PHILIPPINE SENATE President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero and Brunei Ambassador to the Philippines Megawati Manan have discussed exploring closer cooperation in agriculture, food security, and renewable energy (RE) between both countries, a Senate office said at the weekend.
In a statement, the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau said Mr. Escudero updated Brunei’s envoy on Manila’s efforts to implement solar-powered irrigation to boost crop production.
“They also agreed on the importance of diversifying trade partners for food security where Ambassador Manan emphasized their growing interest in importing raw products from the Philippines,” the statement read.
Brunei has been sharing their expertise in the production of halal products with the Philippines. In August, Ms. Manan said at a forum that Brunei could also help the Philippines bring halal products to the Middle East.
In May, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said both countries would focus on developing two economic corridors, one of which will cover parts of Mindanao and Palawan, to boost linkages between regional supply chains.
Moreover, the Senate president and diplomat also discussed the importance of allowing long-term land leases for foreigners.
Senators are tackling at the committee level Senate Bill No. 2717, which will amend the Investors’ Lease Act through the extension of lease of private land, excluding agricultural land, to 99 years from the current 75. The bill is among the priority measures of the Marcos administration.
Under the measure, filed by Mr. Escudero in July, investors may also sublease a leasehold interest on a property, subject to the provisions of the original contract.
The Senate president told the envoy that the chamber eyes passing the bill before the year ends.
“Attracting foreign investors has been a long-standing priority of the government, spanning several administrations.” the Philippine Senate president said in the bill’s explanatory note.
They also briefly discussed the implications of the law on delineating maritime zones, as well as the recently-signed Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, which seeks to build up the country’s defense industry.
The Philippine Congress have approved two complementary bills, the Maritime Zones Act and The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, awaiting signature. The President also recently enacted a measure that will boost local production of defense equipment. – John Victor D. Ordoñez