South Korea is contributing to the modernization of Philippine agriculture to secure food supply and fight climate change at the same time.
The Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) has built greenhouses that introduce advanced farming practices to local farmers, especially in protective cultivation. The method enables year-round crop production, which is critical in maintaining stable food supplies amidst the unpredictable climate.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. recently led the inauguration of greenhouse and post-harvest facility in Lucban, Quezon, another step in government’s drive to modernize agriculture and build resilience against climate change.
The Lucban facility is just one of 20 greenhouses that have been established with help from the South Korean government across pilot villages in Quezon, Laguna and Nueva Ecija.
President Marcos said the turnover by KOPIA of the greenhouses and post-harvest facilities “open a new chapter in our agricultural sector—one rooted in partnership, driven by innovation, and aimed at achieving food security for our nation.”
Tiu Laurel also thanked KOPIA for helping the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the local government of Lucban bring the project to fruition. He said the project underscored collaboration as a crucial step towards uplifting the country’s farming communities.
“This greenhouse represents more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes innovation, hope, and the power of collaboration,” Tiu Laurel said. “It reflects our shared vision of sustainable farming that adapts to the evolving needs of our agricultural sector.” DA News
The agriculture chief noted the severe impact of climate change on agriculture, including unpredictable weather patterns, disruption of planting schedules due to El Niño, and increasing prevalence of pests. He said adapting modern farming technologies, like greenhouse cultivation, was key to ensuring food security despite these environmental challenges.
“This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing Philippine agriculture,” Tiu Laurel said, adding that the Department of Agriculture continues to push for innovations that increase agricultural production and improve farmers’ incomes.
In line with the vision set by Marcos, Jr. when he served as DA Secretary, Tiu Laurel highlighted government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural systems and supporting small-scale farmers, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change.
“Our goal is not only to ensure food security but also to build resilient farming systems that empower our farmers,” he said. DA News
