BCDA upskills indigenous farmers through Ayta Ethno Botanical Center in New Clark City

In Photo: BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang, Sitio Binyayan Chieftain Berling Capiz,  Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) faculty expert Arcie Santos, project manager and UP Professor Dr. F. Charito Sebastian, and BCDA officers from the Office of the President and the Public Affairs Department participate in the harvesting session at the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center in New Clark City. BCDA photo.

Through the Ayta Ethno-Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is empowering indigenous farmers in Tarlac with end-to-end agricultural skills—from sustainable crop production to value chain participation and market access—ensuring that communities thrive both economically and ecologically.

Spearheaded by BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, the AEBC is a model of community-based sustainability—where indigenous knowledge meets modern agricultural innovation. The program equips Ayta farmers with practical skills in sustainable crop production, climate-resilient farming, post-harvest handling, and agripreneurship, empowering them to become both food producers and market players.

Now on its 14th week, the AEBC program aims to empower 300 Ayta farmers in Capas and Bamban, Tarlac through hands-on, farm-based training implemented in partnership with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III.

Located on a 10-hectare learning site in Sitio Binyayan, Capas, the AEBC serves as a living classroom and livelihood hub where Ayta farmers are trained in rice and high-value crop production, including coffee, mango, and various vegetables. These new competencies help them diversify income, improve food security, and restore traditional respect for the land.

Beyond cultivation, the AEBC program also helps prepare trainees for educational equivalency certifications in agriculture and agribusiness, giving them formal recognition that strengthens their employability and access to government support.

“This role is truly meaningful because it contributes to our bigger goal of ensuring food security,” said Engr. Bingcang. “It’s about empowering stakeholders and engaging the community, especially our indigenous partners in New Clark City. We want them to be part of this progress—to harness their skills and strengths in agriculture and turn it into something we can proudly showcase in New Clark City.”

In recent sessions, Ayta farmers harvested over 43 kilos of eggplants and 6.5 kilos of green chili from their demo plots and completed a module on Climate Resilience in Agriculture, learning adaptive strategies to thrive amid changing weather conditions.

For the Ayta community, the AEBC has already proven transformative.

“Malaking tulong po sa amin ito. Ang project na ito ay binigay ng BCDA kaya ipinagmamalaki namin ito, kaya kami ay nagsisikap (This is a big help to our community. This project was initiated by BCDA, that is why we take pride in it, and we work hard.),” said Sitio Binyayan Chieftain Berling Capiz. “Marami po kaming natutunan at gusto po naming mas marami pang ganitong proyekto. (We are learning a lot, and we hope to have more project similar to this.)”

 For BCDA Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, the BCDA’s mission is to lift the Ayta community through sustainable agribusiness and innovative farming techniques, all while prioritizing the preservation of their cultural identity.

“Hindi lang po kami nakatuon sa aming pakikipag-usap sa mga foreign investors, sa mga local investors, mahalaga rin po para sa amin na bigyang-pansin ang aming mga kapwa Pilipino, tulad ninyo, dahil masaya kami na mapapanatili namin ang inyong kultura (We are not only focused on engaging with foreign investors, but also with local investors. It is equally important for us to give attention to our fellow Filipinos, like you, because we are happy to be able to help preserve your culture),” she added.

The AEBC initiative supports BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By building the capacities of indigenous communities and promoting sustainable food systems, BCDA ensures that the growth of New Clark City advances inclusive, resilient, and people-centered development. #