MAKATI CITY, Metro Manila - Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Director Remelyn R. Recoter joined policymakers and industry leaders as one of the key speakers at the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Forum of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), held on April 30 at the Raffles and Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. With the theme “From Farm to Future: Transforming Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” the forum highlighted the importance of innovation, resilience, and collaboration in confronting the critical challenges facing today’s agri-food systems.
In her keynote speech, Atty. Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff to Senator Cynthia Villar, stressed the urgent need to modernize Philippine agriculture. She noted that although the sector employs 25% of the national workforce, it contributes only 8.6% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Citing key legislative measures, she advocated for improved farm inputs, infrastructure, financing, and global competitiveness.
The DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. also introduced a suite of new strategies aimed at supporting farmers on the frontlines of climate change. These initiatives include a climate-adaptive cropping calendar, expanded farm mechanization, digital farm management tools, and youth-focused programs designed to attract fresh talent to the country’s aging farming population. “Innovation is a necessity. We need new models of farming that make agriculture cool and competitive for the next generation,” said DA Secretary Laurel.
During her presentation, Director Remelyn R. Recoter stressed the significant role of innovation in building resilient and sustainable food systems, echoing Secretary Laurel’s call to modernize agri-fishery production through science-based, climate-resilient technologies and digital transformation.
“At DA-ATI, we value innovation as we continuously develop new ideas, products, services, and methods,” she said. The Director noted that these efforts are designed to build capacities, shift mindsets, promote sustainable practices, and ultimately ensure food security.
She highlighted the integration of smart agriculture tools within ATI’s Competency-Based Curriculum Framework, citing the Binhing Palay app, Rice Crop Manager, e-Damuhan, and Payong PAGASA as digital innovations that assist farmers in crop management, pest control, and climate preparedness. In addition, Director Recoter stressed the importance of engaging the youth and advancing digitalization through initiatives such as the e-Learning platform, AgriKids, the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), and the Digi Agri Hackathon (AgriTech Innovate)—all designed to spark innovation and attract the next generation to agriculture.
Further showcasing regional innovations, Dir. Recoter shared:
- Agri 360, a Region IVA platform mapping Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) with 360-degree farm tours and featured technologies;
- the Pig Identification and Recording System (PIgS) developed by the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) for managing pig farm data; and
- PAITAAS: Top 555, a social innovation in Bicol Region focused on market-driven production and clustering approach of five climate-resilient crops by 500 farmers over five years.
During the plenary discussion, Dir. Recoter stressed the importance of ATI’s network of training centers, Farmers and Information Technology Service (FITS) centers, and LSAs as feedback channels for farmers, scaling platforms for innovation, and mechanisms for strengthening public-private partnerships.“Co-designing and co-creating initiatives with a shared commitment and vision is crucial for success,” she concluded.
This year’s Sustainable Agriculture Forum explored strategic directions on building resilient food systems through climate-smart agriculture, scaling innovations towards sustainable value chains, and strengthening public-private partnerships to support national food security efforts.
Among the distinguished speakers and experts included ECCP President Paulo Duarte, Philipp Dupuis of the European Union in the Philippines, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation President Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, East-West Seed Philippines Country Head for Research and Development Ruby Samonte, United Nations World Food Programme Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman, Nestle Senior Vice President Jose Uy III, Universal Leaf Director for Corporate Affairs and Compliance Michee San Pascual, as well as DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Development Program Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero and Climate Resilient Agriculture Office Director Agnes T. Miranda.
Co-written with Chandra Rachel Panol
