Aklan, in the Philippines, has taken a step toward modern agriculture as the Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), officially launched the construction of smart greenhouse facilities under the Value Chain Enhancement of High-Value Crops through Smart Agriculture (VEHCSA) Project during a groundbreaking ceremony on January 23, 2026, at the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demo Farm and Training Center in Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo.
The groundbreaking signals the start of Aklan's flagship smart greenhouse facility, designed to showcase climate-resilient, high-efficiency production systems for vegetables and other high-value crops. The project aims to introduce appropriate smart farming technologies, improve productivity and income for smallholder farmers, and serve as a replicable model for high-value crop production across the region. Similar facilities will be established in Antique, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.
Funded by KOICA with a total budget of USD 8 million and implemented from November 2023 to December 2027, the VEHCSA Project focuses on crops such as cherry tomato, lettuce, honeydew melon, cucumber, bell pepper, herbs, chives, and sesame leaf.
© DA Press Office
DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the long-term impact of the project.
"This project is an investment in our farmers' future — improving productivity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods," Secretary Laurel said.
He added that the VEHCSA project will create more opportunities in rural communities, strengthen the high-value crops sector, and ensure lasting benefits through strong collaboration with local governments, farmers' organizations, and development partners.
Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores expressed pride that Aklan is the first province in Western Visayas to implement the project. He noted that it will strengthen food security, support Boracay's tourism demand, and provide lasting benefits for local farmers and communities. He also acknowledged the challenges in preparing the site, which was formerly a fishpond, and pledged continued provincial support.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lee Sang-hwa underscored the broader significance of the project.
"We are breaking ground not just on infrastructure, but on a shared vision — a resilient and inclusive agricultural future," Ambassador Lee said.
He noted that the project will empower communities with the tools and opportunities needed to strengthen local economies and improve livelihoods.
The ceremony also included the turnover of a refrigerated van to project beneficiaries, supporting post-harvest handling and cold chain systems to preserve crop quality and reduce losses. A time capsule event and the traditional shovel ceremony marking the start of construction were also conducted.
DA Regional Field Office VI Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia expressed gratitude to KOICA and the Korean government, noting that the partnership strengthens agricultural value chains, improves productivity, and benefits farmers, cooperatives, and local stakeholders.
He also emphasized that DA-RFO VI remains committed to sustaining the project's gains for long-term impact and resilience.
With construction now underway, Aklan's smart greenhouse facility is set to modernize agriculture, boost farmers' income, and serve as a model for high-value crop production across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region.
