Department of Agriculture starts construction of Agri-Business Incubation Center in Zambales

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office III has started the construction of the Agri-Business Incubation Center at the DA Research Outreach Station for Lahar-Laden Development at Barangay Rabanes in the town of San Marcelino, Zambales on 1 October 2026.

The DA led the groundbreaking ceremony along with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the local government of San Marcelino.

The KOICA-funded development project aims to boost the agribusiness, skills, access to technology, and the livelihood of marginal farmers in Central Luzon, particularly those from San Marcelino.

The ceremony marked a major milestone in the project “Development of a Community-Based Agribusiness to Improve the Livelihood and Income of Marginal Farmers in Central Luzon.”

Funded by KOICA and implemented by DA RFO III from 2025 to 2029, the project aims to strengthen the livelihood and enterprise opportunities of marginal farmers across the region.

The ABI Center will serve as an agribusiness incubator supporting farmers through the critical stages of establishing and growing their enterprises. It will provide access to shared office and processing facilities, mentorship, capacity-building programs, potential funding sources and business linkages.

Through the facility, DA RFO III seeks to help farmers improve productivity and competitiveness while developing sustainable income-generating ventures within their communities.

Officials and representatives from the Republic of Korea, particularly KOICA, along with Department of Agriculture officials and other key stakeholders, attended the groundbreaking.

The initiative highlights the continuing Philippine-Korea partnership in advancing inclusive agricultural development and empowering farming communities through innovative and sustainable agribusiness initiatives in Central Luzon.