US deepens ties with Philippines via food and agriculture

CEBU, Philippines — The United States is seeking to deepen its partnership with the Philippines through the food and culinary industries, with American agricultural products positioned as an ingredient in the country’s evolving food economy.

Herpin Rochet Jateng, agricultural attaché at the US Department of Agriculture at the US Embassy in the Philippines, said the US remained committed to strengthening its diplomatic and commercial ties with the Philippines, including through food and agriculture.

“The U.S. is with you all,” Jateng said, stressing the countries’ longstanding diplomatic relationship and partnership.

Jateng was in Cebu to grace the 3rd Bakery World, organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

He said US agricultural products could complement Filipino culinary practices and help local businesses and chefs develop products while preserving the distinctive character of Philippine cuisine.

“It’s always a pleasure” to see US products blended with Filipino ways of doing things, Jateng said, adding that the partnership offered opportunities to showcase the range of products available from the US.

The remarks come as the Philippine food sector faces changing consumer preferences and growing demand for products that combine quality, consistency and innovation.

Joseph Blippert of US Wheat Associates said the organization would expand its training and industry programs in the Philippines, in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

The additional programs are intended to help industry participants adapt to changes in the market while maintaining the standards that Filipino consumers have come to expect, he said.

“We’re here as partners with you,” Blippert said, adding that US Wheat Associates was committed to increasing resources for training and other activities.

The initiative emphasizes the role of technical cooperation alongside agricultural trade, as US suppliers seek to strengthen their position in a Philippine market where food manufacturers, bakers and culinary businesses are increasingly focused on product quality and consistency.

Blippert said the organization would work with local industry players to “navigate the change, rise together” while continuing to promote the use of high-quality ingredients.

For the US, the engagement provides a route to strengthen demand for American agricultural commodities beyond traditional trade channels. For Philippine businesses, greater access to products, technical expertise and training could support product development and help local enterprises respond to changing consumer tastes.

The partnership reflects a shift in agricultural trade towards relationships that extend beyond the sale of commodities to include training, product development and knowledge transfer — areas that can shape how imported ingredients are incorporated into local food businesses.