DA, KOICA to launch Aklan smart greenhouse harvest

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are strengthening their partnership to modernize Philippine agriculture through smart farming technologies designed to boost crop production, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen climate resilience.

The two agencies will mark the grand opening and first harvest of the Value Chain Enhancement of High-Value Crops through Smart Agriculture (VEHCSA) Project at the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center (AAADFTC) in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan, on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The project aims to transform traditional farming practices through modern greenhouse technologies, offering smallholder farmers opportunities to improve productivity and cope with changing weather conditions.

Saturday’s event will bring together representatives of the Philippine and Korean governments, local government units and other project partners to highlight progress in introducing modern farming technologies and strengthening high-value crop production in Western Visayas.

Funded through a USD 8 million grant from the Republic of Korea through KOICA, the project runs from November 2023 to December 2027 and covers four sites in Aklan, Iloilo, Antique and Negros Occidental.

The initiative aims to help smallholder farmers address unpredictable weather conditions, rising production costs and limited market access.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Dong-gy are expected to attend the ceremony, which will feature the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, ribbon-cutting, ceremonial harvest and tour of the smart greenhouse facilities.

The VEHCSA Project is designed to establish a foundation for smart agriculture while strengthening the value chains of high-value crops.

It is expected to increase farmers’ incomes, improve vegetable quality for Filipino consumers and build climate resilience through modern farming technologies and cold chain systems.

In Aklan, the smart greenhouses are equipped with modern irrigation, environmental control and crop production systems designed to support the cultivation of high-value crops.

The facilities also serve as demonstration and training centers where farmers and agricultural technicians can learn about smart farming technologies and improved production practices.

First harvest, production targets

The ceremonial first harvest will showcase the initial production of high-value crops grown inside the smart greenhouse facility, marking a significant milestone in the project’s implementation.

For the first week of November 2026, the scheduled harvest includes 454 kilograms of lettuce, 62 kilograms of bell peppers and 414 kilograms of cherry tomatoes, for a combined projected yield of 930 kilograms.

The initial harvest is expected to demonstrate the potential of controlled-environment farming to improve crop production and maintain quality despite changing weather conditions.

For 2027, the facility is projected to produce approximately 22,000 kilograms of lettuce, 11,700 kilograms of bell peppers, 14,300 kilograms of cherry tomatoes and 4,100 kilograms of melons annually, along with various herbs.

These production targets translate to approximately 52,100 kilograms of vegetables and fruits annually, excluding herbs.

The greenhouse systems are designed to optimize growing conditions through controlled irrigation and environmental monitoring, helping farmers improve production efficiency and manage climate-related risks. 

Connecting farmers to Boracay markets

Beyond crop production, the project is developing market linkages to connect greenhouse farmers with buyers in Aklan and the tourism industry on Boracay Island.

In April 2026, the project signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay to strengthen cooperation in marketing high-value agricultural products.

This was followed by a market-matching activity on Sept. 29, 2026, aimed at connecting greenhouse producers with potential buyers and business partners.

At present, produce from the Aklan Smart Greenhouse is marketed in Boracay through retail distribution to minimart chains, consolidators supplying major hotels such as Henann and Shangri-La, and direct sales to hotels and restaurants on the island.

The market linkages are intended to create more stable demand for locally produced vegetables while reducing farmers’ dependence on traditional trading arrangements.

The DA Regional Field Office 6, the Aklan provincial government and participating farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) are also scheduled to conduct promotional activities at the business establishments of prospective buyers in Boracay from Nov. 17 to 19, 2026.

These activities aim to expand market access and encourage more hotels, restaurants and retailers to source agricultural products from participating local farmers.

Training and technology transfer

Beyond infrastructure and crop production, the VEHCSA Project provides training and capacity-building activities to strengthen the technical knowledge and skills of farmers, agricultural technicians and other stakeholders.

In Aklan, the project is expected to benefit agricultural communities through smart farming training, improved production practices and greater access to market opportunities.

The initiative directly supports its partner farmer organizations, the Lezo Multipurpose Cooperative and Riverland Farmers Organization, which have approximately 300 farmer-members combined.

It also aims to reach at least 500 additional farmers through knowledge sharing, technical assistance and technology transfer.

The Provincial Government of Aklan has supported the establishment of the facilities through site preparation, land development, the provision of a three-phase electricity connection and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The project builds on the groundbreaking ceremony held on Jan. 23, 2026, when the DA and KOICA formally launched construction of the Aklan smart greenhouse complex.

During the groundbreaking, the DA also turned over a refrigerated vehicle to support postharvest handling and help preserve the quality of agricultural products during transport.

 

Expanding smart agriculture

The grand opening and first harvest highlight the project’s progress in introducing smart agriculture technologies and establishing stronger connections between agricultural production and markets.

Moving forward, VEHCSA will continue strengthening greenhouse operations, developing technical capacity and improving distribution systems and market linkages across its other project sites.

These include Tigbauan, Iloilo, where the facility is scheduled for inauguration on Nov. 20, 2026; Patnongon, Antique; and Bago City, Negros Occidental.

The expansion aims to establish sustainable production systems for high-value crops while providing farmers with practical access to modern agricultural technologies.

Through the partnership, the DA and KOICA hope to demonstrate how technology, training and stronger market connections can help modernize agriculture, improve rural livelihoods and strengthen food security in Western Visayas.