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PHL Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza (left) joins Chilean Minister of Agriculture Maria Emilia Undurraga (right) during the signing ceremony in Santiago. 

(SANTIAGO, 17 November 2021) The Philippine Embassy in Santiago, Chile, witnessed the signing of the Philippines-Chile Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Agriculture at the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture’s headquarters in central Santiago yesterday, 17 November 2021.  The MOU was signed by Chilean Ministry of Agriculture Maria Emilia Undurraga Marímon on the part of Chile which will thereafter be signed by Philippine Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, Ph.D days after transmittal to the Philippines.

In her opening remarks, Minister Undurraga highlighted the positive momentum of Philippines-Chile relations, particularly during this 75th Anniversary year, and added that there are still many opportunities for growth in several areas and fronts.  The Minister also underscored the overall importance of the two countries’ cooperation not just in agriculture, but equally in ensuring food security and in facing the bigger challenges of climate change, adaptation and mitigation.

Philippine Ambassador Ma. Teresita Daza emphasized the importance of agriculture for both countries’ economies through revenue and employment generation, as well as the sector’s crucial role in food security, development and growth of peoples. She mentioned the numerous agricultural challenges faced by the two countries such as prioritizing small and medium farming industries, investing in technology, machinery and equipment, supporting modernization and innovation, and responding to climate change. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of the MOU as it endeavors to promote technical, economic and commercial cooperation, such as agricultural policies research and education, market study, science and innovation, organic agriculture, digital agriculture and trade and investment.

Ambassador Claudio Rojas of the Chilean Embassy in Manila closed the ceremony by welcoming this new phase in Philippines-Chile bilateral relationship as exemplified by the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture in addition to the signing of the MOU on the Establishment of a Joint Economic Cooperation back in March. Ambassador Rojas also expressed the importance of organizing the Joint Technical Working Group between the Department of Agriculture and Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture soonest and the pilot-testing of programs in line with the scope of the MOU.

Also present to witness the signing from the Chilean side were Ambassador Carlo Olguin – Director of DIRAPAC (MFA Directorate for Asia and the Pacific), Consul Marco Navarro of the Chilean Embassy in Manila (online), National Director María José Irarrázaval of ODEPA (National Office for Agrarian Policies and Studies), Mr. Jose Miguel Rodriguez – Head of ODEPA International Affairs Division, and Mr. Fernando Balart – Agricultural Attaché of Chile for Asia (online).  Also representing the Philippine side were First Secretary and Consul Dennis John C. Briones of the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, and Secretary and Assistant to the Head of Post Paula Rodriquez.

The signing of the MOU was one of the key deliverables to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Chile this year. Other agreements under negotiation include cooperation in culture, tourism, aquaculture and fisheries, and maritime concerns. END

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15 November 2021- Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza joined the ASEAN Committee in Santiago (ACS) in a visit to Fundación Leitat Chile organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs DIRAPAC. Leitat Chile is a non-profit organization incorporated under the auspices of CORFO's International Center of Excellence Attraction Program. During visit the ACS was informed of Leitat´s mission, program and projects including production of polymeric nano membranes, nano cellulose, micro and nano encapsulation of compounds; advanced manufacturing with metallic additive printing, sand, resins and polymers; robotics and automation; info-technology (5G, Smart Cities, Digital Transformation) among technological solutions that take into account the circular economy.   The meeting was attended by Ambassador Olguin, DIRAPAC´s officer and the Ambassadors of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. END

