ANTIQUE — The Provincial Government of Antique is exploring new technologies from South Korea to strengthen its agri-fishery sector and improve productivity and sustainability across the province.
Representatives from Korea-based organizations, including the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization, met with Governor Paolo Javier at the Antique New Capitol on February 13 to discuss potential collaboration on proposed development projects.
Professor Doojin Hwang of Chonnam National University presented a technology designed to assist local fisherfolk in locating fish stocks more efficiently. The system uses a remote buoy-type fish finder equipped with an echosounder that detects schools of fish and connects to an accessible database, allowing fishers to receive real-time information.
The proposed technology aims to help increase catch efficiency while reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and operational costs for fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, representatives of Earth Forest Environment Inc. (EFE) introduced an agroforestry plan that includes forest restoration initiatives in agricultural areas previously converted from forest lands.
The project proposes planting fruit-bearing trees alongside crops to rehabilitate degraded forest areas while providing farmers with additional sources of income. It also includes the establishment of a plant tissue culture laboratory and nursery facilities that will cover approximately 200 hectares of land in Antique.
Gov. Javier welcomed the proposals and said he would present them to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Antique for further deliberation.
He also expressed his intention to formalize the partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which would strengthen collaboration between the Provincial Government of Antique and its Korean counterparts.
Officers of Junior Chamber International Antique Kruhay were also present during the meeting as one of the collaborating partners in the proposed projects./PN
