MANILA — The Philippines is positioning its agriculture sector as a viable investment destination as it seeks to attract more global capital into farming, fisheries, and rural infrastructure projects.

During the ceremonial signing of the partnership for the Hand-in-Hand National Investment Forum 2026 held at the Asian Development Bank, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative marks a shift in how the country presents its agri-fisheries sector to international investors.

The forum, organized in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization, aims to mobilize private investments into areas of the agriculture sector that the government says remain underfinanced but have strong growth potential.

“Today, we formalize our shared vision for the agri-fisheries sector,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that the initiative brings together development institutions and private investors to support rural economic expansion.

Central to the effort is the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand initiative, a global platform that connects data-driven agricultural priorities with financing opportunities and technical support. Holding the National Investment Forum in the Philippines signals the country’s intent to convert international interest into concrete investments.

The push also supports the economic agenda of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose administration has prioritized agricultural revitalization alongside efforts to strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods.

Tiu Laurel said the country’s participation in the FAO Global Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in 2024 and 2025 showed that Philippine agriculture can attract the attention of international investors. Hosting the forum in Manila, he said, aims to “bridge the gap between global capital and local stakeholders.”

Agriculture continues to face investment challenges despite employing millions of Filipinos, with the sector often affected by fragmented supply chains, climate-related risks, and infrastructure limitations.

By promoting agriculture as a “highly bankable sector,” the Department of Agriculture is pushing for an investment-driven approach to modernizing the industry.

The National Investment Forum will highlight high-impact projects across priority commodities, including farm production, processing, logistics, and value-chain development—areas where development banks and private investors are increasingly seeing opportunities.

Tiu Laurel said attracting private-sector participation is crucial, noting that government funding alone cannot drive large-scale transformation in rural areas.

“Through this forum, we redefine Philippine agriculture from being a legacy of the past to a sustainable engine for growth,” he said.

He added that the initiative ultimately aims to ensure that farmers and fishers benefit from increased investment flowing into the countryside.