In the Philippines, a significant initiative is underway to bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. HSBC Philippines has stepped in with philanthropic funding to support this cause, partnering with the Bayan Family of Foundations and Mayani, a leading agritech company. This collaboration aims to develop agricultural cooperative-based models that can withstand the impacts of climate change and enhance sustainable food production.
The project is particularly timely, as smallholders in the Philippines produce over 70% of the nation’s food supply, yet they are among the most vulnerable to climate change and the least equipped to adapt. The United Nations highlights that women smallholders are especially affected, as they constitute a significant portion of the world’s poor, rely heavily on natural resources, and often lack access to agricultural training and credit.
The initiative focuses on creating clustered smallholder-led cooperatives that integrate regenerative agricultural practices, indigenous knowledge, strong cooperative governance, smallholder-centric digital tools, and market readiness. Key investments include on-farm infrastructure improvements such as smart greenhouses and precision agriculture systems. Additionally, the project will develop a cooperative development manual to ensure the model’s replicability.
HSBC Philippines’ President and CEO, Sandeep Uppal, emphasized the importance of this partnership in supporting local farmers and fishermen to adapt to climate-resilient practices and strengthen their businesses. The project aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including No Hunger, Reduced Inequalities, and Climate Action, while also aiming to build investable rural food supply chains.
Despite the Philippines’ ambitious climate action plan, the nation faces a significant finance gap of $72 billion. To address this, Mayani is collaborating with Co-Axis of Temasek Trust to attract further climate co-investments following HSBC’s initial philanthropic capital.
Prof. Carlo S. Sagun, President and CEO of Bayan Family of Foundations, highlighted the power of communities working together, exemplified by the cooperative model. He noted that mobilizing agricultural cooperatives as agents of climate adaptation could deliver substantial social, economic, and environmental benefits to millions of members.
The development roadmap targets key vulnerable food corridors in Luzon and Visayas this year, with plans to expand to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by 2026. This region, rich in natural ecosystems but emerging from a fragile peace, presents a unique opportunity for interventions that can address food security, peacebuilding, and economic recovery.
Ochie San Juan, Co-Founder and Chief Farmer of Mayani, underscored the need to confront the increasing frequency and severity of climate hazards head-on. Mayani, as the Philippines’ foremost agritech platform, is committed to empowering smallholders by providing access to markets, inputs, and credit.
For agritech and investors, this initiative presents a promising model for scaling sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. By leveraging digital tools, regenerative agriculture, and strong cooperative governance, the project demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing climate change and food security. Investors can see the potential for long-term impact and returns by supporting such innovative and inclusive models. The collaboration between HSBC, Bayan Family of Foundations, and Mayani sets a precedent for how philanthropic funding, agritech innovation, and community empowerment can converge to create sustainable and resilient food systems.