“Strengthening Sustainable Food Systems: KAMMPIL’s Participation in the APFP-FO4A Regional Planning Workshop in Vietnam”

The staff of KAMMPIL-NIA, including the Project Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, Business Development Officer (BDO), Finance Officer, Assistant Finance Officer, and Knowledge Management (KM) Officer, were invited to attend the “APFP-FO4A Regional Planning Workshop on Sustainable Food Systems,” held at the Quang Ba Trade Union Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, from December 4 to 8, 2024. The travel expenses, particularly the airfare from Manila to Hanoi, for three (3) participants were covered by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), while the remaining three (3) were funded by KAMMPIL-NIA. Additionally, AFA covered the food and accommodation costs for all attendees.

Workshop Activities

December 4, 2024: Arrival and Billeting Participants arrived in Hanoi and were billeted at the Quang Ba Trade Union Hotel. This day served as an opportunity for the attendees to settle in and prepare for the workshop activities.

December 5, 2024: Opening of the Workshop. The first day of the workshop featured insightful discussions on various topics, including the overall operations and financial performance of the program. Reflections on program implementation were also shared, providing valuable insights and lessons learned. Representatives from National Implementing Agencies (NIAs) in East and Central South Asia (ECSA) and Southeast Asia (SEA), alongside KAMMPIL-NIA representing the Philippines, collaborated to identify and map out key strategies aimed at fostering growth and success in 2025.

December 6, 2024: Action and Collaboration. The second day was dedicated to finalizing the 2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB). One of the highlights of the day was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), symbolizing the commitment to the agreed objectives. Additionally, participants engaged in targeted workshops designed for specific teams, including finance, KM and M&E, NIAs, and BDOs. To add a creative and interactive element, a coffee-making contest was held, fostering camaraderie and teamwork. The day concluded with a dynamic plenary session that brought all participants together to align on the workshop’s objectives and inspire future collaborative efforts.

December 7, 2024: Field Visit to Ninh Binh. Participants traveled to the picturesque city of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, for a field visit to a local cooperative specializing in honey production. The visit provided a hands-on learning experience, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices and cooperative management. This inspiring activity allowed attendees to witness the practical application of sustainable food systems and exchange knowledge with local producers. The field visit served as an excellent conclusion to the workshop’s impactful discussions and collaborative activities.

Travel Back to the Philippines On the evening of December 8, 2024, the KAMMPIL-NIA team departed from Hanoi and arrived in Manila on December 9, 2024. The team returned to Tacloban on December 10, 2024.

The APFP-FO4A Regional Planning Workshop provided a valuable platform for the KAMMPIL-NIA staff to engage with regional partners, enhance their understanding of sustainable food systems, and contribute to the development of actionable strategies for 2025. The workshop’s combination of insightful discussions, interactive activities, and field exposure ensured that the participants gained a comprehensive perspective on the goals and objectives of the program. The experience further strengthened the collaborative efforts of the participating NIAs and reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable agricultural development.