Filipino farmers push agroecology before COP30 ^{CEFR B1}

Filipino farmers and agroecology advocates organised fairs, workshops, cooking sessions, petitions and assemblies ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP30. MASIPAG, a network with more than 500 people's organizations, led many initiatives. In October they ran a national agroecology workshop and fair in the capital region. The fair included products from local farmers and a solidarity cooking session. Earth Island Institute-Asia-Pacific organised an outdoor kitchen; campaign coordinator Robert Ray Medrano said the live cooking connected food with wider struggles for land, food and environmental protection.

MASIPAG formally objected to a planned local ordinance that would favour GMOs. They said the measure would increase dependence on imported seeds and chemical inputs, reduce agricultural biodiversity and erode traditional farming practices. The group presented a petition noting that more than 50 local farming associations opposed the ordinance and submitted a position letter signed by more than 3,000 individuals from two districts of Negros.

Around 65 farmer leaders met in Binalbagan to discuss health impacts and ecosystem risks. MASIPAG also held a study session on Genuine Agrarian Reform and Sustainable Agriculture (GARSA) with Mindanao farmers, and discussions gave special attention to women’s rights. Two strong typhoons damaged parts of Negros during these activities, reinforcing calls for land reform and climate justice. MASIPAG said it will link COP30 outcomes with grassroots work and publish an op-ed video.