THE Philippines has confirmed its participation in the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama in 2027, following a contract signing with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
“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, [but] also about creating opportunity, resilience, and happiness,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
The Philippines has been allotted a 436-square-meter space at the Japanese trade show, which will run from March to September next year.
The Philippine pavilion will carry the banner “Bukás: Gardens of the Bayanihan Spirit,” aligning with the expo’s theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness.”
“Bukás means open, because Filipinos are always open — open to collaboration, open to innovation, and especially open to nourish guests,” Tiu Laurel said.
The pavilion will showcase Filipino culture and indigenous knowledge, tropical biodiversity and sustainable farming practices, and the integration of modern technology in building climate-resilient technology in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
It will also use the expo as a business and innovation platform to strengthen its economic ties with Japan.
High-value crops that the DA will also promote include coffee, cacao, calamansi, durian, avocado, okra, abaca, ornamental plants, and natural fibers.
Japan is among the world’s top food importers, with about $90 billion worth of agriculture and fisheries imports annually.
The Philippines’ agricultural exports to Japan totaled $1.1 billion in 2025.
Bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papaya, ube, coconuts and their products, and seafood have become staples in Japanese households.
Tiu Laurel thanked the Japanese’ strong consumer trust in the Philippines, which had been built over decades of trade relations.
