FAO Eyes US$521.6 Million Emergency Agri Fund For Philippines, 5 Others

MANILA, Dec 21 (Bernama-PNA) -- The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking to raise US$521.6 million to boost food production and climate-resilient agriculture solutions in Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency (PNA), the amount forms part of FAO’s broader US$2.5 billion Global Emergency and Resilience Appeal for 2026, which aims to support more than 100 million people across 54 countries and territories, the organisation said in a press statement on Saturday.

The FAO said the global appeal will fund life-saving emergency interventions, such as the distribution of seeds and tools, animal health campaigns, rapid livelihood recovery, and cash assistance.

It will also support resilience-building programmes focused on climate- and biodiversity-positive agrifood solutions, water infrastructure, market access, agrifood systems restoration, and strengthened monitoring systems.

Of the total appeal, the US$521.6 million allocation for Asia and the Pacific is intended to assist about 30.5 million people in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

The FAO formally launched its first-ever Global Emergency and Resilience Appeal on the sidelines of the 179th Session of the FAO Council at its headquarters in Rome on Dec 3.

Speaking at the event, Philippine Permanent Representative to FAO Neal Imperial backed the agency's call as he emphasised the need for timely emergency interventions to stabilise agricultural production, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure food availability when disasters strike.

“Emergency agriculture interventions save livelihoods and accelerate recovery. They allow farmers to replant, restock, and repair assets quickly, preventing prolonged hunger, avoiding displacement, and reducing the need for extended humanitarian assistance.

“By protecting productive assets early, we lay the foundation for shock-responsive food systems that support broader development goals,” he said.

-- BERNAMA-PNA