LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — The Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN-BAC Philippines) on May 4 held a high-level roundtable on food security in Southeast Asia.
The event brought together leaders from both the public and private sectors at Landbank Plaza in Manila.
According to Landbank, the event focused on financial challenges, improving agricultural supply chains, and making food systems in Southeast Asia more resilient.
These efforts support the Philippines' goals for food security.
In a statement, Landbank President and CEO Lynette Ortiz pledged to mobilize capital, strengthen value chains, and form partnerships to help farmers, cooperatives, and agri-enterprises thrive.
"Food security is not just a concern for individual countries anymore," she stated. "It is a regional issue that requires decisive action and sustained investment."
"Alongside ASEAN-BAC Philippines and other partners, we are working to transform our shared goals into practical, long-lasting solutions for a more resilient food system in ASEAN," Ortiz added.
Landbank highlighted that the discussion included the ASEAN Food Security Alliance policy paper, which serves as a key reference for addressing important challenges such as supply chain issues, climate change risks, and the urgent need for more integrated solutions that encourage investment in agriculture.
Participants in the roundtable alongside Ortiz included Asean-BAC Philippines Chair Joey Concepcion, Quezon Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III, 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.
Landbank is involved in regional activities to attract investment, encourage innovation, and improve collaboration in the agriculture and food value chain.
By supporting the recently concluded ASEAN Food Security and Agribusiness Summit 2026, Landbank said it reaffirmed its commitment to the regional bloc's initiatives.
As of March 2026, Landbank has provided P908.77 billion in loans for agriculture, fisheries, and rural development, which constitutes 58.44 percent of its total loan portfolio.
In addition to providing financial support, Landbank said it is dedicated to enhancing various aspects of the agricultural process.
This includes improving post-harvest handling, storage, processing, logistics, and market access, the bank said.
Landbank added that it promotes risk-sharing strategies and invests in critical infrastructure, such as cold storage facilities and logistics hubs that can adapt to climate change.