Cebu City to hold ‘Food Security Summit’ by April

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City government is eyeing to hold a two-day “Food Security Summit” on April 25 and 26, 2023.

Lawyer Jerone Castillo, the special assistant to Mayor Michael Rama, said the Food Security Summit aims to produce a Food Security Master Plan for the city amid the threats of the effects of inflation, African Swine Fever, and El Niño phenomenon.

“This will be our mechanism to really address issues on inflation and food security, because ultimately according to the mayor and Atty. Collin [Rosell, the executive secretary to the mayor], the product of this summit will be a Food Security Master Plan,” he told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

“Ato g’yod makit-an, kay usahay man gud walay supply, pero pagtan-aw didto, naa diay supply, naa lay daghang hoarders, naa lay daghang speculators, naa lay daghang opportunists. Kani man gung inflation, if we just let the markets flow ba, naa man gud ni siyay way for the supply to play,” he added.

Castillo, however, said that April 25 and 26 are still tentative dates for the summit and could still be subject to change.

READ: Mayor Rama lays plans to ensure food security, sustainability 

Rosell said all stakeholders in the food industry, in general, will be invited to participate in the food security summit.

The food summit will be designed to primarily enhance the food security and supply in the City of Cebu and how to make it dependable and sustainable.

The summit will also showcase all the locally produced products of Cebu City.

Moreover, a special night market and festivities will be encouraged during the period of the food security summit activity.

Rosell added that all public markets, groceries, and malls are directed to conduct activities to promote food security.

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Rama to call for Food Security Summit