To position Philippine agriculture as a highly bankable sector, key stakeholders from government agencies, international and local development institutions, and private sector organizations convened for the 1st edition of the Philippines Hand-in-Hand National Investment Forum (HIH NIF) held on April 27–30, 2026 at the Ortigas Center.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) opened over P904-million worth of investment opportunities for priority agri-fishery commodities, including mango, coffee, cacao, jackfruit, bamboo, seaweed, and rubber.
Organized by the DA in coordination with the MAFAR-BARMM, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Asian Development Bank (ADB), the HIH NIF aims to present national priority commodity investment plans and secure stakeholder buy-in. The forum also intends to identify national and local concerns to align with government efforts, highlight emerging agri-fishery technologies, and foster lasting partnerships for sectoral growth. ### (Gumamela Celes C. Bejarin-Rosas; photos by: Ian Roy P. Leaño & Alarico P. Nuestro, DA-AFID)
