MPIC to produce popular veggies in Bulacan facility

By VG Cabuag @villygc

MPAV is carrying out the project in partnership with Israel firm LR Group and its affiliate Innovative Agriculture (Agro) Industry Ltd. The project involves technologies in urban farming, such as hydroponics, and drip irrigation systems, which require 90 percent less water, 90 percent less land and 90-99 percent less fertilizers and pesticides.

Metro Manila. The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally independent Philippines. We want to help build a nation that’s capable of feeding all of its people,” Pangilinan said.

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Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV) President and CEO

Jovy I. Hernandez said only 15 hectares of the 22-hectare facility in San Rafael, Bulacan will operate in a year’s time. The remaining area will be used for more greenhouses.

“I think there’s one thing that you will see consistent—our investments as part of this is technology.

We’re bringing something new,” Hernandez told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony to kick off the construction of the facility.

“Growing our own produce is a step in developing our country’s capability in terms of food sustainability. Partnering with IAI and the LR Group, moves us towards a future where ideally, food security is the norm, not just an aspiration.”

The technology, the company said, also ensures year-round production, consistent quality and predictable output. MPAV said it can produce 1.6 million tons of vegetables through these modern farming methods.

MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said the company will employ hydroponics, which has been around for some time.

“We’ll make sure the prices (of vegetables) will be affordable. We’ll make sure that we will increase the supply of vegetables in

“I am proud that Israeli technologies and expertise are being introduced to the Philippines and will contribute to the country’s food security and agricultural productivity. This is just the beginning of Israel and the Philippines’s agriadventure on agriventures,” Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.

Hernandez said the greenhouses will produce green and leafy vegetables, peppers, zucchinis and eggplant. Sales of these vegetables, he said, reach some P65 billion in Metro Manila alone.

He also said the company will explore ways to expand the facility in other parts of the country.

MPAV has a target spend of P5 billion through 2027.