Where Earth Meets Opportunity: The Philippine Agribusiness Renaissance Unveiled

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The air crackles with an electric energy, not of a stock market floor, but of a dynamic and fertile ground—the Philippine agricultural sector. In a powerful, unified showcase on November 8, 2025, the Usapang Agribiz Investment Forum converged with the grand opening of the 7th Philippine Natural and Organic Products Expo (PNOPEX) at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, marking a dramatic turning point. This was more than an event; it was a resounding declaration that Philippine agribusiness is poised for an unprecedented renaissance, driven by sustainability, innovation, and a powerful push for inclusivity.

A New Chapter for Organic Agriculture: "Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK"

The opening of the 7th PNOPEX simultaneously kicked off the 11th Organic Agriculture Month, under the stirring banner: "Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura!" (OA Livelihood, OK Future: Come and Earn from Organic Agriculture!).

This theme encapsulates the core message of the entire movement: organic farming is no longer a niche or a philosophical choice—it is a viable, profitable, and future-proof livelihood.

Legal & Institutional Backing: The commitment is deeply rooted in law. The forum highlighted key legal milestones, noting that while natural farming was common before WWII, the post-war era saw a shift to conventional, high-yield methods. The resurgence of organic farming, driven by concerns over health and soil degradation, is now backed by a strong legal framework. This includes RA 11511 (2020), which amended the Organic Agriculture Act to institutionalize the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP-NPCO) and make certification more accessible to small farmers through the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

A Billion-Peso Potential: The call to action is supported by hard numbers, with government officials emphasizing the billion-peso market potential of the organic sector, citing its capacity for niche marketing and premium products.

Empowering the Grassroots: The Department of Agriculture's commitment to modernization and inclusivity is manifest in programs like the piloting of the Kababaihan at Kabataan para sa Kalusugan, Kalikasan, at Kabuhayan (5Ks) Project, aimed at empowering women and youth through communal organic gardens, and the Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project (OALP), which provides financial grants to certified PGS farmer groups.

Usapang Agribiz: Unlocking Growth, Empowering the Future

The Usapang Agribiz Investment Forum served as the high-stakes centerpiece, a specialized event dedicated to connecting investors, government officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. The focus was clear: promoting sustainable agriculture, improving food security, and boosting economic growth through agricultural innovation.

The Magnetic Pull: Why Invest in Philippine Agribusiness?

The compelling reasons to engage in Philippine Agribusiness were laid bare, revealing a sector ripe with potential:

A Naturally Gifted Agriculture Country: The Philippines possesses the ideal climate, diverse geography, and rich natural resources for agricultural excellence.

High Demand for Agri-Fishery Products: Both domestic and international markets present a high, sustained demand.

High Returns on Investment (ROI): For many ventures, the potential for high returns is a significant draw.

Strong Government Support for Agricultural Modernization: The current administration's push to prioritize the sector, coupled with programs like those managed by the Department of Agriculture's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), provides a stable and encouraging environment.

Value-Adding Activities & Flexible Investment: Opportunities exist across the entire value chain, from high-value crop production to food processing, offering investment flexibility based on project size and scope.

A "Retirement Plan" for Overseas Filipinos: The forum specifically targets stakeholders like Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), offering agribusiness as a viable, profitable, and fulfilling reintegration path and retirement plan. Recent overseas legs of Usapang Agribiz in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau underscore this crucial focus.

The Pathway to Agripreneurship

A clear, six-step roadmap for "Starting and Growing Your Agribusiness" was presented, providing a framework for aspiring agripreneurs:

Self-Awareness: Understanding internal strengths and external factors.

Business Identification: Focusing on environmental scanning, upskilling, and capacity building.

Business Planning: Covering Marketing, Production, Organization & Management, and Finance.

Fund Sourcing (Financing): Utilizing both formal and informal sources.

Implementation: Covering Business Registration, Operations, and Supervisory Control.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Strategizing to Strengthen, Expand, and Diversify the business.

The Vision of Tomorrow

As the event closed, showcasing the future not just through speeches but with a visual display of an expansive, intelligently-designed farm model (perhaps a plan for a major agri-tourism site like the one featured in the image), the message was unmistakable.

The synergistic launch of the Usapang Agribiz Investment Forum and the 7th PNOPEX proved that the Philippines is aggressively moving past traditional farming constraints. It is building a sophisticated, sustainable, and wealth-generating agribusiness ecosystem. The convergence of investors, government support, and a growing community of enthusiastic, newly-empowered agripreneurs—from the youth to returning OFWs—is igniting a fire.

The challenge is no longer just feeding the nation; it is transforming the act of farming into a glamorous, high-tech, and dramatically profitable enterprise. The soil of the Philippines is calling, and the future of agriculture has never looked more vibrant.

Climbing Together: The Inspiring Journey of APCER & Hotspot 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

From the first handshake at the welcome reception to the last round of applause during the closing forum, APCER & Hotspot 2025 was not just another international conference—it was a summit of purpose, innovation, and collaboration.

For four days, Taipei became the hub of Asia-Pacific’s sustainability conversation. Delegates from more than 50 countries converged to share best practices, challenge conventions, and co-create solutions under the powerful theme: “Leading Circular Collaboration.”

Opening: A Warm Reception That Sparked Connections

The journey began with a warm, spirited reception—a gathering that radiated optimism and camaraderie. Experts, innovators, policymakers, and advocates connected over one shared conviction: that the circular economy is the pathway forward for a sustainable future.

Ross Flores Del Rosario, Founder of Wazzup Pilipinas and Director of the Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement, joined the Philippine delegation at the event, capturing the energy of the moment in his social-media reflections:

“Breaking new grounds for sustainability in Taipei for APCER & Hotspot 2025! A gathering of passionate minds determined to make circular transformation happen in Asia-Pacific.”

“Proud to bring the Filipino spirit of bayanihan into the global conversation on sustainability. We climb together, we rise together.”

Immersive Site Visits: Seeing Circularity in Motion

On October 21, delegates experienced first-hand how circular economy principles are being applied across Taiwan’s industries.

From agriculture and food systems that turn waste into value, to high-tech and electronics sectors re-engineering materials for reuse, and architecture and construction projects turning reclaimed waste into sustainable design—each stop offered proof that circular transformation is not just theory, but practice in motion.

As one participant from the Philippine delegation remarked:

“Taiwan has made circularity visible. You don’t just hear about it—you touch it, you see it working.”

Forum Days: Two Full Days of Insight and Impact

The next two days, October 22–23, were devoted to deep and dynamic discussions. Topics ranged from policy frameworks and ESG integration, to circular finance, supply-chain transparency, and digital product passports.

During these sessions, Ross Del Rosario highlighted the need for regional inclusivity and shared learning, noting that:

“For the Philippines, events like APCER & Hotspot 2025 are more than educational—they’re transformative. They allow us to connect with leaders, adapt global strategies, and localize solutions that fit our communities.”

The Taiwanese government also unveiled its Circular Economy Roadmap, aiming to triple the nation’s circularity rate by 2030—a landmark initiative that inspired other countries to follow suit.

Parallel Momentum: The China Productivity Center (CPC) Connection

Running alongside the APCER & Hotspot 2025 program, the China Productivity Center (CPC) hosted complementary workshops and side events on digital circular economy solutions and green productivity frameworks.

These simultaneous activities highlighted the synergy between circular innovation and productivity optimization, emphasizing that sustainable transformation must be as efficient as it is visionary.

The CPC’s involvement extended the event’s influence beyond policy into implementation—bridging circular thinking with actionable industry tools and technology.

Ross reflected on this alignment in one of his posts:

“Productivity and sustainability are not opposites—they’re partners. What we’re learning from CPC and APCER is that true progress happens when innovation, efficiency, and compassion for the planet work hand in hand.”

The Filipino Footprint: Bayanihan on a Global Stage

The Philippine delegation’s presence in Taipei underscored the nation’s growing role in the regional sustainability movement. As Director of Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement (BKM) and Green Party of the Philippines leader, Ross Del Rosario saw the event as a milestone for cross-border collaboration:

“This is more than attendance—it’s representation. It’s our chance to show that the Filipino approach to sustainability is rooted in bayanihan—collective effort for the common good.”

Through Wazzup Pilipinas, Ross amplified stories from the event, inspiring Filipino readers and environmental advocates back home. His posts connected the summit’s global themes with local realities, sparking dialogue on how circular practices can take root in Philippine industries and communities.

The Peak: Collaboration and Hope

As the summit drew to a close, the air buzzed with optimism. Delegates from government, academia, and the private sector shared one resounding sentiment: the climb doesn’t end here.

Each photo now uploaded to the official event gallery captures not just faces and moments, but a collective ascent—proof of what’s possible when ideas, passion, and partnership converge.

Ross Del Rosario summed it up best in his final reflection post:

“We all have our mountains to climb. APCER & Hotspot 2025 reminded me that the climb is easier when we climb together—for the planet, for our people, for our shared tomorrow.”

Conclusion: The Ascent Continues

The journey of APCER & Hotspot 2025—woven with dialogues, discoveries, and digital innovation—represents a pivotal moment in the Asia-Pacific’s march toward sustainability.

With the China Productivity Center’s parallel initiatives reinforcing the productivity dimension, and Filipino advocates like Ross Del Rosario amplifying the spirit of bayanihan, the event stands as a beacon of what’s achievable through collaboration.

Because in the end, as Ross wrote:

“When we climb together, we elevate not just our view—but the ground beneath our feet.”

Power, Politics, and a Planet on the Brink: Asian Journalists Confront the Planetary Health Crisis

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Sunway University, Malaysia – A crucial two-day Capacity Development and Training Workshop dramatically sharpened the skills of Asian media professionals, plunging them into the high-stakes intersection of climate, health, and global power. Highlighting the Philippines' critical role on the climate frontline, the training featured a significant delegation of Filipino journalists, including Ross Flores Del Rosario, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the well-known platform, Wazzup Pilipinas.

The "Planetary Health and Power" workshop, held on September 3 and 4, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, was organized to help thirty journalists from across Asia effectively cover how health, climate, and global governance intersect. The core message was clear: the planetary health crisis is not just an environmental story—it is a brutal narrative of power, finance, and profound governance failure.

Filipino Voices Amplify the Crisis

The presence of five participants from the Philippines, a nation severely impacted by extreme weather and climate finance issues, underscored the urgency of the workshop's objectives. Ross Flores Del Rosario of Wazzup Pilipinas, alongside four other Filipino journalists, received training designed to translate complex multilateral discussions into accessible, human-centered stories.

The workshop emphasized the need to challenge the dominance of Global North perspectives, amplify local and Indigenous voices, and use accessible languages (like Tagalog or Urdu) to make climate stories resonate with regional audiences. For outlets like Wazzup Pilipinas, this focus is vital for connecting remote UN negotiations to the tangible, lived experiences of Filipino communities and addressing domestic issues like fast-spreading misinformation.

The Unseen Battle: Finance as the Defining Issue of Trust 

A central discovery of the workshop was that the battleground for climate action is in the fine print of financial commitments, where finance emerged as the defining issue of trust.

The Debt Trap: Climate funds, often announced with high ambition, are frequently delayed, fragmented, or tied to conditional loans that dangerously deepen debt burdens for developing nations.

Following the Money: Journalists were urged to track financial flows and expose the disparity between what is pledged, what is disbursed, and who ultimately benefits. This is considered essential for holding both donors and recipient governments accountable.

Fossil Fuel's Shadow: The crisis is political, reflecting failures in governance, equity, and accountability. The colossal sum of USD 7 trillion in annual fossil fuel subsidies—equal to 7 percent of global GDP—was highlighted as a clear example of incoherent governance that journalism must expose.

Health: The Urgent and Powerful Narrative Bridge 

Health was identified as the most potent, relatable entry point for reporting on the planetary crisis. Framing stories through the lens of health instantly connects abstract policy to lived human experience.

Connecting Crises: Extreme heat, pollution, food insecurity, and displacement all manifest as health emergencies. Journalists were encouraged to frame planetary health as an issue of justice and wellbeing, not solely environment or science.

Mental Health as a Climate Story: The emerging issues of eco-anxiety and PTSD after disasters remain under-researched, with stigma being a major barrier. Storytelling plays a key role in destigmatizing mental health, linking it to systemic inaction, and engaging professionals to raise awareness.

The Data Gap is the Story: The absence of reliable data on adaptation, mental health, and local impacts signals a form of neglect that itself warrants investigation.

The New Mandate: Scrutiny, Verification, and Accountability

The workshop's hands-on simulations reinforced a new mandate for Asian journalists, focusing on political and information integrity:

Continuous Scrutiny: COPs and summits should not be treated as one-off events, but as part of a long-term story requiring consistent scrutiny of policy implementation and financial follow-through.

Fighting Disinformation: Participants examined how to navigate misinformation and greenwashing without amplifying it. They were advised to investigate the financial and corporate influences behind false claims and to consult independent experts for verification.

Ethical Judgment: The simulation exercises, testing real-time reporting from conflicting sources (including government press releases and fossil fuel announcements), reinforced the importance of verification, critical evaluation, and avoiding the uncritical acceptance of government spin.

By deepening their understanding of how power, politics, and finance intersect with local realities, participants—including Ross Flores Del Rosario—left the workshop equipped to transform complex global processes into credible, impactful, and justice-oriented journalism.

The "Planetary Health and Power" workshop was funded by InTent and organized by the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH), in partnership with the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), Healthcare Without Harm-SE Asia, and Internews.