SEARICE and Partners Join Forces to Strengthen Agroecology Implementation in the Philippines

Photo from: Department of Agriculture (DA)

As biodiversity loss continues to threaten global food systems, the need to rethink how food is produced has become increasingly urgent. While agriculture is often identified as a contributor to climate change and environmental degradation, it is important to emphasize that the challenge lies not in agriculture itself, but in the widespread use of conventional production systems that depend heavily on synthetic inputs, degrade soils, deplete water resources, and prioritize short-term yields over long-term ecological health.

Against this backdrop, agroecology emerged as a key pathway during the dialogue workshop, "Exploring Opportunities for PBSAP Implementation across Biodiversity, Climate & Sustainable Agri-food Systems with a Human Rights-Based Approach," organized by SwedBio, Tebtebba Foundation, SEARICE, and Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP), held on June 30–July 1, 2026, in Tagaytay City.

Oliver Oliveros (left) and Carl Vincent Gapasin (right) during the PBSAP Dialogue organized by SwedBio, Tebtebba Foundation, SEARICE, and Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP).

During the session on "Key International and National Instruments Supporting the Nexus," participants explored how agroecology can advance the implementation of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) 2024–2040. Mr. Oliver Oliveros, Executive Coordinator of the Agroecology Coalition, presented "Agroecology: A Transformative Agri-food System that Enhances Biodiversity and Strengthens Climate Resilience," highlighting agroecology's role in addressing interconnected challenges in biodiversity, food systems, and climate. Complementing the discussion, Mr. Carl Vincent Gapasin, Program Head Coordinator of the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Department of Agriculture (DA), presented the ASEAN Agroecology Guidelines, which provide regional guidance for countries pursuing agroecological transitions.

The discussions highlighted how agroecology offers an integrated approach that simultaneously supports biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable food production, and rural livelihoods. By working with ecological processes rather than against them, agroecology presents opportunities to restore biodiversity while strengthening the resilience of farming communities.

Just days later, on July 7, 2026, representatives from the Agroecology Coalition led by Mr. Oliveros met with DA Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, along with relevant program directors from the Department of Agriculture, to discuss opportunities to strengthen collaboration on agroecology in the Philippines. Philippine-based members of the coalition present included the Southeast Asian Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE), Asian Farmers' Association (AFA), Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA), and International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR).

The strategic meeting focused on identifying areas of common interest between the Department of Agriculture and the Coalition, sharing ongoing initiatives that support agroecological transition, and exploring future collaboration in advancing sustainable agriculture. Discussions also aligned with the ASEAN Policy Guidelines on Agroecological Transition, reinforcing the Philippines' potential contribution to regional efforts promoting sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience across Southeast Asia.

One positive outcome of the meeting was a shared recognition of the importance of developing a common understanding of agroecology across government institutions. Both the Department of Agriculture and the participating civil society organizations expressed support for organizing a workshop that would provide a venue for dialogue and technical discussions on agroecology, laying the groundwork for more coordinated implementation in the future.

The momentum generated through the PBSAP dialogue and the engagement with the Department of Agriculture demonstrates the value of sustained conversations among government agencies, civil society, and regional partners. As the Philippines advances the implementation of the PBSAP, continued collaboration will be essential in translating policy discussions into concrete actions that protect biodiversity while building resilient and sustainable food systems.

SEARICE extends its appreciation to the Agroecology Coalition and the Department of Agriculture for fostering an open and constructive dialogue to strengthen partnerships for agroecological transition in the Philippines.