KALIBO, Aklan (January 23, 2026) – Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. leads the groundbreaking of smart greenhouse facilities under the Value Chain Enhancement of High-Value Crops through Smart Agriculture (VEHCSA) Project in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on January 23, 2026, at the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demo Farm and Training Center in Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo.
Funded by KOICA with a total budget of USD 8 million and implemented from November 2023 to December 2027, the VEHCSA Project focuses on crops such as cherry tomato, lettuce, honeydew melon, cucumber, bell pepper, herbs, chives, and sesame leaf.
Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores expressed pride that Aklan is the first province in Western Visayas to implement the project. He noted that it will strengthen food security, support Boracay’s tourism demand, and provide lasting benefits for local farmers and communities. He also acknowledged the challenges in preparing the site, which was formerly a fishpond, and pledged continued provincial support.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lee Sang-hwa underscored the broader significance of the project.
DA Regional Field Office VI Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia expressed gratitude to KOICA and the Korean government, noting that the partnership strengthens agricultural value chains, improves productivity, and benefits farmers, cooperatives, and local stakeholders. ### (Photos by Cristine Lauresta/DA-RFO 6, RAFIS)
