The Philippines Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Antique handed over a P2.3 million greenhouse with drip irrigation facilities to Barangays Aningalan and Nagbangi in San Remigio, Antique, on March 24, 2025, to boost local food sufficiency efforts. According to Mary June B. Andres, Chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division, the greenhouse with drip irrigation will enhance farmers' productivity and competitiveness, enabling them to produce high-quality, high-value-added agricultural products year-round.
The first crops harvested from the greenhouse—fresh carrots, lettuce, bell peppers, and cabbage—benefited the community and local consumers at affordable prices. These greenhouse facilities are part of DAR's Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities project (SuRe ARCs), which aims to empower local communities by providing additional income, improving farming practices with up-to-date environmental technology, and producing high-value crops and vegetables throughout the year.
The ribbon-cutting and transfer of the facilities to the Aningalan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (AARBA) and Nagbangi I Agrarian Reform Cooperative (NARC) were led by Antique Provincial Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, DAR-Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director Anthony P. Arostique, and DAR Antique Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Geralyn E. Cañas. Governor Cadiao emphasized the proper utilization of the project to achieve food security, which would, in turn, provide a steady income for the farmers in San Remigio.
On behalf of DAR, ARD Anthony Arostique highlighted the project's significant benefits, noting its profound impact on Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) through improved tourism and road connectivity, which will open more future opportunities. He added that Aningalan's local produce is of first-class quality, comparable to well-known agricultural hubs like Baguio, helping generate higher income for ARBs and enhancing their overall living standards.
In his acceptance message, AARBA President Wilson Antonio expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DAR for the greenhouse and other support facilities provided to them. Meanwhile, NARC President Anayn Fernando promised to use the support facility efficiently and at no cost. Vice Mayor Jessie Jemar Pama, Municipal Administrator Ruperto Mission Jr., Antique Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Gina B. Jordan, former DILG Undersecretary Jonathan D. Tan, and former Caluya Mayor Genevieve L. Reyes were also present to witness the project turnover.
Source: Government of the Phillipines