establishment of early warning systems for food and nutrition security (EWS- Local officials in Malinao, Aklan participate FNS) in six municipalities in the Province in a training session on municipal level data of Camarines Sur, one of the 20 most collection. disaster-prone provinces in the country. The EWS, which is a simplified information system for collecting and analysing data Goal Achievement Fund, the EWS has Introduced to beneficiary communities as on food supply, household food security, since been adopted and expanded by the “Project InFoRM,” the USD 559 310 and the nutrition status of young children, NNC, other government agencies and UN (Php 25.2 million) UNICEF-funded effort supports local chief executives in evidence- organizations, including the Department of seeks to enable local governments to based decision-making, forecasting and Social Welfare and Development and the make better-informed decisions that program planning. One of the beneficiary World Food Programme. will effectively address hunger and food communities, for instance, responded insecurity, and strengthen the resilience of to the diet diversity findings of the EWS- FAO and UNICEF are leveraging the success communities. The project is implemented FNS household survey by initiating a of its synergy to further support the NNC in ten municipalities in the provinces of duck-raising program to address protein in establishing the EWS-FNS as a basis for Capiz and Aklan, which are among the deficiency in specific locations. a national surveillance system. Beginning poorest provinces in Region VI. October 2014, the three organizations have From a small municipal-level project piloted been jointly replicating the project in the by FAO and NNC in 2009 through the Western Visayas region after it was severely United Nations’ Millennium Development battered by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

Agencies convene for Forestry experts meet FAO mid-year donor international conference to promote sustainable briefing on coconut-scale insect forestry practices in Asia

FAO’s mid-year donor briefing was held FAO, together with representatives from Representatives from government on Wednesday, 24 June at the Yuchengco the Government, research and academic forestry ministries and agencies, inter- Institute for Advance Studies (Makati) institutions convened on 28 to 29 May for governmental and non-governmental to update the donor community of the an international conference to develop bodies, the private sector and substantive accomplishments of FAO’s sustainable Integrated Pest Management organizations in Asia met in Manila in Haiyan rehabilitation projects, along with strategies against the coconut scale April to strengthen policies and practice presenting FAO’s DRR Approach and insect (CSI) at the University of the on sustainable forest management in the Mindanao Framework Programme. Philippines Southeast Asian Regional region. Center for Graduate Study and Research The event was attended by over in Agriculture. Jointly organized by FAO and the 20 representatives from the donor Department of Environment and Natural community, along with representatives Since 2010, the CSI has infested the Resources, the three-day workshop from government departments and CALABARZON region and the Province brought together current and potential institutions, including the Department of Basilan in Mindanao, damaging more users of forestry sustainability indicators, of Agriculture, Office of the Presidential than 2.7 million coconut stands. Unless with the view to develop a roadmap Adviser on the Peace Process, effectively managed, CSI will continue to for strengthening their use, promoting Bangsamoro Development Agency and threaten the livelihood of people who rely sustainable forestry practices. Mindanao Development Authority. directly or indirectly on coconut farming. The workshop kicked off a series of The forum was an opportunity to discuss Speaking at the event, FAO Representative regional workshops to set the way the importance of addressing not only the José Luis Fernández said, “We recognize forward for further developing and remaining challenges but the emerging that an enabling environment can improving the use of forest indicators ones that lie ahead in building sustainable only be created if local capacities are for different purposes in forest-related and resilient communities in the regions built, accountable ways of working policy and practice. Delegates attending affected by natural disasters and conflict. are promoted and reflective action included forestry associations, forest amongst project partners at all levels are community and producer organizations, In closing, FAO-Philippines Representative encouraged.” and other relevant regional stakeholders. José Luis Fernández reiterated the call to donors to extend further support The aim of the conference was to draw The recommendations from the three-day to FAO and the Government. “Building lessons from good practices shared by workshop will not only help future work in resilient farming and fishing communities international and local experts, bridge the region, but will also be used as inputs is indeed a priority of the Philippine gaps in existing strategies and develop to upcoming global forestry meetings Government since agriculture is one a sustainable national integrated pest and fora, including the XIV World Forestry of the fundamental building blocks for management strategy for addressing Congress in South Africa in September reducing poverty, particularly in the rural CSI in affected communities. With 2015, which will bring together the communities and also in supporting the FAO support, and in partnership with global forestry community to review and peace process,” he said. the Philippine Coconut Authority, a analyse the key issues and share ways of study to explore ways to effectively addressing them. and sustainably manage CSI is being conducted by an international expert on pest management.

FAO Representation in the Philippines 29th Floor, Yuchengco Tower 1, RCBC Plaza Food and Agriculture Organization 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines of the United Nations Email: [email protected] Website: www.fao.org/philippines