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11 November 2021-Some fifty (50) attendees participated the talk on Fine Nanobubble technology and its Uses in Agriculture and Aquaculture on 10 November 2021, 10:00 pm (CHL time) / 11 November 2021, 9:00 am (PH time) in collaboration with Office of the Agricultural Attaché in Washington D.C. PE, DA-BFAR as well as KRAN—a Chilean pioneer on the use of nanobubble technology in South America.  Attendees were from a wide array of PHL private and public sector stakeholders, LGU officials, as well as members of the academe collectively specializing in agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries: DA, DA-BFAR, National Technology Center of Pagbilao, the PHL Agricultural Attaché in Washington D.C., the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Mataasnakahoy, Batangas, the National Daily Authority, Dream Agritech Consultancy Services, Philmico Animal Nutrition Corp., the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Mida Travel Ventures International, Seaweed Industry Association of the PHL, Feedmix Specialist Inc., UP Diliman, Palawan State University, Central Bicol State University, Institute of Aquaculture and College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of UP Visayas, ADMU Environmental Science Department, SEAFDEC/AQD, Ateneo de Davao University, UP Cebu, and other PHL as well as Chilean attendees.

Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza opened the program by underscoring concerns about global food security and hunger and, more importantly, the crucial role agriculture, aquaculture and modern technologies within these key sectors play in addressing food insecurity and hunger.  She emphasized recent surveys indicating that no less than 4.2 million Filipino families have reportedly experienced hunger in the past months. She provided a brief backgrounder on how the virtual talk initially materialized—starting from the keen interest expressed by DA-BFAR which originally brought KRAN’s technology and the opportunities the same presents to the Embassy’s attention. She similarly recalled Santiago PE’s initial research about the company and its study visit to the KRAN headquarters in Puerto Montt, which further cemented the significant potential and usefulness of nanobubble technology in contributing to both the quality and quantity of agricultural and fisheries yield in the PHL.  Ambassador Daza expressed the Embassy’s gratitude to DA, BFAR, the Office of the Agricultural Attaché in Washington D.C. PE as well as KRAN for their close partnership with Santiago PE and their key roles in supporting the online talk.

Mr. Manuel Vial, KRAN’s Chief Technical Officer, opened his presentation with a video of KRAN’s President Jaime Dela Cruz acknowledging the Embassy’s efforts in hosting the lecture and expressing his company’s interest to establish links with LGUs and educational institutions to promote the use and application of nanobubble technology in the PHL agriculture, aquaculture and aquaculture industries.  Mr. Vial’s presentation thereafter centered on: a) the general properties of ultrafine bubbles; b) KRAN’s mission toward greener solutions, scientific approach, reduced costs and custom-made solutions (this is what sets them apart from other service providers); c) previous projects on seabed restoration and improving aerobic condition of specific sites; d) application of the technology on fish processing/manufacturing plants;  e) shrimp cultivation using nanotech; f) vegetable growth, specifically lettuce; g) tomato crop cultivation and disinfection; and, h) large-scale lake restoration.

DA Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and Fisheries Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero gave her closing remarks and congratulated Santiago PE and KRAN for organizing the event. She similarly stressed the importance and value of new technology in addressing common agricultural and aquaculture concerns, and, in the bigger picture, in combating climate change and championing sustainability. END

 

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Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza participated in the ASEAN Committee in Santiago (ACS) Visit to Nuble on 24-27 October 2021. Nuble Governor Oscar Crisostomo LLanos invited the five Ambassadors of ACS (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) to consider trade and investment opportunities in the region; engage with local officials, representatives from the business sector and academe; and explore collaboration and partnerships. The Office of the Governor in coordination with Pro-Chile and the Chile-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce prepared a two-day fully packed  program for the Ambassadors that consisted of briefings/talks with local government and academic institutions (University of Concepcion and University of Bio-Bio), visits to Alfaberries and Celulosa Arauco and wine tastings in several vineyards. The Office of the Governor also arranged a separate program for the spouses. Ambassador Daza and spouse, Post’s Cultural, Finance Officer and Special Assistant to the Ambassador participated in the program.

The region of Nuble, located some 415 kilometers from Santiago, was formed in 2018 and is Chile’ newest region. In 2020 it was also the region with the highest growth in exports amounting to USD919 million. Its main exports are forestry and agricultural products with wood derivatives, fresh fruits, frozen berries, truffles, and wine, as products for exports to ASEAN.

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