South Cotabato Town Named Philippines’ First FAO Agrifood Village

Lake Sebu in South Cotabato was recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as the country’s first rural community to champion sustainable agrifood systems.

The town stewards over 100 heirloom rice varieties and promotes biodiversity-friendly farming.

The designation highlights the role of indigenous practices in food security.

The recognition came as the Philippines grapples with agricultural challenges.