The Philippines is seeking to advance agricultural and technological collaboration as it deepens its ties with Japan, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This came as Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo led officials in a courtesy call on Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Monday, ahead of the scheduled state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Japan later this month.

“This visit underlines the strength and continuity of our partnership with Japan, especially as we pursue shared goals in food security, sustainability, and innovation,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement on Wednesday.

During the meeting, both parties discussed target deliverables during the upcoming state visit, including the proposed amendment of the Philippines-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on agriculture.

Under the proposed amendment, the cooperation will be expanded to the fisheries sector, which will help the Philippines advance its food security targets.

Once amended, a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries will also be established to serve as a mechanism for institutionalized collaboration and sustained initiatives for a long-term period.

“It also provides an opportunity to align our priorities and accelerate initiatives that will directly benefit Filipino farmers and fisherfolk,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Philippines will also push for “deeper” technological collaboration with Japan to boost local production.

These will cover smart agriculture, digital systems and precision farming.

The DA will also push the Philippines’ request for lowering the tariff on fresh bananas in Japan anew.

Other trade matters were also discussed, like the exchange of new market access for Philippine pomelos in Japan and Japanese grapes in the Philippines.

Both parties, likewise, reviewed preparations for the upcoming second Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries meeting in early July under Japan’s hosting, as well as the Philippines’ target participation in the Green X EXPO 2027. (PNA)