Filipinos pay more for food compared to our neighbors from other Southeast Asian countries. According to one study, the average cost of the recommended diet was US$ 1.55 per person/day in Bangkok and US$ 3.76 in Manila immediately before the pandemic (2019 prices in purchasing power parities). MBC recognizes that improving agricultural productivity and ensuring a fair profit share for farmers are essential components in achieving sustainable food security and reducing poverty.
MBC, partners, co-advocates, and government to collaborate with farmers and help in lowering food prices. The summit will support the development of a modern agricultural value chain which will improve the value and yield of PH crops, lower costs of agri-transportation, and encourage collaboration between the private sector, government, and cooperative enterprises.
The Cooperatives Working Group is one of three summit WGs. It aims to involve MBC members in boosting the cooperatives sector and unifying its initiatives together with the public and the private sector’s efforts.
MBC Trustee and Agriculture Committee Head Lito Tayag led the meeting. Dr. Aris Alip heads the Cooperatives Working Group. The meeting covered identifying challenges of cooperatives, discussing best practices for private sector-coop partnerships, and consulting on how private companies can help the sector.
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The working group talked about the Department of Agriculture’s Nine-Point Plan, global best practices that can be applied in the Philippines, and the “Big Brother” proposal.
MBC Member and True Digital Philippines’ Deputy Country Manager Dickie Buhain heads the Agri Tech WG. The meeting was moderated by MBC Project and Policy Director Catch Ofilada.
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For inquiries on this event, email us at makatibusinessclub@mbc.com.ph
Business Matters ColumnTransformational Agriculture: From Traditional to Globally Competitive 22 August 2024 – Agriculture has long been an important part of the Philippine economy. For