Iloilo launches PHP 5 million Lambunao farmhouse

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government strengthened agriculture education with the inauguration of a PHP 5 million farmhouse at Jayobo Farm School in Lambunao, Iloilo.

The project was funded through the Provincial School Board–Special Education Fund as part of the province’s broader effort to modernize farm schools and encourage students to pursue agriculture-related careers.

The new facility provides students with a dedicated space for integrated instruction and hands-on training in crop production and animal husbandry.

In his message, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. underscored agriculture’s role as a key driver of economic growth and tourism, saying the sector must remain a provincial development priority.

He said the provincial government aims to place food and agriculture at the center of its tourism strategy under the “Fun, Foodie, Friendly” program.

School principal Russell G. Jancilan thanked the provincial government for the facility, noting that it strengthens Jayobo’s standing as a model farm school.

Jayobo is one of 21 farm schools nationwide and one of two in Iloilo, along with the farm school in San Joaquin.

The school has served as a benchmarking site for visiting institutions from South Cotabato, Masbate City, Masbate province, and Ormoc City.

Jancilan also acknowledged PHP 1.8 million in provincial government assistance used to purchase farm equipment, including a tractor, generator, and cultivator.

Defensor also committed to provide funding for concreting the road connecting the main school building to the farmhouse to improve access and create a more conducive learning environment for students.

Farm schools are public secondary institutions in the Philippines designed to integrate formal education with practical agricultural training to support food security and rural development.