The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) recently met with officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen cooperation on agriculture, trade, and sustainability between the European Union and the Philippines.
During the courtesy call, DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro welcomed the EU-ABC delegation, recognizing the Council as a vital partner in advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the Philippine and ASEAN agricultural sectors.
“This cooperation between the Philippines and EU-ASEAN Business Council will continue to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and food security not just in the Philippines but across the Southeast Asian region,” Navarro said.
Navarro also expressed appreciation for EU-ABC’s active participation in the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Meeting and its interest in supporting ASEAN’s 2026 Priority Economic Deliverable (PED) on the Implementation Plan for Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture. The Philippines is set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, positioning it to lead regional efforts on climate-smart and sustainable farming systems.
EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey highlighted the Council’s ongoing engagement in ASEAN through key initiatives such as the Health Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the annual Sustainability Summit hosted by its Philippine Chapter. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to forging partnerships with rural communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture, and supporting the conclusion of the long-awaited EU–Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
A dynamic exchange of insights followed in a question-and-answer session, where EU-ABC and DA officials discussed potential areas for collaboration, including animal health, dairy development, agricultural mechanization, organic and regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient farming practices.
Also present at the meeting were DA Undersecretary Constante Palabrica, National Dairy Authority Administrator Marcus Andaya, Bureau of Animal Industry OIC-Director Dr. Christian Daquigan, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Director Junibert de Sagun, and representatives from the DA’s International Affairs Division.
On the EU side, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Executive Director Florian Gottien joined the delegation alongside representatives from various European companies.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the EU-ABC and the Department of Agriculture to strengthen agricultural cooperation and drive sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in the agri-food sector.
