Innovative pathways for sustainable growth in Western Visayas’ agri-fishery sector

By Victor Prodigo

Western Visayas, with its abundant natural resources and strong farming and fishing sectors, is at a crossroads. Despite being a major food producer for the country, the region faces significant challenges, including climate change, market fluctuations, and low incomes for its food producers.

This article proposes innovative ideas to attract national, international, and private sector investments. It outlines a practical way for “green and blue finance” to build a resilient, fair, and sustainable food system, from upland farms to coastal communities.

Western Visayas is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as super typhoons, droughts, and rising sea levels. A new approach to climate resilience and new strategy is needed – one that shifts from simply reacting to disasters to proactively building resilience with nature-based solutions (NBS). The solutions for agri-fishery sectors are not a choice between “going green” and “going high-tech.” Instead, they are found in the powerful synergy of both. Nature-based solutions leverage the inherent power of ecosystems to address societal challenges, while innovative technologies provide the tools to scale these efforts and manage resources with unprecedented precision. Government agencies and local government units should consider a new concept that integrates nature-based solutions and climate-smart agriculture.

Proposal 1: Western Visayas Green Corridors

The first proposal is to establish “Western Visayas Green Corridors” that will showcase nature-based solutions. This concept involves blending agricultural landscapes with ecological restoration, creating a living laboratory for sustainable farming and fishing practices.

One part of this component is “Upland Agroforestry for Watershed Protection and Diversified Income,” which promotes multi-level farming systems in the hilly areas of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.  This initiative combines high-value crops (like coffee, cacao, banana, abaca and fruit trees) with native timber, bamboo and traditional food crops. This approach improves biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, increases water retention, and captures carbon. Restoring these watersheds will ensure a steady water supply for lowland agriculture, fish farming, and the drinking water needs of millions of people.

This project will demonstrate clear benefits, including better water quality, a lower risk of landslides, and higher income for farmers. The government can invest in specific corridor segments, using an “adopt-a-watershed” model with clear metrics to prove the effectiveness of these nature-based solutions.

The “Forest-to-Table” initiative expands on agroforestry by creating a market for specialty products like wild honey, fresh fruits, and rare fruit preserves. By developing premium markets for these goods, the program not only boosts the economies of upland communities but also encourages them to become effective protectors of their natural environment.  A key strategy for protecting watersheds and upland areas is growing a diverse variety of fruits. The successful adaptation, in the region, of various fruits and vegetables from Luzon and Mindanao proves this approach is viable.

We propose transitioning traditional rice and corn farms to regenerative agriculture by focusing on practices such as minimal soil disturbance, bench terracing, organic and good agricultural methods. These practices, which also include cover cropping, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, reduce the need for farm chemicals.  This approach rebuilds organic matter in the soil, improving its ability to hold water and nutrients while significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving biodiversity. These practices offer the dual benefits of stable yields during unpredictable weather and a smaller environmental impact.

To support this, the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the LGUs, should establish “Climate-Smart Farmer Academies” in several provinces. These academies will train farmers to share best agricultural practices and teach them how to use local weather forecasting tools. This peer-to-peer learning model will attract private sector interest in offering carbon credit certification for participating farms – a key consideration for governors and mayors.

Proposal 2: Coastal Blue Carbon Initiatives

Another proposal is the “Coastal Blue Carbon Initiatives for Fishery Resilience.” The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Local Government Units should invest more in restoring mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs along Western Visayas’ coastlines.

These natural habitats are important nurseries for marine life, protect communities from storm surges, prevent erosion, and are highly effective at capturing carbon. A key part of this is establishing “Fish-and-Mangrove Sanctuaries,” which are managed by fishing associations, cooperatives and village councils with assistance of civil societies. These sanctuaries would dedicate a portion of fishing grounds to habitat restoration while providing sustainable harvesting zones.

This approach combines conservation with creating livelihoods/enterprise, making it appealing to international organizations interested in integrated coastal management and community

empowerment. These organizations can support “mangrove champions” programs, provide training for livelihoods/enterprises, and fund the scientific monitoring of blue carbon capture. Also, this will collaborate and strengthen the implementation of the DENR’s Community-Based Forest Management Agreement in coastal areas.

An important component is to create “Coastal-to-Upland Livelihood/Enterprise Bridges” to encourage cross-sectoral economic opportunities. In addition, we propose integrated “Farm-Eco Tourism Circuits” to develop farmtourism routes that link upland and coastal farms and processing centers. These circuits would offer visitors immersive experiences in sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and farm tourism. This creates diversified income streams for farmers and fisherfolk through farm stays, culinary experiences, direct sales of fresh produce, and other DIY initiatives.

