- The Philippines and Japan are working to expand their agricultural partnership, with a focus on fisheries and technology, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Japan.
- Planned amendments to the bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation will formally include fisheries, highlighting their growing role in food security, rural jobs, and exports.
- The revised agreement will establish a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries to oversee cooperation, provide a regular platform for dialogue, and implement initiatives.
On May 4, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. started preparatory discussions ahead of the president’s visit to Japan.
Central to the discussion were the planned amendments to the Philippines-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on agriculture, said the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Tiu Laurel emphasised the significance of the cooperation as a reaffirmation of bilateral ties.
“This visit underlines the strength and continuity of our partnership with Japan, especially as we pursue shared goals in food security, sustainability, and innovation. It also provides an opportunity to align our priorities and accelerate initiatives that will directly benefit Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.”
The amended MOC is expected to be finalised during President Marcos’ visit to Japan.
Key details in discussion
The proposed revision would incorporate fisheries into the framework, reflecting the sector’s expanding importance to food security, rural employment, and export growth, particularly for the Philippines.
The discussions also highlighted plans for deeper collaboration in agricultural technology.
Japan’s capabilities in smart agriculture, digital systems, and precision farming were identified as areas that could support the Philippines’ efforts to modernise production systems and raise productivity.
These technologies are seen as critical to addressing persistent challenges such as high input costs, labour shortages, and climate variability.
The amended agreement would establish a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries.
This body would institutionalise cooperation, provide a regular platform for dialogue, and oversee the implementation of agreed initiatives.
Both sides also reviewed preparations for the second meeting of the Joint Committee, which Japan is set to host in early July.
The meeting is expected to advance technical discussions and translate policy commitments into concrete programs and projects.
Climate action and other issues
Climate cooperation emerged as another key area, particularly through the Joint Crediting Mechanism between the two countries.
With the Philippines advancing the use of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in rice production which potentially could generate carbon credits while improving farm-level sustainability.
The meeting also explored collaboration in fertiliser production, including biofertilisers and precision agriculture technologies, highlighting efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the agricultural sector.
During the preparatory talks, the countries also discussed trade issues.
In particular, the Philippines reiterated its request for a reduction in Japanese tariffs on fresh bananas, one of its major agricultural exports.
Both sides also exchanged updates on potential new market access, including Philippine pomelos entering Japan and Japanese grapes entering the Philippine market.
Both sides expressed hope for progress, reflecting a shared interest in expanding two-way agricultural trade.
Lastly, the Philippines announced its planned participation in Green X EXPO 2027 in Yokohama.
The DA positioned it as an opportunity to promote high-value crops, attract investments, and strengthen its presence in global agricultural markets.
