Food security, access to medicine raised by PH in Asean meet

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Hold Video Conference on COVID-19: https://t.co/6aoYaX9UF1

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened for the 25th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council via teleconference on 9 April, to discuss the region’s collective response to COVID-19.@teddyboylocsin pic.twitter.com/uk8RcS7FMW

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) April 10, 2020

MANILA – The Philippine government raised the need for stronger regional cooperation to ensure food security as well as access to medicine and essential medical supplies amid the global coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

The recommendation was made during the teleconference for the 25th Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Coordinating Council (ACC) where Asean foreign ministers were present.

During his intervention, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., emphasized the need for continued cooperation among Asean Member States in ensuring food security, particularly a stable rice supply, as well as access to medicines, personal protective equipment, and other essential medical supplies.

Locsin also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region during this crucial time, particularly in the South China Sea.

At the meeting, the DFA said measures recommended by the ACC Working Group on Public Health Emergencies during their inaugural meeting on March 31 were also endorsed.

These include continued sharing of information and best practices, measures to mitigate the negative socio-economic impact of the pandemic, and the establishment of a Covid-19 Asean Response Fund.

In delivering his message of solidarity, Locsin in Hiligaynon said: “Katuwang ang Pilipinas sang mga pungsod nga miyembro sang Asean sa madinalag-un nga pag-tapna sang Covid-19 (The Philippines stands united with other Asean Member States in the fight against Covid-19).”