The officials of the Province of Aklan posed with a smile of success at Agri Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center
Numerous African catfish in their fisheries sector
“Pagkaing Sapat Para Sa Lahat, Aklan Aangat”- this powerful slogan, meaning "Sufficient Food for All, Aklan Will Rise,” was initially championed by former Governor Florencio Miraflores and is now embraced by current Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores. This vision for food security has become a guiding light for the province of Aklan, inspiring initiatives that harness local resources and knowledge to empower the community.
To transform this vision into reality, the provincial government, alongside the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, established the Agri Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center (AAADFTC). Nestled in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan, this center serves as the cornerstone of Aklan’s food security, rising from the humble beginnings of a six-hectare rice paddy.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO TRANSFORMATION
In 1992, the Provincial Government of Aklan constructed the first building on this plot of land, the Provincial Farm Staff House. It was a modest facility, primarily a storage space for pesticides, plant medicine, and farming tools. Despite limited resources, it was vital for the local dedicated farmers to their craft. The farmers continued cultivating rice for three long years until they made progress.
Looking after their hatchery and nursery for tilapia
Establishing a hatchery and nursery for breeding tilapia and African catfish marked a significant milestone three years later. "The project provides a sustainable way for local fish farmers to breed their tilapia and catfish, allowing them to earn income and contribute to food security in the province,” shared Sherlyn Dela Cruz, one of the fisheries technicians overseeing the project.
As the AAADFTC evolved, the farm expanded its focus to include forestry and vegetable cultivation. The planting of fruit-bearing trees not only generated additional income but also provided surplus fruits to aid the indigent community in Nalook. Moreover, a communal garden allowed employed farmers to gain hands-on experience growing various vegetables, which bolstered their confidence and skills.
EMBRACING INNOVATION
The aerial shot of the Agri Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center at Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan
Recognizing the need to adapt to changing agricultural practices, the farm leaped modernity. 2017, the first of seven greenhouses was built, and a drip irrigation system was introduced. This automated watering system revolutionized how the farm operated, enabling consistent hydration for crops while allowing the limited manpower workforce to focus on other essential tasks.
Head technician Veotcel Carpio emphasized, “This innovation was necessary. The automated greenhouse saves us considerable time on crop maintenance, making us more efficient.” The greenhouses not only protected crops from adverse weather conditions but also facilitated the cultivation of High-Value Crops (HVC) such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and melons, each carefully chosen for their market viability.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented unprecedented challenges. A surge in national demand for rice overwhelmed Aklan’s agricultural capabilities, threatening food security. In response, the AAADFTC granary mobilized
quickly.
“One of our farmers proposed a solution: since the AAADFTC buys rice from local farmers, why not process it to supplement the rice supply shortage?” explained Rudelyn Romaquin, one of the dedicated farmers at the granary. This initiative proved vital, helping stabilize rice prices throughout the province, particularly during peak seasons.
BEACON OF HOPE
Embracing modernization and good agricultural practices through innovations
Through its unwavering support for the community during these tumultuous times, the AAADFTC granary has garnered recognition as a dependable source of food security, providing rice to essential local services such as the Provincial Hospital and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). With growing interest from the public, the AAADFTC established a social media presence and began hosting "immersion" programs, inviting youth and aspiring farmers to learn about agriculture. As admin worker Kris Ann Meñez noted, “We wanted to teach the next generation to love and embrace agriculture, spreading the earth's bounty to everyone around them.”
This initiative has breathed new life into the local agricultural sector, allowing numerous students and individuals to gain practical skills and foster a deeper appreciation for farming. Soviet Russia Dela Cruz, a principal leader at the AAADFTC, poignantly expressed a "Working on the farm is fulfilling; being surrounded by nature and seeing the literal fruits of our labor brings happiness".
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
What began as a lone storage building amidst expansive rice fields has blossomed into a robust farm and training center employing over 30 individuals. The AAADFTC stands is a testament to Aklan’s Aklan's relentless commitment to food security, reflecting the spirit of innovation, community collaboration, and resilience.
As the farm grows, it positions itself as a vital resource for education and inspiration in agriculture. The vision of "Sufficient Food for All, Aklan Will Rise" is no longer just a slogan; it is an evolving reality. With the joint efforts of the provincial government, local farmers, and dedicated community members, Aklan is on a promising path towards a more sustainable and food-secure future for all its residents.
Fruitful harvest and future for the farm and the whole Aklan
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