The Philippines took a significant step toward agricultural modernization and expanded trade ties as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. inaugurated a South Korea-backed greenhouse and post-harvest facility, while also highlighting the benefits of the recently ratified Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea.
The facility, established under the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), is part of a larger initiative that includes 20 greenhouses across pilot villages in Quezon, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija. These advanced farming infrastructures introduce protective cultivation, enabling year-round crop production and boosting food security.
“This initiative opens a new chapter in our agricultural sector—one rooted in partnership, driven by innovation, and aimed at achieving food security for our nation,” said President Marcos, underscoring the project’s alignment with the government’s climate resilience goals.
Meanwhile, the FTA between the Philippines and South Korea, set to take effect soon, promises to unlock export opportunities for Philippine tropical fruits. The agreement eliminates tariffs on bananas and processed pineapples, providing competitive access to the Korean market.
“Very soon, this Free Trade Agreement will enter into force. This will allow Philippine, hindi lamang gulay kundi tropical fruit, bananas, pineapple (not just Philippine vegetables but also tropical fruits, such as bananas and pineapple), to access the Korean market,” Marcos said during the ceremonial turnover of the KOPIA facilities.
Modernizing agriculture to combat climate challenges
Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel highlighted the transformative potential of the KOPIA project in addressing climate challenges.
“This greenhouse represents more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes innovation, hope, and the power of collaboration. It reflects our shared vision of sustainable farming that adapts to the evolving needs of our agricultural sector,” Tiu Laurel said.
The project equips local farmers with critical tools, including greenhouses with drip irrigation systems, training in Good Agricultural Practices, and postharvest technologies, ensuring resilience against extreme weather conditions and pest outbreaks.
The FTA further cements the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and South Korea, which spans 75 years of diplomatic ties.
The agreement eliminates tariffs on key Philippine exports, including a phased removal of the 30% tariff on bananas and 36% tariff on processed pineapples over five and seven years, respectively.
President Marcos expressed gratitude for South Korea’s consistent support, acknowledging initiatives like KOPIA that enhance agricultural capacity while empowering communities.
“We celebrate this success as a testament to the enduring relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea,” President Marcos said.
The Philippines seeks to take advantage of its growing potential in agriculture and trade.
