TOKYO, Japan—The Philippines has formally pledged its participation in the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama, positioning the event as both a trade platform and a showcase for climate-resilient agriculture during the State Visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan.
At the ceremonial contract signing held Monday night, May 25, in the capital city of Japan, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., section commissioner and chair of the Philippine Organizing Committee, said the Manila’s participation goes beyond a traditional expo exhibit and reflects deepening agricultural and economic ties between Manila and Tokyo.
“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,” Tiu Laurel said. “It is also about creating opportunity, resilience, and happiness.”
Japan remains one of the world’s largest food importers, purchasing nearly USD90 billion worth of agri-fisheries products annually. It is also the Philippines’ second-largest market for agricultural exports, with outbound shipments reaching USD1.1 billion in 2025.
The agriculture chief noted that Filipino products such as bananas, pineapples, coconut products, seafood, mangoes, papaya and ube have become staples in many Japanese households, underscoring the strong consumer trust built over decades.
At the 2027 expo, the Philippines will unveil its pavilion and garden under the banner “Bukás: Gardens of the Bayanihan Spirit,” aligned with the expo’s theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness.”
“And yes, ‘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 highlight Filipino culture, indigenous knowledge, tropical biodiversity and sustainable farming practices, while also demonstrating how modern technology is reshaping agriculture in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations.
Tiu Laurel said the Philippine participation will also serve as a “living business and innovation platform” linking Japanese investors, technology providers, retailers and logistics companies with Filipino farmers and exporters.
The agreement was signed by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Department of Agriculture, Section Commissioner and Chair of the Philippine Organizing Committee to Green X Expo 2027, Secretary-General Masato KOMURA, Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama Ambassador SHIMMI Jun, Commissioner of the International Horticultural EXPO 2027, Yokohama Japan and witnessed by Ambassador Mylene Garcia-ALBANO, Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Ambassador Kazuya ENDO of Japan to the Philippines, Secretary Dita Angara-MATHAY, Department of Tourism, Co-Chair of the Philippine Organizing Committee to Green X Expo 2027 Deputy Secretary-General HACHIYAMA Koji, Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Agriculture Attache Aleli G. MAGHIRANG, OAA Tokyo and DA Undersecretary Christopher V. MORALES.
The Philippines aims to expand exports of high-value crops and products including banana, mango, pineapple, coconut, coffee, cacao, calamansi, durian, avocado, ube, papaya, okra and abaca, while opening more opportunities for floriculture, ornamental plants and natural fibers in Japan.
The Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama has allotted the Philippines a 436-square-meter space for its garden and pavilion. The expo will run from March 19 to Sept. 26, 2027.
