The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has celebrated significant milestones in 2024, driven by its network of agricultural attaches stationed across key global markets. These achievements are expected to contribute tens of billions of pesos to the economy, while fortifying the nation’s agricultural exports and enhancing global trade relationships. Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted how these efforts support local farmers, fisherfolk, investors, and businesses, bringing long-term benefits to the sector.
“The successes of our agricultural attaches abroad are pivotal in expanding our agricultural exports, advancing market access, and securing new investment avenues,” said Laurel. “These breakthroughs will help reduce our agricultural trade deficit and further strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations that benefit millions of Filipinos.”
In Thailand, DA attache Annalyn Lopez was instrumental in securing market access for four Philippine fishery establishments to export to Vietnam, boosting fishery exports. She also helped expand the market for Philippine durian in Malaysia and supported the participation of the Philippines at Thaifex ANUGA 2024, where over P1.5 billion in sales were realized, with additional sales potential of P3.5 billion. Furthermore, Lopez facilitated the signing of strategic agreements with Vietnam and Brunei, strengthening ties for future agricultural collaborations.
Meanwhile, in China, DA counsellor Jerome Bunyi played a central role in the Philippines’ successful participation at the China International Import Expo, generating an estimated USD 1.6 billion in sales. Filipino products such as bananas, durian, pineapples, and coconuts saw strong demand, underscoring global confidence in the Philippines’ agricultural goods.
In Europe, Nolet Fulgencio, based in Belgium, reported significant progress in securing market access for Philippine pili nuts in the EU, with plans to work on expanding Philippine sardine exports to the region. Additionally, she is focusing on promoting Filipino agricultural products at major European fairs and exhibitions, strengthening the Philippines’ position in Europe’s competitive market.
Dubai-based attache efforts were crucial in forging connections between Philippine exporters and buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. By resolving key regulatory issues, such as the resumption of banana exports to Qatar, DA Dubai continues to solidify the Middle East’s strategic importance to Philippine agricultural trade.
Swiss-based attache Marlito Cabunos represented the country’s interests at the World Trade Organization, advocating for greater flexibility for developing nations. He also played a role in expanding the European market for Guimaras mangoes, which has seen increasing demand in Switzerland.
In Rome, Dr. Josyline Javelosa championed the Philippines’ agricultural priorities at the United Nations, co-leading the development of an action plan for the UN’s Committee on World Food Security. She worked on advancing the country’s agrifood systems through high-level engagements and facilitating key technical cooperation agreements with Italy.
South Korea also proved a critical partner, with DA attache Lev Nikko Macalintal spearheading the establishment of an Agricultural Machinery Industrial Complex in Cabanatuan and generating P297.27 million in sales at Seoul Food 2024. The Philippines continues to forge new trade agreements aimed at boosting productivity and bilateral agricultural exchanges.
In Japan, DA attache Maria Alilia Maghirang was instrumental in securing market access for Philippine avocados and worked on enhancing agricultural ties through various technical cooperation projects, while facilitating P361 million in sales at major events such as FOODEX Japan and the International Seafood Show.
Finally, in the United States, Lupiño Lazaro Jr. and assistant attache Anna Natalia Lazo continued to expand market access for products like shrimp paste, pineapples, and mangoes, as well as strengthen relationships with key agricultural partners like Argentina, Canada, and Chile.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that these global engagements underscore the DA’s unwavering commitment to expanding the reach of Philippine agricultural products while promoting sustainable sector growth—critical for the nation’s economic development and food security. These trade accomplishments are expected to continue fostering growth for the Philippines’ agricultural sector, benefiting both domestic farmers and the broader economy.
