The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects up to P1 billion in investment deals during the first Philippine edition of the Hand-in-Hand National Investment Forum 2026 next month.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the forum aims to attract both local and foreign investors to projects in farming, fisheries, and rural infrastructure.
The investment event will be organized in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization, following a ceremonial agreement signing in Pasig City on Monday.
During the forum, the government plans to promote key Philippine agricultural products such as cacao, coffee, seaweed, and mango to global investors. Officials hope to expand these industries and increase exports by tapping international markets.
According to the DA, the event will also connect local farmers and agribusiness groups with investors from more than 80 markets, based on participation in previous global Hand-in-Hand investment forums.
ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries said the partnership comes at a critical time for the Philippines, which faces major climate risks that could affect irrigation, logistics, and post-harvest systems.
He noted that improving the country’s food system will require coordinated policies and investments from both the government and the private sector.
The forum will highlight potential investment projects in farm production, processing, logistics, and agricultural value chains. The DA emphasized that stronger private-sector participation is essential, as government funding alone cannot fully transform rural economies.
