Manila: The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) is set to establish 700 hydroponics facilities in schools and coastal communities across the nation this year. This initiative aims to bolster food security and offer alternative livelihoods to fishing families.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRA Chairperson Alexander Lopez announced during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that a budget of PHP210 million has been allocated for this expansion. This decision follows the success of five pilot facilities, which demonstrated the benefits of hydroponic farming technology for students and community-based enterprises. Lopez stated the nationwide rollout of the facilities is expected by October.
Each hydroponics facility will cost approximately PHP300,000, funded through the PRA's Social and Environmental Fund. This fund is sourced from companies involved in reclamation projects. The program targets host communities, where many families rely on fishing and face challenges such as typhoons, poor catch, and lean seasons.
Hydroponics farming offers an advantage over conventional methods, allowing year-round vegetable cultivation and flexibility to adjust crops based on market demand. The facilities will also be integrated into high schools to promote environmental awareness, teamwork, modern farming techniques, and entrepreneurship among students.
Lopez highlighted the hydroponics project in Naic, Cavite, which benefits about 4,000 students. The project enables students to sell produce harvested from the facility. PRA Assistant General Manager for Reclamation Joseph John Literal explained that the Naic initiative, originally part of a school feeding program, evolved into a broader food security and livelihood project. Students learned to grow lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables using modern farming technology, with proceeds from the harvest supporting the facilities' continued operation.
Literal also mentioned that the expanded facilities would incorporate applications to monitor plant growth and the condition of the hydroponics systems. Lopez emphasized that the program is part of PRA's broader efforts to utilize reclamation-generated funds for poverty reduction and sustainable development in affected communities. The agency also supports fishing boats, smoked-fish production projects, and other livelihood assistance initiatives.
The PRA plans to further expand the hydroponics program next year, following an evaluation of the implementation of the 700 new facilities.
