The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Utak Magsasaka Novo Ecijano (UMANE), in collaboration with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), convened a Symposium and Policy Forum on the Right to Adequate Food: Policy, Practice, and Human Dignity today, July 28, at the University Auditorium.
The event gathered over 350 farmers, agricultural representatives, students, partner organizations, and guests who were eager to explore updated agricultural policies, legislation, best practices, and support programs of the government for Filipino farmers.
Specifically, the event analyzed the policy framework and provided a direct platform for smallholder farmers and basic sectors to articulate structural challenges regarding market access, fair pricing, and production inputs; leveraged CLSU’s research in climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable farming systems to offer scalable solutions; and to formulate a multi-sectoral "Nueva Ecija Declaration on the Right to Adequate Food" to serve as a policy brief for local and national lawmakers.
During the opening program, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella reaffirmed the university’s dedication to farmers as primary stakeholders.
"This symposium is both timely and significant because it provides a venue where policymakers, researchers, agricultural experts, community leaders, and farmers can engage in meaningful dialogue. More importantly, it creates an opportunity to share ideas and recommendations that truly address the needs of our community. As a premier agricultural university, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing research, innovation, and extension programs that contribute directly to sustainable agricultural and rural development."
Representing Nueva Ecija Governor Hon. Aurelio M. Umali as a keynote speaker, Atty. Jose Maria Caesar C. San Pedro highlighted key provincial initiatives, including the P20-per-kilo rice program, the promotion of biochar technology, and direct rice purchasing from local farmers. He emphasized that these programs aim to put people at the center of agricultural growth:
"Ang tunay na sukatan ng ating tagumpay ay hindi lamang kung gaano karaming palay, sibuyas, o gulay ang ating naaani. Ang sukatan ay kung ang mga magsasaka ay may disenteng kita, kung ang bawat pamilya ay may sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at kung ang ating agricultural abundance ay nagiging oportunidad, seguridad, at dignidad para sa ating mga mamamayan,” he added.
Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included NAPC Lead Convenor Sec. Lope B. Santos III; Science City of Muñoz Mayor Hon. Baby Armi L. Alvarez, represented by OIC Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Leonel P. Parugrug; Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit; former CLSU President and current Umane, Inc. President Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan; and Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director III Dr. Liza G. Battad.
