MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is pushing for deeper integration with its Southeast Asian neighbors to strengthen food security and expand market linkages.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called for improved cooperation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries.
He said that regional cooperation remains critical amid climate and geopolitical challenges that adversely impact agriculture and food production.
Tiu Laurel added that strong trade arrangements and reciprocal investments among ASEAN members are essential in addressing supply shortfalls when domestic production comes under pressure.
He also highlighted the “Big Brother, Small Brother” program, which could be expanded at a regional scale.
“Originally piloted in the Philippines to mentor grassroots producers, the approach is designed to level up small-scale agripreneurs by pairing them with established corporations and larger enterprises,” he added.
Locally, the DA has been implementing the project through the Adapt-A-Coop program.
This pairs cooperatives with private-sector mentors who provide practical guidance on key business areas, including cost accounting, packaging improvements and market-focused promotion.
The program also aims to improve business management, financial literacy, operational productivity and market access for farmers.
Tiu Laurel stressed the need to improve the financial and business skills of smallholder farmers.
“They have to know the costs of what they’re producing and marketing and how to market it properly and bring it to the right markets,” he said.
The program seeks to create direct links between commercial buyers and local farms, reducing the number of intermediaries in the supply chain and helping farmers secure better prices for their produce.