THE Department of Agriculture (DA) at an international forum pitched the Philippines’z $108.88 million agrifood investment portfolio focused on mango, abaca, seaweeds, and bamboo.
At the recent 2025 Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum held during the World Food Forum (WFF) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy, Assistant Agriculture Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the plan could benefit over 35,000 rural stakeholders.
He said the initiative also projects a Net Present Value (NPV) of $131.9 million with an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 34.39 percent, while aiming to sequester over 280,000 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, supporting national climate goals.
In a statement, the DA explained that the seaweed farming initiative builds on the country’s global dominance in carrageenan production by using the multiple raft method to boost yields and enhance seed quality.
With 73,467 hectares of untapped areas, the agency said seaweed farming has the potential to raise farmer incomes by up to 60 percent.
For the mango processing proposal, the DA noted that it seeks to modernize the country’s value chain through investments in post-harvest treatment, cold storage, and value-added products such as frozen mangoes, purees, and pickles.
The sector produced 763,298 MT in 2024, with Guimaras mangoes holding a Geographical Indication (GI) seal. The project is expected to yield an IRR of 39.58 percent and an NPV of $83.4 million, the DA said.
Meanwhile, the agency said the abaca project responds to a global supply gap of 25,000 MT. The Philippines currently supplies over 85 percent of the world’s abaca fiber.
As such, the investment would establish modern processing centers, rehabilitate farmland, and support 300 farmers, with a projected IRR of 28.36 percent and a 50 percent income increase for beneficiaries.
The DA said the bamboo plantation initiative targets the $72.1 billion global market for sustainable materials. With 1.5 million hectares identified as suitable for cultivation, the project focuses on five key regions and is expected to generate an IRR of 33 percent.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. then emphasized that these initiatives are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas Agenda.
He also stressed the government’s push for mechanization, digitalization, and strong public-private partnerships to ensure a stable, investor-friendly environment.
In Rome, the Philippine delegation also held bilateral meetings with the FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, investors and development partners to foster collaboration in agribusiness, climate-smart technology, and value chain innovation.
The DA said the Philippines concluded its participation by reaffirming its readiness to collaborate with investors, governments, and development institutions in driving sustainable and inclusive agribusiness growth.
The Philippines is one of the 34 founding member nations of FAO in 1945 and an FAO office in the country was established in 1978.