TOKYO, Japan — The Philippines has formally committed to participate in the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama, Japan, positioning its involvement as both a trade promotion platform and a showcase for climate-resilient agriculture during the State Visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan.

The commitment was sealed during a ceremonial contract signing held Monday night, May 25, in Tokyo.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who serves as section commissioner and chair of the Philippine Organizing Committee, said the country’s participation goes beyond a standard exposition entry and reflects strengthening agricultural and economic relations between the Philippines and Japan.

“For us, this is more than an expo participation. It is a celebration of friendship, sustainability, innovation, and the shared belief that agriculture is not only about sustenance of our people,” Tiu Laurel said. “It is also about creating opportunity, resilience, and happiness.”

He added: “And yes, ‘Bukás’ means ‘open,’ because Filipinos are always open — open to collaboration, open to innovation, and especially open to nourish guests.”

Japan remains one of the world’s largest food importers, purchasing nearly USD90 billion worth of agri-fisheries products annually. It is also the Philippines’ second-largest market for agricultural exports, which reached USD1.1 billion in 2025.

Tiu Laurel said Filipino agricultural products such as bananas, pineapples, coconut products, seafood, mangoes, papaya and ube are already widely consumed in Japan, reflecting long-standing consumer trust.

At the 2027 expo, the Philippines will present a pavilion and garden under the theme “Bukás: Gardens of the Bayanihan Spirit,” aligned with the event’s official theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness.”

The Philippine exhibit will highlight culture, indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices, while also showcasing how technology is transforming agriculture in climate-vulnerable countries like the Philippines.

Officials said the participation will also serve as a “living business and innovation platform” linking Japanese investors, technology providers, retailers, and logistics firms with Filipino farmers and exporters.

The agreement was signed by officials from both countries, including representatives from the International Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama and witnessed by Philippine and Japanese diplomats and agriculture and tourism officials.

The Philippines has been allotted a 436-square-meter garden and pavilion space at the expo, which will run from March 19 to September 26, 2027.

The country also aims to expand exports of high-value agricultural products such as banana, mango, pineapple, coconut, coffee, cacao, calamansi, durian, avocado, ube, papaya, okra, and abaca, as well as strengthen its presence in floriculture, ornamental plants, and natural fibers in the Japanese market.