By Kenneth Marcos 
After Typhoon Egay left communities struggling with food shortages, 61-year-old Nanay Elena from Isabela recalls how relief rice helped her family survive for days. “Bigas lang ang kailangan namin noon. Salamat sa tulong na dumating,” she said, holding a small sack she kept as a reminder. This kind of support is made possible through programs like the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).
On September 9, 2025, officials from the National Food Authority (NFA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), APTERR Secretariat, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) gathered at the NFA Building in Quezon City to review and improve the implementation of APTERR Tier 3 in the Philippines.
What is APTERR Tier 3?
APTERR is a regional food security program among ASEAN member-states, plus China, Japan, and South Korea. Under Tier 3, countries can quickly access emergency rice stockpiles during disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, or other emergencies. These stocks are pre-positioned and ready to be released to affected areas.
The Philippines, being one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia, has been a regular recipient of Tier 3 rice donations, especially after major calamities.
Focus of the Meeting
During the evaluation, government and regional representatives discussed:
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Current rules and procedures in distributing rice under APTERR Tier 3
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Operational challenges, such as delayed delivery, storage limitations, and coordination issues with local government units (LGUs)
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Proposed solutions to simplify processes and ensure faster response during emergencies
The agencies emphasized the importance of timely rice delivery to disaster-hit communities. Delays in relief distribution can worsen hunger and insecurity among affected families, particularly those in isolated and rural areas.
Improving Delivery and Coordination
The ADB provided technical insights on how to improve logistics and transparency, while the APTERR Secretariat shared best practices from other countries like Thailand and Vietnam. The NFA, meanwhile, committed to streamlining its processes and strengthening its partnership with DSWD and LGUs for quicker rice deployment.
DSWD representatives highlighted that coordination at the barangay and municipal level is key to ensuring that food aid reaches the right beneficiaries without duplication or delay.
Continuing Food Security Amid Climate Risks
Climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and severe in the Philippines. As a result, emergency rice reserves play a vital role in national food security. With the support of regional partners through APTERR, the Philippines can respond more effectively to these crises.
In 2023 alone, the country received over 500 metric tons of rice through Tier 3 donations, benefitting more than 40,000 families affected by floods and typhoons.
The recent evaluation aims to make the system more responsive, ensuring that no Filipino family is left hungry during emergencies.
As the government strengthens its disaster response programs, efforts like APTERR Tier 3 serve as a reminder that regional cooperation and good governance are crucial in protecting lives and livelihoods during times of crisis.
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