PH and Brunei strengthen ties in agriculture, food security, and energy

The Philippines and Brunei have enhanced their cooperation in exploring opportunities for agriculture, food security, renewable energy, and other sectors that contribute to countries’ development on October 9.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero and Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan met at the Senate to discuss the areas where the two countries may enhance their bilateral partnership.

For food security, they agreed on the significance of diversifying trade partners, highlighting the increasing interest in bringing in raw materials from the Philippines.

Brunei's priorities in renewable energy were connected to the Philippine government’s efforts to install solar-powered irrigation which was mentioned by Escudero.

The priority bill for long-term land leases to foreigners will be passed within the year, following Ambassador Manan’s emphasis on the significance of its legislation.

The senate president and ambassador briefly discussed how the law affects the definition of maritime zones.

They also talk about the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act which is recently-signed and sent to Malacanang last September 19, 2024.

It emphasized the priority to protect the people and Philippines’ sovereignty by developing the defense industry and providing for the armed forces.

On May 28, a letter of intent to cooperate in agricultural and food security and Mutual Recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates were signed between the two countries.

These memoranda focused on maritime and tourism that attempted to improve coordination in knowledge exchange, research, skills training, and pollution.