In a significant move to bolster agricultural development and innovation, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of the Philippines has solidified a strategic alliance with Israel. The partnership was discussed during a meeting in Quezon City on January 15, 2025, between DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Israel’s Ambassador Ilan Fluss, focusing on enhancing agricultural initiatives, rural development, and the adoption of advanced farming technologies.
Secretary Estrella praised the enduring relationship between the two nations and the progress of the Philippines’ agrarian reform under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He emphasized the transformative effects of DAR’s programs on agrarian reform beneficiaries and the necessity for continued rural development.
Ambassador Fluss, acknowledging the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighted the resilience of Israel’s agricultural sector. He stressed the importance of international support, particularly from allies like the United States, in ensuring food and medical aid for Israel’s citizens.
A central theme of the meeting was the integration of Israeli agricultural technologies into Filipino farming practices, with a special focus on water-efficient irrigation systems and Precision Agriculture (PA). These technologies are seen as vital for addressing water scarcity issues faced by Filipino farmers. Both leaders showed keen interest in PA, which leverages data and technology to enhance crop yields, optimize water usage, and improve resource management.
As part of this collaboration, Ambassador Fluss extended an invitation to DAR officials to visit Israel for specialized training in farming, rural development, and climate change adaptation. In response, Secretary Estrella proposed expanding the training program to include agriculture graduates supported by DAR, aligning with the department’s objective to empower young farmers by providing them with land.
Ambassador Fluss concluded the meeting with an optimistic note, expressing Israel’s readiness to assist the Philippines in making its vast arable lands more productive and improving the livelihoods of its farmers.