The Philippines and South Korea are joining forces to launch two major projects worth $16 million, focused on boosting aquaculture and community-based agribusiness for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
Announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday, the initiative is backed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) and aims to drive long-term growth in rural livelihoods through capacity building and infrastructure support.
One of the projects, worth $10 million, is the Capacity Building on Aquaculture Development for Income Increase of Fisherfolk in Guimaras Province. This seven-year undertaking will help local fisherfolk improve earnings by enhancing aquaculture productivity. Plans include the construction of hatcheries and pilot ponds for high-value aquatic species, along with the transfer of modern aquaculture technologies and training to strengthen local cooperatives.
The second project, backed by a $6-million grant, is the Development of Community-Based Agribusiness to Improve the Livelihood and Income of Marginal Farmers in Central Luzon. It aims to open more income opportunities by supporting agricultural diversification and entrepreneurship. An agribusiness incubation center will be built in Zambales, while existing facilities in Tarlac will be upgraded to serve more farmers.
Both projects involve skills training, agribusiness support, and the introduction of innovative agricultural methods. The DA emphasized that these programs are part of its broader mission to modernize the agricultural sector through strategic partnerships with global institutions.
“Both projects highlight Koica’s unwavering support for enhancing the Philippine agricultural sector and improving the lives of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk,” the agency noted.
Koica has previously granted over $20 million to the Philippines for projects involving agri-mechanization, smart farming, and dairy development.
