DA, FAO call for innovation, action for future-proof agrifood systems during WFD celebration

Author: DA-AFID | 16 October 2026

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reaffirmed their commitment to building a food-secure and sustainable future during the World Food Day (WFD) observance, yesterday in Quezon City.

As the highlight of the celebration, DA and FAO officials led a ceremonial candle-lighting activity, symbolizing their commitment for immediate and long-term action to transform food production, distribution, and consumption. The activity emphasized the importance of developing food systems that meet present nutritional needs while protecting the environment and preserving resources for future generations.

This year's WFD theme, "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow," stresses the role of science, technology, and innovation, alongside traditional knowledge, in developing more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.

It also calls for collective action to address food security challenges and ensure access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all.

In her keynote message, Undersecretary for High Value Crops and chair of this year's WFD celebration Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero emphasized that access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility.

She recognized the hard work of farmers behind every meal and stressed the collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind or goes hungry.

"The theme calls on us to act today through modern and climate-resilient agriculture, improved nutrition, reduced food waste, and stronger collaboration so we can build an agrifood system that is innovative, sustainable, inclusive, and prepared for future challenges," Usec. Caballero said.

Meanwhile, FAO Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie emphasized that innovation extends beyond modern technology and laboratory-based research. It also involves finding practical solutions to existing challenges and improving established practices.

"Food security will not happen itself if we haven't done something today," Dabbadie said, underscoring the importance of taking concrete action to address hunger and strengthen food systems.

As part of the celebration, the DA recognized outstanding rural women in commemoration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the International Day of Rural Women. The recognition honored the following awardees for their contributions to agriculture, food production, and rural development, highlighting the vital role women play in strengthening food security and sustaining agricultural communities.

• Ana Catalina P. Trinidad - Central Luzon
• Rhodora V. Santos - CALABARZON
• Conchita Q. Roldan - MIMAROPA
• Angelita L. Dacara - Bicol Region
• Marichie H. Castillo - Cagayan Valley

Another highlight of the event, is the recognition to the creativity and role of young learners who emerged as national winners in the recently concluded National On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest, organized by the DA's Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division in partnership with the FAO and Department of Education.

The five national winners were:

• Precious Fleur S. Durante - Polangui South Central School (Region V)
• Rhejj Pathrez P. Yu - Baybay I Central School (Region VIII)
• Frances Jerrhyn R. Gerolaga - Pasonanca Elementary School (Region IX)
• Jurace Sy M. Tejano - Lugan Central Elementary School (Region XII)
• John Larence L. Lumiguid - East Bayugan Central Elementary School (Region XIII)

Each national winner received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of P20,000 from the FAO. Meanwhile, other regional winners each received P5,000 in recognition of their participation and achievements.

Observed annually on October 16, WFD commemorates the founding of the FAO in 1945. The global observance raises awareness of hunger and malnutrition while promoting collective efforts to achieve food security and improve nutrition for all.

The event was also attended by World Food Programme Deputy Country Programme Director Jayoung Lee, United Nations Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral, and Congresswoman Anna York Bondoc. Senator Francis Pangilinan, and Representatives Mark Enverga and Jose Manuel Alba also conveyed their messages of support for the global advocacy. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)