SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) broke ground Thursday for an Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Center at the DA-Research Outreach Station for Lahar-Laden Areas Development in Barangay Rabanes here.

The facility is part of the project “Development of a Community-Based Agribusiness to Improve the Livelihood and Income of Marginal Farmers in Central Luzon,” a $6-million grant-funded initiative of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) being implemented with DA-RFO III from 2025 to 2029.

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of marginal farmers and farmer organizations in Central Luzon to establish sustainable, market-oriented agribusinesses.

The ABI Center will provide shared office and processing facilities, mentorship and capacity-building activities, as well as links to potential funding sources and business opportunities.

The facility is also expected to support knowledge sharing and training based on relevant Korean experience in agricultural development and agribusiness incubation, with approaches adapted to the needs of farmers in Central Luzon.

KOICA Country Director Jung Youngsun said the partnership seeks to help Filipino farmers develop sustainable agribusinesses, increase their incomes and strengthen rural communities.

“Through our partnership with the Philippines, the Government of the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, hopes to contribute to a more productive and competitive agricultural sector by empowering Filipino farmers to develop sustainable agribusinesses, increase their incomes, and build stronger rural communities,” Jung said.

The project also seeks to strengthen linkages among farmers, government agencies, markets, financial institutions and other agribusiness stakeholders.

KOICA representatives at the ceremony included Assistant Country Director Pyun Eunhye, Project Coordinator Yim Soungbin and Program Officer Kim Gabin.

Representing DA-RFO III were Regional Executive Director Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr., Regional Technical Director for Operations, Extension, and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Arthur D. Dayrit, and Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations, and Integrated Laboratory Division Elma S. Mananes. (with report from Mitch C. Santos)

 Marti Dumaguing