The Department of Agriculture has formed a food security task force to monitor and address disruptions in agricultural supply, prices, and trade due to energy emergencies and geopolitical tensions. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said it replaces the department's previous ad hoc monitoring system.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the task force will produce daily briefings on the country's food situation, shared with Congress and the Office of the President. "Since the start of the war, we’ve been operating on an ad hoc basis. Now we are formalizing the task force so reports are standardized and more detailed, enabling faster and better decision-making," he stated.
The group will track the impact of disrupted shipping routes, especially in the Middle East, affecting key exports like bananas and pineapples. Tiu Laurel noted these interruptions cause "opportunity losses" for exporters redirecting shipments to alternative markets at lower prices.
The DA is coordinating with financial institutions, including Land Bank of the Philippines, to assist affected exporters. Officials are exploring new markets in Africa, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia, despite logistical hurdles and competition.
Initially operating within the DA, the task force aims to consolidate data and provide timely information for quick interventions. "The task force is about more than just food supply – it’s about safeguarding our economy and ensuring that both producers and consumers are shielded from shocks," Tiu Laurel added.
