ILOILO CITY — Agricultural Extension Workers of the City Agriculturist’s Office fanned out across multiple barangays on July 11, 2026, delivering a package of smart farming training, mechanization support, and organizational strengthening. The coordinated push aims to modernize peri‑urban farming and raise household incomes in the city.
Greenhouse Training Brings Climate‑Smart Technology
In Barangay Ticud, La Paz, the team joined a Greenhouse Smart Farming and Smart Agriculture Training designed to teach farmers how to control growing environments. Greenhouses allow year‑round production of high‑value vegetables regardless of extreme heat or heavy rains. Participants learned to manage microclimates, irrigation schedules, and pest control without relying on harmful chemicals.
The training emphasizes practical, hands‑on skills that farmers can immediately apply. Extension workers guided participants through the setup and maintenance of protected cultivation structures. This knowledge transfer is critical for a city that wants to reduce its dependence on food imports from neighboring provinces.
Mini Multi‑Cultivator Eases Land Preparation
To address labor shortages, the AEWs tested and operated a mini multi‑cultivator for hot pepper garden preparation. The machine performs plowing, pulverizing, and plotting in a single pass, dramatically reducing the time and effort required. Farmers watched as the cultivator turned compacted soil into ready‑to‑plant beds within minutes.
The demonstration highlighted how mechanization can make small‑scale farming more profitable. With less time spent on back‑breaking land preparation, farmers can expand their planted areas or diversify their crops. The City Agriculturist’s Office plans to promote the use of similar labor‑saving equipment across more barangays, targeting crops with high market demand.
On‑Site Technical Assistance in Barangay Buhang
The AEWs also visited farms in Barangay Buhang to provide direct technical advice. They assessed crop health, suggested organic fertilization methods, and helped farmers identify early signs of pest infestation. One‑on‑one consultations allow extension workers to tailor solutions to each farm’s specific conditions.
This personalized approach builds trust between the government and grassroots producers. Farmers who receive regular technical support are more likely to adopt improved practices and achieve higher yields. The City Agriculturist’s Office has made field visits a core component of its extension strategy, ensuring that no farmer is left behind in the push for agricultural modernization.
Institutional Strengthening in Barangay Camalig
The afternoon focused on community organization. The AEWs assisted the Camalig Vegetable Farmers Association with its monthly meeting, helping members discuss production plans, marketing strategies, and resource allocation. Strong associations give small farmers collective bargaining power when negotiating with buyers and input suppliers.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 6 NUPAP, the team enrolled farmers for the upcoming Farmers’ Field School. The school uses a discovery‑based learning approach where participants conduct field trials and share observations. Graduates of the program typically see significant improvements in yield and income, creating a ripple effect throughout their communities.
A Model for Urban Food Security
Iloilo City’s multi‑pronged approach demonstrates how local governments can strengthen food systems through technology, mechanization, and farmer empowerment. By combining smart infrastructure with institutional support, the City Agriculturist’s Office is transforming underutilized urban and peri‑urban spaces into productive economic assets.
