The Philippines has inked an agreement with Brunei to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries as part of broader efforts to boost regional food security, trade and sustainable development.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry meeting in Pasay earlier this month.
‘This agreement reflects the shared goals of the Philippines and Brunei, good neighbors in Southeast Asia, to strengthen agri-fisheries systems and enhance food security through collaboration, innovation and responsible development,’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.
Under the agreement, both countries will pursue joint initiatives in agrifood trade, agro-biotechnology, aquaculture and precision agriculture.
This includes collaboration on research, exchange of expertise and promoting market access.
Key areas of cooperation include livestock and poultry development, disease prevention, high-yield crop technologies and downstream processing in both agriculture and fisheries.
The MOU also highlights planned capacity-building efforts such as joint training, technical visits and the sharing of publications, studies and technical data.
The DA said private sector participation will be encouraged under the partnership, with both governments facilitating agrifood investment and trade through information sharing, particularly on sanitary and phytosanitary standards and market access requirements.
The government agency said the agreement provides a framework for policy coordination and knowledge exchange, with mechanisms to protect intellectual property, handle research outcomes and maintain the confidentiality of shared information.
Tiu Laurel said the MOU is expected to create new opportunities for Filipino farmers and fishers while fostering stronger ties with Brunei.