ROMUALDEZ IN CAMBODIA
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have sealed stronger ties on rice trade, tourism, security and defense.
Romualdez met with Manet on the first day of his two-day official visit to Cambodia.
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.
Before leaving for Cambodia, Romualdez 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, including Catanduanes.
“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,” Romualdez said.
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.
Romualdez noted that during the bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne in March this year, both sides agreed to boost rice trade between the Philippines and Cambodia, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle double taxation and improve ease of doing business.
Likewise, in an earlier bilateral meeting between the President and Prime Minister Hun Sen in November 2022 at the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, the latter offered to supply rice to PH and also invited PH 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, Speaker Romualdez also told PM Hun 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 Speaker Romualdez and Prime Minister Hun 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.,” Speaker Romualdez said.
In the areas of security and defense, Speaker Romualdez and Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed their commitment to working closely on issues affecting regional peace and security.
Speaker 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,” he said.
