DAP equips Antique LGUs with smart and sustainable agricultural approaches

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Tagaytay City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines, through its Center for Governance (CFG) has launched the Capability Building Activities on Smart and Sustainable Approaches for the Province of Antique, starting with a four-day workshop titled “Course on Advancing the Agri-Landscape through Inclusive and Modern Approaches” 

Held from September 30 to October 3, 2025, the course brought together local government leaders from 13 Antique local government units to explore evidence-based tools, data-driven strategies, and climate smart practices that can help transform the province’s agricultural sector toward a more inclusive and resilient future.

In his opening message, DAP Acting President and CEO, Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, highlighted the vital role of LGUs in shaping the future of agriculture through decisions that drive progress and innovation. 

“Through our collective efforts, we contribute to actualizing AmBisyon Natin 2040– a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat,” he said.

Senator Loren B. Legarda, in her keynote address, emphasized the urgency of modernizing agriculture through inclusive and innovative approaches, especially as farmers and fisherfolks face the growing challenges of climate change and market disruptions.

 

Assistant Director Meliza F. Abeleda of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), together with Ms. Ma. Ella Cecilia B. Obligado, Chief of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, and Mr. Zelzo M. Dela Cruz, Project Development Officer III of the Department of Agriculture (DA), shared practical and science-based strategies to support Antique’s transition to Agriculture 4.0. Participants also went on learning visits to Nagcarlan, Laguna  and  FITS Techno Demo Farm, where Engr, Fidel Q. Ariola II of Los Banos shared the LB Veggie Move Project, a model for linking farmers directly to consumers and strengthening cooperatives through capacity building. 

Closing the activity,  CFG Director Jannis T. Montañez reminded participants that farming goes beyond livelihood–it is a shared mission that calls for collaboration and innovation to build a climate-resilient agricultural sector. 

This workshop is just the beginning. The series of capability-building courses will run until December 2025, empowering Antique’s local leaders to champion smart, inclusive and sustainable agriculture.