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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Envoy offers Dutch products, technologies to help address global food security challenge

Envoy offers Dutch products, technologies to help address global food security challenge

Published Mar 12, 2024 01:21 am

Dutch envoy.jpg

DUTCH ENVOY VISITS BULACAN – Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts (center) receives a gift from the Provincial Government of Bulacan represented by Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro (2nd from right) and a certificate of appreciation from the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation Incorporated (DBFI) headed by Ma. Gladys C. Sta Rita, president (2nd from left). Also in photo are (from left) Attorney Antonio A. Ligon, DBFI trustee, and Gregoria G. Simbolan, DBFI Chairman. (Freddie C. Velez)

 

Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has offered her country’s technologies and products to help address global food security challenge.

In a speech during the General Membership meeting of the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation Incorporated (DBFI) which carried the theme "Boosting Dutch Investments in the Philippines" on March 9 at Balagtas Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos, Geraedts said The Netherlands is known worldwide as an agriculture and agrifood powerhouse, noted for its expertise in innovative farming techniques, and the second largest agri exporter, after the United States.

Geraedts told Bulacan Vice Governor Alex C. Castro, Ma. Gladys C. Sta Rita, DBFI president, Gregoria Simbulan DBFI Chairman, and the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce Inc. (BFCCI) said her country “is happy to contribute our products and technologies to help address the worldwide food security challenge, including the Philippines.”

She said the Netherlands and Bulacan geographically have a lot in common because people living in the Netherlands are surrounded by water in a delta-region much like the southwestern half of Bulacan province. 

She added that the Dutch people suffered the harsh consequences of flooding for centuries, and as a result, they became experts in “keeping the water out” and making the most out of the topography. 

"Our long coastlines have somewhat become both a blessing and a curse," she said. 

In addition to economic benefits, Geraedts pointed out that Dutch investments should also contribute to sustainable environmental and social development in the Philippines, in line with the corporate responsibility requirements of the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Geraedts mentioned the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) currently being constructed in the town of Bulakan as an example. 

She said San Miguel Aerocity’s NMIA land development is being undertaken by Royal Boskalis Westminster NV - a Dutch company and one of the biggest dredging and land reclamation companies in the world. 

Geraedts said the Netherlands government is involved in this project as it is financially guaranteed by the Dutch State through its export credit agency – Atradius DSB. 

Therefore, their government is bound to ensure that the project strictly adheres to performance standards of the International Finance Corporation, and the World Bank. 

“We believe this project will be beneficial in terms of employment, opportunities, and long-term development. When it is done properly, I believe the New Manila Airport project can serve as a model and best practice for how to undertake infrastructure projects in the Philippines, involving all stakeholders," Geraedts added. 

"I’m glad that today, our relationship continues to develop, our connections are not just limited to maritime affairs but have grown significantly multi-diverse over the past years. Our bilateral chamber of commerce has more than 150 members, including Filipino scholars and students studying in the Netherlands," she said.

"Now with you, the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation Inc. – whose members are movers and shakers in your own right, as our partner, let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and work together towards a more prosperous and sustainable shared future. Para sa Bulacan, Para sa Bayan (for Bulacan, and for the country)," Geraedts said.

Vice Gov. Castro thanked the Dutch Government for its solidarity in strengthening the Dutch-Filipino relationship that will bring many livelihood and trade opportunities to the province of Bulacan. 

"Through this meeting, we fully expect the Netherlands’ investment in Bulacan in the coming years," he said.

 

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