Outgoing Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen has commended the thrust of the Marcos administration toward food security and energy sufficiency, saying the Philippines has all the ingredients for a thriving agriculture sector.
*FAREWELL CALL — Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen makes his farewell call on President Marcos in Malacañang on June 21, 2023. (Malacañang photo)*


Gaschen said this during his farewell call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Wednesday, June 21. In his remarks, the Swiss official said the Philippines could be sustainable and organic. He encouraged the country to "add value that is required from the other markets". "You have a huge potential for a single fact that you can produce better, with all the best crops, and use them in sustainable ways," Gaschen said. "It's just not the case in other countries. You can also have a niche," he added. Gaschen also noticed the increasing investment in green and renewable energy, pointing out that although it takes time, it will eventually bring down power costs and add more manufacturing and value to the value chain. In response, President Marcos said energy security is a high priority for the Philippines and stressed that the long lead time should not hinder the government from starting energy projects. "That means that we should start as quickly as possible," he said. Gaschen assumed his post as ambassador-designate of the Swiss Confederation to the Philippines on August 4, 2019. Before his appointment, Gaschen was the deputy head of mission of the Swiss Embassy in Beijing. He also served in various diplomatic missions of the Swiss Confederation in Maputo, Bogotá, and Paris and became the non-resident Ambassador to Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.