MANILA – The Philippines and Japan have strengthened their food security partnership by expanding cooperation to include the fisheries sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Friday.

The enhanced collaboration stems from a revised Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the expanded agreement highlights the crucial role of fisheries in ensuring food security and generating employment in the country.

“Food security is not just about producing more crops,” Laurel said following the signing of the MOC with Japanese Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki. “It is about building resilient food systems from farms to fishing grounds, embracing technology, and ensuring our farmers and fisherfolk remain productive despite growing challenges.”

The updated MOC builds on the 2023 agricultural agreement between the two nations, broadening cooperation beyond traditional agricultural exchanges. Key areas of collaboration now include smart farming, digital transformation, farm mechanization, biotechnology, climate resilience, fisheries development, value chain enhancement, and pest and disease management.

For the Philippines, the inclusion of fisheries is particularly significant, given the sector’s contribution to both food supply and employment.

Tokyo-based Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang said innovation will be a central focus of the strengthened partnership.

“The new MOC also promotes innovation, including smart technologies and digital transformation, to improve productivity across Philippine agriculture and food systems,” Maghirang noted.

The agreement also establishes the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (JCAF), replacing the previous agriculture-focused mechanism. The new body will serve as a platform for policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and project development between the two countries.

To fast-track implementation of the agreement, the Philippines-Japan JCAF is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting from July 2 to 3.

Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA)