Ph Embassy In The Netherlands Hosts CFC 36th Anniversary

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—The Philippine Embassy successfully hosted the celebration of the 36th Anniversary of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) with member states and ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community at the Kalayaan Hall of the embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands last Thursday,11 September.

Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, who is currently chairperson of the CFC's executive board, and CFC Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed Belal jointly welcomed the guests.

Those who attended include Apostolic Nuncio H.E. Msgr. Jean-Marie Speich who just assumed his post last July, and representatives from organisations such as the Philippine-Netherlands Business Council (PNBC).

The CFC supports projects that help small farmers earn more while protecting the environment. It funds ideas that are both financially sound and socially responsible—like helping farmers reach better markets, use eco-friendly methods, and grow in ways that support biodiversity.

One of the fund's goals is to reduce poverty by strengthening the farming sector in developing countries and making it a key part of long-term economic growth. Applications from businesses, cooperatives, NGOs, and other organizations in their 101 member countries area. Priority is given to projects in areas like regenerative agriculture, local value creation, digital farming tools, women-led businesses, and financial access for farmers. The fund also encourages proposals from regions like the Congo Basin and underserved communities in countries such as Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, DRC, and Zimbabwe. For more information about the CFC visit https://www.common-fund.org

The celebration was completed with a reception featuring Filipino and Bangladeshi fare and music from the Filipino acoustic band Quatro.

Photos: Jofelle Tesorio