Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Food Systems Transformation

Manila, Philippines – To further discussions on the implementation of the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security – Intervention Package 8 (IP8), Dr. Ricardo Hernandez, IP8 Convener, and Mrs. Tuyen Huynh, IP8 Co-Convener, engaged with key stakeholders in the Philippines on March 6–7, 2025. The program focuses on transforming food systems across the region to promote healthier and more nutritious diets.

On March 6, Dr. Hernandez and Mrs. Huynh held a courtesy meeting with the Director of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines. The meeting underscored the potential for future collaboration between DOST-FNRI and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT on various food systems transformation initiatives.

The following day, March 7, a Consultative Meeting for the PALIGID initiative took place in Manila. This meeting convened representatives from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, as well as FNRI-DOST, with the aim of strengthening their collaboration on PALIGID. Participants also explored potential synergies with the Food Systems Country Profile Dashboard, a key component of IP8.

During the consultative meeting, Mrs. Tuyen Huynh, who leads the Food Environment and Consumer Behavior (FE&CB) Research Team in Asia and serves as the IP8 Co-Convener, presented the team’s ongoing work in the region. Her presentation highlighted three critical research areas:

• • Inclusive Food Environments: Focusing on ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all population segments.
  • Sustainable Healthy Diets: Integrating nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems and school nutrition programs to promote healthier dietary patterns.
  • Strengthening Food Systems Governance: Supporting the development and implementation of national and sub-national policies, fostering coalitions, and creating strategic frameworks for comprehensive food systems transformation.

Mrs. Huynh also showcased the development of food systems profiles along the rural-urban transect in Vietnam, emphasizing their potential as valuable and reliable resources for guiding national food systems transformation efforts.

Building on this presentation, Dr. Ricardo Hernandez introduced the overarching IP8 framework, outlining its strategic approach to achieving food systems transformation. He emphasized the framework’s crucial role in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, leveraging data-driven insights for informed decision-making, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance both nutrition and sustainability within the region. Furthermore, Dr. Hernandez highlighted the alignment of IP8 with existing regional priorities and policy frameworks, underscoring its potential to significantly impact food security and public health across the ASEAN member states.

The meeting in Manila brought together 16 representatives from DOST-FNRI, providing a valuable platform for both parties to engage in open dialogue, share detailed information about the PALIGID initiative, and collaboratively build concrete strategies for future cooperation between DOST-FNRI and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. Participants actively contributed to discussions focused on outlining potential avenues for collaboration.

Looking ahead, discussions over the next year will center on extending food system assessment activities to the Philippines, exploring potential collaborative ventures in Thailand and Indonesia, and establishing an ASEAN regional learning exchange platform. This platform aims to accelerate the adoption and scaling of sustainable food system transformation practices across the region.

The continued strengthening of regional cooperation remains a crucial element in the collective effort to ensure access to healthier and more nutritious diets for all citizens across the ASEAN region.