In a move to boost local agricultural productivity and support rural employment, over 500 jobs have been created in the municipality of Candoni through the development of Hacienda Asia Plantations, Inc. (HAPI), a company managing an oil palm operation in southern Negros Occidental. This project aims to revitalize the local farming sector and provide meaningful employment opportunities to uplift nearby communities.
According to HAPI, 90% of the newly filled roles are occupied by residents from Brgy. Gatuslao and nearby barangays. The hiring covers a range of positions, including field engineers, pre-nursery leaders, site development managers, farm managers, heavy equipment operators, and administrative staff.
Established in 2023, HAPI manages a 4,000-hectare oil palm plantation in Candoni, which is the company’s sole agricultural site.
The development comes as the province continues to rely heavily on agriculture for economic activity. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show a 96.4% employment rate in Negros Occidental in 2023. However, lack of access to formal work remains a concern in rural areas, with a 3.6% unemployment rate recorded during the same period.
“By introducing oil palm cultivation, we aim to complement the province’s agricultural strengths while expanding job opportunities and modernizing farming practices in Candoni,” said Felix T. Occeña, Jr., Resident Manager of HAPI.
Oil palm is considered among the most efficient oil-producing crops globally, offering high oil yields per hectare. According to the Philippine Coconut Authority’s Palm Oil Industry Roadmap 2024-2033, oil palm cultivation in the country grew from 53,014 hectares in 2012 to 63,380.85 hectares in 2022. Industry stakeholders have noted its potential in supporting agricultural diversification and rural income generation.
HAPI said its current development aligns with these broader goals. The company has introduced training programs for newly hired workers, focusing on agricultural skills development and sustainable land management. It noted that Candoni could serve as a model for agricultural investment in remote municipalities, where formal employment and infrastructure remain limited.
“As the oil palm industry continues to expand, we see its potential to become a sustainable and economically viable crop for both farmers and agri-businesses in the Philippines,” Occeña added. “Our goal is to promote sustainable agriculture across the province while contributing to the growth of rural economies. We hope Candoni can serve as an example of responsible agricultural development that creates real value for local communities.”
For more information on available job opportunities, HAPI directs interested applicants to its official Facebook page.
