Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 10) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that local food production will not suffer due to the ongoing conflict in Israel, one of the Philippines’ major partners in agriculture and trade.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said it only sees “minimal effect” on the sector amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
READ: Israel is at war with Hamas. Here’s what to know
“The Israel government has been a long-time partner of the DA in various initiatives, particularly in water management and fertilization, and so we hope for the immediate resolve of the conflict in the Middle East,” DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel de Mesa said.The official said the national government has also been teaming up with Israel for training, monitoring, and evaluation to boost agricultural productivity.“Aside from innovative farm and water systems, we have longstanding trade partnerships with Israel,” he added.Some of the local products being tapped by Israel include desiccated coconut, pineapple juice and concentrates, and other mixtures.In the first six months of 2023, the DA said more than 3.36 million kilograms of various agricultural commodities were purchased by Israel.
Authorities have started preparing for the possible repatriation of Filipinos affected by the conflict in Israel, which erupted over the weekend.
