MANILA — Land Bank of the Philippines is intensifying efforts to support food security and inclusive agricultural development across the region through partnerships with ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines and other stakeholders.

The initiatives aim to address financing gaps, strengthen agricultural value chains, and improve the resilience of ASEAN food systems in support of the national government’s food security agenda.

The collaboration was highlighted during a high-level roundtable discussion on ASEAN food security held at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila on May 4 under the ASEAN-BAC Philippines platform. The discussion centered on the ASEAN Food Security Alliance Policy Paper, which served as a reference for addressing regional concerns such as supply chain challenges, climate risks, and the need for investment-driven solutions.

Among those who attended the roundtable were ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chair Joey Concepcion, Quezon Province Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III, LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette Ortiz, former Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Director Mercidita Sombilla, Yovel East Agriventures Founder and President James Amparo, and Yakap at Halik Multi-Purpose Cooperative General Manager Robert Diala.

During the event, LANDBANK joined other stakeholders in formalizing initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, increasing farmer welfare, and expanding market access through a multi-sector partnership.

“Food security is no longer just a national concern — it is a regional imperative that requires decisive action and sustained investment. LANDBANK is committed to mobilizing capital, strengthening value chains, and anchoring partnerships that enable farmers, cooperatives, and agri-enterprises to thrive. Through our collaboration with ASEAN-BAC Philippines and other stakeholders, we are helping turn shared priorities into scalable, long-term solutions for a more resilient ASEAN food system,” Ortiz said.

LANDBANK also reiterated its support for the ASEAN Food Security and Agribusiness Summit 2026 and said it would continue participating in regional initiatives focused on increasing investments, promoting innovation, and improving cooperation across the agri-food value chain.

As of March 2026, LANDBANK said its outstanding loans to agriculture, fisheries, and rural development reached P908.77 billion, accounting for 58.44 percent of its total loan portfolio.

The bank added that it continues to promote value chain-based strategies supporting post-harvest handling, storage, processing, logistics, and market access, while also encouraging investments in cold storage, logistics hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure.