By Kenneth Marcos 
As workers prepared booths at the Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City, farmers and food advocates from across Asia began arriving, bringing with them seeds, stories, and traditions from their home communities. The atmosphere was calm but lively, with visitors eager to learn how different cultures protect their food systems.
LANDBANK is set to take part in Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025, a major regional gathering that will run from November 19 to 23. The event, organized by the Slow Food movement, brings together farmers, chefs, researchers, and development partners to promote sustainable and community-led food practices. More than 2,000 delegates from countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and the United States are expected to participate.
Terra Madre is known for celebrating food traditions while teaching communities how to protect their local produce and support small-scale farmers. It also provides a platform for discussing food security, climate resilience, and the growing challenges faced by rural workers.
At the event, LANDBANK will highlight its Agrisenso Plus Lending Program, which offers financing to farmers and agriculture value chain players. The program aims to help small farmers gain access to capital, modern equipment, and technical guidance that can improve productivity and income. LANDBANK officials said the initiative is designed to strengthen agricultural communities and make them more resilient to weather changes and market disruptions.
Visitors will also have the chance to open a LANDBANK account on-site through the bank’s Mobile Banking App, which now includes a Straight-Through Account Opening feature. The service removes the need for long queues and paperwork, making it easier for farmers and small entrepreneurs to access banking services.
According to LANDBANK, joining Terra Madre reflects the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and support for sustainable agriculture. The institution has long been a key partner of the government in providing credit to farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness groups.
The Bacolod gathering is expected to highlight the importance of protecting traditional food sources while pushing for modern, sustainable solutions. Organizers say that stronger partnerships between government agencies, banks, and local communities are essential to ensure a stable food supply for future generations.
As the event opens, participants hope to bring home new knowledge, new connections, and renewed support for the farmers who keep food on Filipino tables every day.
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