The facility is one of 20 greenhouses established with support from Korean government
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and the nation’s agriculture secretary, Francisco P Tiu Laurel Jr, have inaugurated a Korea-backed greenhouse and post-harvest facility in Lucban, Quezon.
The Lucban facility is just one of 20 greenhouses that have been established with help from the Korean government across pilot villages in Quezon, Laguna and Nueva Ecija.
Marcos said the efforts of the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) to develop the greenhouses and post-harvest facilities opened “a new chapter” for the country’s agricultural sector, “one rooted in partnership, driven by innovation, and aimed at achieving food security”.
Tiu Laurel also thanked KOPIA for helping the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the local government of Lucban bring the project to fruition. He said the project underscores collaboration as a crucial step towards uplifting the country’s farming communities.
“This greenhouse represents more than just infrastructure; it symbolises innovation, hope, and the power of collaboration,” Tiu Laurel said. “It reflects our shared vision of sustainable farming that adapts to the evolving needs of our agricultural sector.”
He noted the severe impact of climate change on agriculture, including unpredictable weather patterns, disruption of planting schedules due to El Niño, and increasing prevalence of pests. He said adapting modern farming technologies, like greenhouse cultivation, is key to ensuring food security despite these environmental challenges.
The new facilities, made possible with the help of KOPIA, introduce advanced farming practices to local farmers, particularly in protective cultivation. This method allows for year-round crop production, which is critical in maintaining stable food supplies amid the unpredictable climate.
“This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising Philippine agriculture,” Tiu Laurel noted, adding that the Department of Agriculture continues to push for innovations that increase agricultural production and improve farmers’ incomes.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural systems and supporting small-scale farmers, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change.
“Our goal is not only to ensure food security but also to build resilient farming systems that empower our farmers,” he said.
