‘Prolonged war threatens Philippine food supply’

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

March 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt food supply in the Philippines by affecting crop production and the supply chain, according to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

As conflicts, economic shocks and climate-related events exacerbate food insecurity, WFP said collaboration with multilateral financial institutions and the private sector is important in addressing the impact.

Rania Dagash-Kamara, assistant executive director for partnerships and innovation at the WFP told The STAR that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East would not just affect food and fuel prices, but also access to commodities.

She said the Middle East, particularly the Gulf area, produces about 50 percent of the world’s urea and nitrogen fertilizers needed in agricultural production.

“If there’s no fertilizer, it’s a much reduced crop yield,” she said.

She said a prolonged conflict would affect food supply and worsen the food security situation.

“It’s compounding. I think that’s what’s dangerous about it,” she said.

WFP Philippines representative and country director Regis Chapman said that as the ongoing conflict has trickle-down effects on other countries including the Philippines, the agency is also concerned about the impact on the most vulnerable households.

“When we see the cost of living increases…it impacts everyone. But it has a much more significant impact on the most vulnerable,” he said.

He said rising costs often lead households to shift to a less diverse and less nutritious diet, which contributes to chronic malnutrition.

The Philippines faces nutrition challenges including chronic malnutrition or stunting, as well as rising levels of obesity due to poor diets.

While the Philippines has programs in place including conditional cash transfers and a school-feeding program to address malnutrition challenges, Chapman said more can be done.

“The foundations are all there. I don’t see really sudden short-term spikes of malnutrition as a result of this, but we need to keep our eye on the ball because every shock that occurs, whether it’s economic, climatic, geological, pushes the poor and vulnerable further down. So we need to make sure that we protect that part of the population and keep them safe,” he said.

He said partnerships are critical in addressing food security and nutrition challenges.

Last week, the WFP signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to work together in addressing food insecurity and building resilience in the Asia-Pacific.

The collaboration will focus on the following: food systems transformation; emergency assistance; analytical and knowledge products; policy support and dialogue; and capacity development.

Chapman said the cooperation agreement with the ADB could help strengthen programs that aim to tackle food security in the Philippines and other countries.

He said the WFP has been working with the ADB and the Philippine government on the Walang Gutom Food Stamp Program, which involves providing monetary assistance to low-income households so they can purchase nutritious food from eligible partner merchants.

Dagash-Kamara said collaboration with the private sector is also important given the role they can play during crises.

She said she met with officials from Ayala Foundation, Jollibee Foundation, Globe Telecom Inc. and JT’s Manukan Grille who are exploring ways to help during times of global crisis.

“The private sector has a huge role in the influence that they bring, in messaging, in advocacy, in bringing others who have means and wealth. They have the ability to actually put resources immediately,” she said.