10 December 2018 – On 25 November to 02 December 2018, thirteen local chief executives from the Cordillera Administrative Region and three officials from the Department of Agriculture visited Israel’s hi-tech farms and a model kibbutz. The visit is part of the Department of Agriculture’s initiative to involve the local government units in introducing innovation to farming methods to enhance crop yield and provide sustainable solutions to issues faced by Filipino farmers such as pest management, water management, and dairy production.

“Agriculture remains as a strategic sector of the Philippines. With a population of around 106 million, food security is of paramount importance to the current administration. The Department of Agriculture’s initiative to educate our farmers with the latest agricultural technologies and processes, and involving the local government offices will provide more adaptable and sustainable solutions to address our crop production issues,” said Philippine Ambassador to the State of Israel Neal Imperial during the briefing session with the local officials.

Cooperation between Israel and the Philippines in the area of science, technology and innovation was an important agenda during the visit to Israel of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on 02 – 05 September 2018. As a result, the Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Cooperation Program was signed on priority sectors including agriculture. – END -

Ambassador Neal Imperial (5^th from right) with thirteen local chief executives from the Cordillera Administrative Region and officials from the Department of Agriculture. Ambassador Neal Imperial is joined by Consul General Randy Arquiza and Vice Consul Judy Razon.