The Philippines remains optimistic about adapting regenerative and resilient agricultural systems as it advances efforts to address the effects of climate change in collaboration with its partners in the Southeast Asian region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.

This comes as the DA highlighted key partnerships during the 47th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Pasay City.

In a press conference, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said countries in the region share similar climate risks, particularly the rising heat indices.

“Well, what was discussed is that there’s already global warming, the heat index, and when it is hot, the spread is really there. When it’s hot, it’s too hot,” he said.

“So, a lot of technologies are needed for predictions to address these issues.”

Among the studies cited in the regional discussions were the digital advancements presented by Singapore.

“So, there’s a study being conducted by the University of Singapore. They actually gave us a very good outlook on rainfall predictions and the heat index. That will definitely guide all ASEAN countries on what lies ahead and how to adapt to it,” Tiu Laurel said.

Production technologies were also highlighted, including alternate wet-and-dry methods to minimize production costs, advanced irrigation, smart technologies, and greenhouses, among others, to help reduce water consumption.

In addition, research on pest and disease management was also discussed, considering the threat and impact of these issues on a global scale.

“The main goal is to produce more, use less water, find ways to rejuvenate the soil, get more planting material, and try to eradicate pests and diseases that come,” Tiu Laurel said.

Other cooperative efforts endorsed during AMAF include the Philippines’ commitment to the ASEAN Vision for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (FAF) Towards 2045; the ASEAN FAF Sectoral Plan 2026-2030; the ASEAN Implementation Plan for Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture Systems as a Priority Economic Deliverable (PED), with the Philippines holding the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026; and the ASEAN One Billion Trees Growing Programme Initiative. (PNA)