Using modern agricultural technologies, a P1-million greenhouse project from the Department of Agriculture, Western Visayas (DA-WV) is set to boost crop diversification and support the livelihood of farmers of landlocked Libacao town in Aklan through the production of high-value vegetables.
The facility, which was granted by the DA under its High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) to the Libacao Development Cooperative, is equipped with a drip fertigation system that delivers water and nutrients directly to the crops. This technology ensures efficient resource use and supports year-round production under protected cultivation.
Scheduled to operate in July 2025, the greenhouse will be planted with bell peppers, eyeing Boracay and other high-demand areas in the province as target markets.
Acting mayor of Libacao town in Aklan John Randy Zapata recognized the project as a "timely intervention" that will uplift the economic condition of farmers and help strengthen the town's agriculture-based economy.
Likewise, the officials of Libacao Development Cooperative welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a step toward modernizing their operations, promoting sustainable vegetable production, and building a viable agri-enterprise that could benefit their members and the wider community.
The greenhouse complements the cooperative's existing swine recovery project of the DA, reinforcing the town's progress toward integrated and sustainable agriculture.
Source: Philippine Information Agency