MANILA, Philippines-- In light of the recent spike in global rice prices, calls for increased food security collaboration among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and its East Asian partners have gained momentum. At the forefront is a proposal to amplify the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), a significant move as countries grapple with the consequences of food shortages and escalating costs. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., during his speech at the 26th Asean-Plus Three Summit in Indonesia, urged the grouping to not only boost the APTERR but also expand the reserve to include other essential food items. Marcos said the APT must "stay united...Keep on reading: Asean Plus Three urged to boost food security amid rising rice prices