The Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas (DA-WV) recently received the keys to the Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building project, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MAFRA).
The P65-million project grant from MAFRA for ten greenhouses facilities—six for mushrooms and four for tomato and paprika—addresses climate change concerns and introduces advanced agricultural practices, marking a significant milestone in the continuing collaboration between the Philippines and Korea.
This climate-proof facility project was launched on March 21, 2022 situated at a 3,000 sq.m. area at Western Visayas Integrated Research Center (WESVIARC) in Hamungaya, Jaro, Iloilo City. It is managed by the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) and implemented by the Hankyong National University.
During the turnover ceremony held on Dec. 20, MAFRA Director General Yong Ho Jung expressed his appreciation to the Philippine government, the DA, EPIS, and the team from Hangkyong National University consortium for their instrumental role in the Smart Greenhouse project.
On the other hand, DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel V. De Mesa said the turnover of the Smart Greenhouse project is more than the transfer of the infrastructure, it signifies a shared commitment to advancing farming practices, research, and technological innovation in the country.
De Mesa also urged the stakeholders to remain advocates for equitable access to these innovations.
“The benefits of technology should reach every corner of our agricultural landscapes ensuring that no farmer is to be left behind. Our shared success today lays the foundation for an inclusive and thriving agricultural community,” De Mesa emphasized.
Two trainee-adopters from Badiangan, Iloilo—Ed Roderick Canuto of Ephrathah Farms and Revie Palmejar of Panudlak Farm shared their experiences, detailing the valuable insights gained from the project and illustrating how they successfully implemented the advanced technology in establishing their respective greenhouses.
Looking ahead, the project aims to advance into a research hub, delving into new high-valued commodities and seeking funding for solar energy in the mushroom greenhouse. Innovative initiatives, such as a pick-and-pay system and the display of soon-to-be-harvested Shiitake fruiting bags in malls, are in the pipeline.
The facility will continue to host training sessions for interested stakeholders, fostering success stories like trainees establishing their greenhouses and applying newfound knowledge to farming practices. Additionally, the project welcomes research collaborations with academic institutions.