MANILA— The Department of Agriculture (DA) will lead a series of activities from October 12 to 15 to promote agricultural innovation as a means of improving food security, making nutritious food more affordable and accessible, and strengthening sustainable food systems.

The activities will form part of the Philippines’ celebration of World Food Day (WFD) 2026, which will culminate on October 15 in Quezon City ahead of the global observance on October 16.

This year’s theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” emphasizes the importance of combining innovative solutions with traditional agricultural knowledge to ensure access to sufficient, diverse, safe, and nutritious food while protecting resources for future generations.

The annual observance commemorates the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945 and seeks to raise awareness of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition while encouraging collaboration and investment across the agriculture, health, and education sectors.

FAO data show that approximately 645 million people worldwide continue to experience hunger, while 2.69 billion cannot afford a healthy diet. Economic instability and climate change further underscore the need for collective action to improve food availability and accessibility.

“As it leads the country’s WFD celebration, the Philippine agriculture department will spearhead a series of activities highlighting the transformative role of agricultural innovation in strengthening food security, promoting sustainable food systems, and empowering Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and agripreneurs from October 12 to 15,” DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops and WFD 2026 chair Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero said.

The celebration will open on October 12 during the flag-raising ceremony at the DA Central Office in Quezon City, featuring the launch of a photo exhibition showcasing agricultural technologies, practices, and initiatives implemented through various DA programs.

A week-long agri-bazaar will also open at the central office, featuring agricultural cooperatives and agripreneurs from different parts of the country.

“This will also mark the opening of a week-long agri-bazaar at the DA Central Office, which will host some of our agricultural cooperatives and agripreneurs from various parts of the country. This is one of the DA’s platforms to promote locally produced agricultural products and support rural enterprise,” Caballero added.

The culminating activity on October 15 will gather DA personnel, representatives of the FAO in the Philippines and the Department of Public Works and Highways’ MIMAROPA office, legislators, and other stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to food security and sustainable agricultural development.

The event will also recognize the national winners of the Nationwide On-The-Spot WFD 2026 Poster-Making Contest, organized by the DA-Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division in partnership with the FAO and the Department of Education.

The contest encouraged young students to interpret the year’s theme through artwork and promote inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.

Coinciding with the International Day of Rural Women, the culminating event will also recognize the five national finalists of the Gawad Saka-Search for Outstanding Rural Women for their contributions to sustainable agriculture, rural development, and women’s empowerment.

A candle-lighting ceremony and the collective recitation of the WFD Pledge will cap the celebration, symbolizing the Philippines’ commitment to building healthier, more inclusive, innovative, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.

The DA, under Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., said it remains committed to addressing food security challenges through inclusive, science-based, and information-driven policies, public investments, and support services.