10/10/2026
MANILA, Philippines —The ASEAN Food Security and Agribusiness Summit 2026 officially commenced today at the Land Bank Plaza in Manila, bringing together regional leaders, policymakers, and key private-sector stakeholders to turn regional food security priorities into concrete, sustainable business action.
Anchored on ASEAN-BAC Philippines’ overarching theme, “Prosperity for All,”the Summit highlights the launch of the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA). AFSA is positioned as a leading private-sector catalyst for regional agricultural transformation, dedicated to fostering resilient, regenerative agriculture and building robust cross-border value chains.
ASEAN-BAC Chair Joey Concepcion officially opened the program with a powerful message titled, “AFSA: Shaping the Future of ASEAN Food Security Through Regional Integration.” Driven by a deep commitment to helping smallholder farmers and uplifting communities at the bottom of the pyramid, Concepcion emphasized the critical need to make food security an inclusive, shared regional priority.
"Food security must be an inclusive, shared priority that directly uplifts our farmers and communities at the bottom of the pyramid," said Concepcion, framing AFSA as a vehicle to ensure that regional integration translates into grassroots prosperity.
Following the opening remarks, Department of Agriculture SecretaryFrancisco Tiu Laurel Jr. delivered the keynote address. Secretary Laurel underscored the indispensable role of active regional cooperation in building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural ecosystem across the ASEAN bloc.
Driving Sustainable Impact
The Summit aims to translate high-level regional collaboration into tangible benefits for communities across Southeast Asia. Core objectives of the initiative include:
🌟Accessible and Affordable Food: Ensuring stable food supplies and equitable distribution across member states.
🌟Improved Farmer Livelihoods: Elevating the incomes, productivity, and market access of smallholder agricultural producers.
🌟Stronger Value Chains: Integrating regional supply networks through sustainable, regenerative farming practices and modern agribusiness solutions.
By placing farmers and vulnerable communities at the heart of economic growth, the ASEAN Food Security Alliance works toward a truly food-secure ASEAN where regional prosperity reaches every citizen.
