Palm Oil Project Creates 500 Jobs in Southern Negros

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – At least 500 jobs have been generated in the municipality of Candoni through the development of Hacienda Asia Plantations Inc. (HAPI), which manages an oil palm operation in southern Negros Occidental.

The company aims to revitalize the local farming sector and provide meaningful employment to uplift surrounding communities, according to a press statement provided to Daily Guardian on Tuesday.

HAPI said 90 percent of the newly filled positions are occupied by residents from Barangay Gatuslao and nearby villages.

The hiring covers a range of roles, including field engineers, pre-nursery leaders, site development managers, farm managers, heavy equipment operators, and administrative staff.

Established in 2023, HAPI operates a 4,000-hectare oil palm plantation in Candoni, its sole agricultural site.

The development comes as the province continues to rely heavily on agriculture as an economic driver.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show Negros Occidental posted a 96.4 percent employment rate in 2023.

However, limited access to formal work remains a challenge in rural areas, with a 3.6 percent unemployment rate recorded in the same period.

“By introducing oil palm cultivation, we aim to complement the province’s agricultural strengths while expanding job opportunities and modernizing farming practices in Candoni,” said Felix Occeña Jr., resident manager of HAPI.

Oil palm is considered one of the most efficient oil-producing crops worldwide, offering high oil yields per hectare.

According to the Philippine Coconut Authority’s Palm Oil Industry Roadmap 2024–2033, oil palm cultivation in the country expanded from 53,014 hectares in 2012 to 63,380.85 hectares in 2022.

Industry stakeholders have cited its potential to support agricultural diversification and generate rural income.

HAPI said its ongoing development aligns with these national goals.

The company has launched training programs for new hires, focusing on agricultural skills and sustainable land management.

It noted that Candoni could serve as a model for agricultural investment in remote municipalities, where formal employment and infrastructure remain limited.

“As the oil palm industry continues to expand, we see its potential to become a sustainable and economically viable crop for both farmers and agri-businesses in the Philippines,” Occeña added.

“Our goal is to promote sustainable agriculture across the province while contributing to the growth of rural economies. We hope Candoni can serve as an example of responsible agricultural development that creates real value for local communities.”