The Philippines is pitching for more than $57.4 million in new investments across five key farm and food sectors at this week’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum in Rome, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The push builds on the country’s first national investment forum held in March, and marks a major shift toward drawing in private and international financing instead of relying only on traditional aid.
Focus areas are coffee, seaweed, mango, jackfruit, and cocoa, with projects designed to lift farmer incomes, create jobs in rural areas, and build better resistance against climate change. Coffee and seaweed lead the way, needing about $26.4 million and $24.8 million respectively, while proposals for the other three fruits center on processing, equipment, and getting more value from what is grown. The portfolio shows an expected average return of 24.6 percent, with an estimated net value of $42.2 million, making these projects attractive to investors looking for both profit and real-world impact.
These plans were put together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). At the Rome event, officials will meet one-on-one with international lenders and private backers to turn these proposals into actual funding. FAO Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie noted that large-scale investment is key to lasting food security and rural growth, adding that this partnership approach helps lower risks while delivering good returns and better livelihoods. Beyond financial gains, the projects also aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the country is moving forward with inclusive solutions that open doors for farmers and fisherfolk. He stressed that this Rome roadshow follows up on the March national forum, which brought together government, development groups, banks, and business leaders. The goal now is to move from talking to securing commitments and launching projects that truly serve communities, while building a steady system to keep drawing smart capital into Philippine agriculture and fisheries.
