Sec. Franciso P. Tiu Laurel thanked the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) for helping the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and 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 symbolizes innovation, hope, and the power of collaboration,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said. “It reflects our shared vision of sustainable farming that adapts to the evolving needs of our agricultural sector.”

The agri chief 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 amidst the unpredictable climate. ### (Photos by Jay Morales, DA-OSEC)