US businessmen urged to invest in agri infra projects under PPP

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala is pitching for investments from the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in support of the Aquino administration’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency and security.

In a recent speech Alcala urged members of the AmCham, to invest under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program in such projects as irrigation, logistics and post-harvest facilities.

Alcala told AmCham members that “agricultural development and modernization, founded on the principles of equity, sustainable agriculture and participatory governance, is the work platform of the DA (Department of Agriculture) family under the direction of President Aquino.”

He said the overall framework known as Agrikulturang Pinoy or Agri-Pinoy, “is a commitment to a broad-based agricultural growth and rural development – the preconditions that will help emancipate smallholders from the bondage of poverty and hunger, of hopelessness and despair.”

Agri-Pinoy “is guided by the rational thinking and actions on food security and self-sufficiency; sustainable agriculture and fishery; natural resource management; and local development,” Alcala said.

According to Alcala, the Aquino administration is resolved to “know, understand and act on the needs of smallholders.” Likewise, the current administration is resolved to “restore public trust in the DA, and the government in general, through good governance and related initiatives,” he added.

Alcala said the Aquino administration, vows to accelerate growth and rural infra build-up via public-private partnerships and stronger collaboration with stakeholders and other partners within and outside government.

He said it is also committed to, promote a sound environment for future generations through sustainable food production practices.

At the core of the government’s food security blueprint, is the realization of self sufficiency in basic staples, notably rice, Alcala said, adding that the DA, would rehabilitate or restore existing, irrigation areas to increase productivity. 

The DA would also provide more post-harvest and bulk handling service facilities to reduce losses. 

Finally, he said the QA will establish production hubs for high yielding varieties of rice seeds and other farm inputs such as organic fertilizer.