As an agricultural country in the midst of an uncertain pandemic, it is crucial that the value of locally-produced crops is understood. Besides, a portion of the food that people partake come from these crops. And while it is typical to look at this from an investment standpoint, a paramount issue would be sustaining peace in Mindanao, especially in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through building sustainable communities. This will involve introducing BARMM to the business community in other parts of the country to showcase BARMM’s potential to integrate in the agricultural supply chain.
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with its Agriculture Committee, BDA, Inc. and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), seeks to explore the state of the agricultural sector in terms of food security and the future of the agricultural sector in BARMM through the upcoming agricultural conference entitled, “Planting the Right Seeds: Agricultural Investment Opportunities in BARMM during this Pandemic”. Furthermore, the conference will also provide the new opportunities presented to re-orient the food systems. The speakers focus on the areas of growth and the investment opportunities in agriculture in BARMM. The role of major international food companies in addressing the lack of access to food in low-to-middle income countries will also be covered in the discussions.
Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob continues to serve the Bangsamoro as he is currently the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform and also a Member of Parliament. He endeavors to implement social justice by advocating and showcasing hard work, transparency and accuracy. He has been into bringing the Bangsamoro Government closer to the communities by endeavouring to bring them the support services they need.
As the offices of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform have been merged under MAFAR-BARMM, Minister Yacob pushes for community driven program implementation anchored at making the farmers and fishers profitable thereby making them feel prouder.
He was the former Executive Director of Bangsamoro Development Agency. His contribution was made remarkable to the Bangsamoro People as the agency aims to give hope, build trust and confidence over the peace process. He manages various.
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 market leader for tropical vegetable seeds in Asia and developing markets in Africa and Latin-America.
Dr. Sayoc is active in the local and international agri-food scene. She is currently the President of the Philippine Seed Industry Association. She is the Chair of the Committee on Fruits and Vegetables of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Food. She is the Co-Chair of the Agriculture Committee of ECCP.
Slots are limited and on a first come, first served basis.
For registration inquiries, please contact Ms. Riznha Mendoza at riznha.mendoza@eccp.com.
In close partnership with government, businesses, civil society, and academia, ECCP passionately works to enhance the business environment for both European and Filipino companies.