INDIA—The Philippines has taken a major step toward expanding its agri-food presence on the global stage as it participated in World Food India (WFI) 2025, joining world leaders and industry innovators in one of the sector’s largest international platforms.

The event was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev and Indian Union Ministers Chirag Paswan, Prataprao Jadhav, and Ravneet Singh in attendance. This year’s WFI highlighted India’s rapidly evolving food processing sector and its growing role in global food supply chains.

Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero led the Philippine delegation, accompanied by National Organic Agriculture Program Director Bernadette San Juan, PHILFOODEX President Ruben See, and Mayose Bautista. The group met with India’s Ministry of Food Industry and Processing and joined technical sessions as part of preparations for the Philippines’ participation in WFI 2027, where it intends to showcase its signature agricultural and fisheries exports.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the country’s engagement supports the Department of Agriculture’s whole-of-nation strategy to boost high-value crops and fisheries. This approach focuses on improving production efficiency, promoting innovative technologies, offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and strengthening coordination among local governments, processors, and logistics providers. Plans also include establishing mega food hubs and strategically located wholesale food markets to ensure stable supply chains and increase access to premium products.

During a courtesy visit to Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Francisco Ignacio, the delegation discussed ways to connect Philippine producers—including women-led and organic enterprises—to India’s vast consumer market and its expanding middle-class demand.

The Philippine team also participated in sessions covering pet food, nutraceuticals, plant-based foods, alcoholic beverages, and niche food products.

The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) shared best practices on addressing climate change impacts on food safety and fisherfolk livelihoods, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to building a resilient and sustainable agri-fisheries sector.