The Philippines reaffirmed its leadership in regional climate diplomacy during the ASEAN Climate Resilience Network (ASEAN-CRN) Regional Workshop held in Hanoi, Viet Nam, on June 8–9, 2026. The delegation was composed of Director Agnes Catherine T. Miranda from the Department of Agriculture’s Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO), Senior Technical Staff Perla G. Baltazar, and Jennelyn Vargas from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). This mission marked the successful conclusion of the three-year Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Programme and the official launch of the multi-country Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs).

A primary objective of the workshop was the technical review and validation of national CSAIPs, which are designed to transition agricultural systems toward low-emission and climate-resilient production models. The Philippine delegates refined strategic investment packages that align national climate commitments and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with practical investment opportunities capable of attracting international climate finance. Key priority areas identified for the Philippines include AWD-Rice (Alternate Wetting and Drying), agro-forestry, and aquaculture. Furthermore, the delegation emphasized that investments in low-emission livestock and biodigesters remain a priority for the Department of Agriculture, as these measures are central to the country’s updated NDC 3.0 framework.

The meeting also focused on advancing the Southeast Asia Agricultural Risk Finance Facility (ARFF) in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Discussions centered on establishing mechanisms for pooling regional agricultural risks and reducing insurance premium costs for smallholder farmers. This facility is expected to strengthen financial protection for vulnerable farming and fishing communities by facilitating access to international reinsurance markets and improving the use of shared agricultural risk data and analytical tools.

Another important outcome of the workshop was the launch of the ASEAN-CRN 5-Year Program Framework for 2026–2030. This roadmap transitions the network from a project-based model into a more structured, programmatic institution. The framework seeks to mainstream climate resilience into ASEAN policies and diplomacy while institutionalizing the network through a permanent Secretariat. By doing so, ASEAN member states aim to increase national ownership of climate finance initiatives and expand engagement with private-sector investors to mobilize additional resources for the region.

Looking forward, the Philippine delegation committed to accelerating the preparation and submission of GCF project proposals based on the newly developed concept notes. By forging stronger partnerships and refining investment readiness, the Philippines continues to work alongside its ASEAN neighbors to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the region’s agri-food systems against the threats of climate change.