While the agri-food sector is considered essential in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, critical gaps remain that could further complicate the food security picture not only locally but also on a global scale. The Philippines, while not traditionally facing food shortages, is a major food importer that is vulnerable to the economic downturns and supply chain disruptions brought about by the pandemic. If left unchecked, access to adequate, affordable, and nutritious food may become harder. Food growers and policymakers are now paying closer attention to current and emerging trends that will help tackle post-pandemic food security challenges.
In this webinar, you will learn how COVID-19 affects the complex food system with particular emphasis on the domestic agricultural value chain, trends and innovations that could influence sustainable food supply after the pandemic, and policy recommendations to achieve the overall development objectives in the agri-food sector.
Tamara P. Duran has been with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for more than five years now. As the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR) for Programme, she oversees the programme development and management of FAO’s portfolio in the country, which currently includes initiatives that seek to promote food security and nutrition; introduce technologies that would help improve agri and fisheries productivity and incomes, as well as sustainable management of natural resources; and increase the resilience of the sector and its stakeholders to both natural and human-induced threats and emergencies. Prior to her appointment as AFAOR, she has been providing direct support to the implementation of FAO projects, in coordination with their key counterparts such as the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, and Agrarian Reform, among others.
Grahame Dixie is the executive director of Grow Asia, a multi-stakeholder partnership that catalyses inclusive agricultural development in in five ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, plus Papua New Guinea. The platform mobilises 480 partners into 44 working groups. They collectively solve pre-competitive issues in specific value chains, as well as at sectorial and policy levels. The key targets are focused on improving smallholder farmers’ profitability and productivity as well as the environmental sustainability of agriculture.
Karlo Nograles currently serves as Cabinet Secretary, appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte in November 2018 to head the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat. Secretary Nograles serves as close adviser to the President, and ensures close coordination among the different agencies of government, such as DILG, DPWH, DSWD, DOH, and others.
Dr. Mary Ann P. Sayoc is the Public Affairs Lead of East West Seed International. She has 19 years of professional experience in the seed industry. She was former General Manager of East-West Seed Philippines, a Dutch company engaged in research, development, production, and distribution of vegetable seeds. East-West Seed is a market leader for tropical vegetable seeds in Asia and developing markets in Africa and Latin-America.
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