THE Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed Philippine participation in the 2027 International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, Japan, citing its intention to highlight climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., who is also section commissioner and chairman of the Philippine Organizing Committee to the 2027 International Horticultural Expo, led the contract signing on May 25 in Tokyo, along with the Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2027 International Horticultural Expo Masato Komura, and Ambassador and Commissioner of the 2027 International Horticultural Expo Shimmi Jun.
Mr. Laurel noted the deep agricultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Japan, with the latter being the Philippines’ second-largest market for agricultural exports, with outbound shipments amounting to $1.1 billion in 2025.
He also noted that bananas, pineapple, coconut products, seafood, mangoes, papaya and ube have become staples in many Japanese households.
“For us, this is more than expo participation. It is a celebration of friendship, sustainability, innovation, and the shared belief that agriculture is not only about sustenance of our people,” Mr. Laurel said in a statement.
The Philippines will be allotted a 436 square-meter space at the 2027 International Horticultural Expo for its pavilion and garden, where organizers plan to highlight Filipino culture, indigenous knowledge, tropical diversity, and sustainable farming practices, while demonstrating how modern technology is reshaping agriculture in a climate-vulnerable nation.
The 2027 International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, will run between March 19 and Sept, 26, 2027. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza
