Natural disasters are becoming more severe and more frequent, with El Niño and climate change intensifying their impacts. In response, the Republic of Korea continues its support for the APTERR Tier 3 pre-positioned programme in FY 2026, contributing a total of 5,900 MT of rice to reinforce solidarity and readiness among the member countries.
Of the total allocation, 2,500 MT will be stored in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and 3,000 MT in Yangon, Myanmar. A further 400 MT, allocated to the Philippines, will be kept in Pasay City. With the rice pre-positioned locally, the recipient countries can mobilise assistance rapidly when humanitarian needs arise.
Rice is a primary staple food in ASEAN Plus Three countries and represents the region’s shared culture and identity. The APTERR Tier 3 mechanism serves as a regional backstop, building collective capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies. It also reflects the enduring partnership and shared commitment of ASEAN Plus Three countries to sustainable food security and resilience.
Photo credit: Myanmar’s Department of Rice, the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the APTERR Secretariat
