Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (right), welcomes House Speaker Martin Romualdez at Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor in Siem Reap Cambodia where they engaged in a bilateral meeting Monday afternoon. (Speaker’s office)

The Philippines intends to "collaborate" with Cambodia to ensure rice supply for Filipinos, says House Speaker Martin Romualdez who is visiting the neighboring country. 

On Monday, Nov.18, Romualdez met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the first day of his two-day official visit to Cambodia to pursue the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation in rice trade, tourism, security, and defense. 

With the Philippines' vulnerability to increasingly violent tropical storms, such as the recent super typhoon "Pepito" and typhoon "Kristine", along with other climate-related disruptions that impact our agricultural sector, Romualdez said ensuring a stable and affordable rice supply has become a national priority. 

"Collaborating with Cambodia, a leading rice exporter, will help us secure a steady supply of this vital commodity. Strengthening our food security not only protects Filipino families but also ensures our resilience in the face of extreme weather events," said Romualdez, also known as "Mr. Rice".

He noted that despite increasing local rice production, the Philippines still relies on imports to ensure a steady supply, relying largely on Vietnam and Thailand. 

The leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives noted that during the bilateral meeting between President Marcos and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne last March, both sides agreed to boost rice trade as well as highlight ongoing efforts to tackle double taxation and improve ease of doing business. 

ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which the Philippines is a founding member. 

Likewise, in an earlier bilateral meeting between the President and Prime Minister Hun Sen in November 2022 on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, the latter offered to supply rice to the Philippines. 

Sen also invited the Philippines to invest in developing Cambodian agriculture implements and infrastructure such as in rice mills and drying facilities. 

Expressing his gratitude for Cambodia’s emphasis on diversifying its import and export markets, Romualdez told Manet of his hopes for a productive visit to Phnom Penh of a Philippine trade and investment mission slated for January 2025. 

Beyond rice trade, the dialogue between Romualdez and Manet extended to advancing mutual interests in tourism and people-to-people exchanges. 

“Let me assure Your Excellency that the House of Representatives remains ready to enhance and deepen our ties with the National Assembly of Cambodia through various initiatives under the Philippines-Cambodia Parliamentarians Friendship Group, Inc.,” the top Filipino parliamentarian said. 

In the areas of security and defense, Romualdez and Manet reaffirmed their commitment to working closely on issues affecting regional peace and security. 

Romualdez said his official visit marks a significant step forward in the Philippines-Cambodia bilateral relationship, as he also expressed his optimism about the enduring partnership between the two nations. 

“I look forward to joining President Marcos in welcoming you to the Philippines in
February for your Official Visit,” he told the Cambodian PM. 

"As close neighbors and ASEAN partners, the Philippines and Cambodia share a mutual aspiration for growth and security. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and create a better future for our peoples,” Romualdez said.

Before leaving for Cambodia, the Speaker spearheaded a joint effort of the House of Representatives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, called the "Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon" relief initiative consisting of 24 truckloads of relief goods and P750 million worth of financial aid to those affected by recent typhoons in Bicol.

Romualdez said the relief efforts, which left Monday for Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Catanduanes, will deliver urgent aid to victims of super typhoon "Pepito".