The Panay Organic Producer Association (POPA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are already leading the farmtourism industry in collaboration with the private sector and local governments. Local Government Units will invest in essential infrastructure, such as access roads to farm tourism sites. We also recommend creating a “Farm-to-Table Certification” for participating establishments. This would guarantee sustainable sourcing and fair trade practices, appealing directly to environmentally conscious tourists.

Launching of an annual “Western Visayas Agri-Invest Forum” is vital in support for the growth of the agriculture and fishing sectors. This event would invite local, national, and international private sector investors and donors to directly engage with farmer and fisherfolk associations and cooperatives. This fosters direct partnerships and showcases tangible business opportunities, with leadership from the Local Economic Enterprise Development Office (LEEDO) and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Proposal 3: Smart Agri-Fisheries Hubs

Beyond individual farms, we propose “Smart Agri-Fisheries Hubs” that use technology and data to improve decision-making and climate resilience to modernize approach in farming and fishing.  For those who can afford it, with some help from the government and private sectors, a “Precision Agriculture and Aquaculture Demo Farm” would be a crucial tool. These farms would use modern technology like sensors, drones, and AI to use resources more efficiently, spot diseases early, and predict harvests. This would encourage the use of climate-smart practices, helping with smart water management and reducing waste.

When it comes to fishing, this means using smart feeding systems, monitoring water quality, and having clear plans to prevent disease. This would lower energy use and protect the environment. The Iloilo Aquaculture Farmers Association will explore this effort with support of BFAR, SEAFDEC and collaboration of academe or fishery schools.

This idea focuses on the potential for a big boost in production and profit, showing a high return on investment. To make this even better, a regional “Agri-Fishery Data Exchange Platform” should be created with the help of the BFAR and Provincial Agriculture Offices.  The “FishVool” (Fisheries Vulnerability and Suitability Assessment Tool) a   data-driven innovation uses a habitat suitability model to identify areas and commodities that are low-vulnerability and high-suitability for production. The findings have already identified Western Visayas a suitable area for milkfish production, providing a scientific basis for investment and policy-making.  The combined data from these hubs could be used for regional climate modelling, creating new policies, and gathering market information. This would make Western Visayas a leader in using data to create a sustainable food system.

A key part of ensuring food security is creating “Resilient Seed and Breed Systems.” The DA and local government units should invest more in researching and developing crop varieties that can withstand climate change, such as rice and vegetables that can handle drought and fish species that can tolerate salt.  This effort must be combined with setting up community seed banks and breeding centers. This initiative directly helps farmers and fishers by giving them the genetic resources they need to adapt to extreme weather. It also highlights the long-term importance of protecting genetic diversity.

The government should support breeding programs, gene banks, and farmer-managed seed networks. Additionally, launching a “Seed/Fry Adoption Program” could help distribute climate-resilient planting materials or young fish to vulnerable communities and fish farm operators.  A good example of this is the fish stock enhancement program by BFAR, the Iloilo City Agriculture Office, and private businesses, which released high-value fish species into the Iloilo River.

Western Visayas can effectively showcase its potential as a prime investment destination for private investors and foreign development organizations.  The government mandate must expand beyond traditional food production and marketing to consider new crucial goals.  These are Climate Change Adaptation in developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on food systems. Another is Tourism and Gastronomy by integrating local food systems into the region’s tourism offerings and supporting agritourism. Lastly, in the area of Nutrition and Public Health, there should be collaboration with LGUs, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to promote healthy diets and fight malnutrition. The Iloilo City government through the offices of the City Agriculture and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office are supporting a plan by the Iloilo City Vegetable Growers Associations (iCRAVE). iCRAVE, an organized group from the former Climate Resilient Cities (CRC) Program of USAID, aims to produce and market healthy dehydrated vegetable products that would be supplied to vulnerable communities during extreme natural disasters.

By focusing on sustainable agriculture/fishery, food security, and improved livelihoods/enterprise, the region can create a compelling narrative for impactful partnerships. Emphasizing nature-based solutions, climate-smart practices, empowered governance, and inclusive value chains will be crucial to driving sustainable transformation.

National agencies and local government units can realize these recommendations by proactively developing project proposals. With numerous international donors and multilateral financial institutions open to concept notes and calls for proposals, Western Visayas must seize the opportunity to solidify its role as a climate-resilient agri-fishery producer and a premier international agritourism destination.

Victor Prodigo is an advisor specializing in Nature-Based Solutions and the Ridge-to-Reef Strategy, with diverse experience in agriculture and environmental projects financed by international organizations.