“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
True to this saying, the NLEX-SCTEX Community Farm played a significant role in enhancing food security and providing opportunities for sustainable income for the residents of Barangay Pio, Porac, Pampanga by teaching them various farming techniques.
A year after its launch, the farm has produced over 1,200 kg of fresh produce like pechay, eggplants, white onions, and more. Traditional and hydroponic farming methods are used in the farm to ensure a healthy and abundant harvest.
“Bago po sa amin ang hydroponic farming at napakapalad po namin na nabigyan kami ng opportunity na matutunan at magamit ito sa community farm. Nakatulong po ito para mas mapadami at mas mapabilis ang harvest namin. Kapag mas mabilis at mas marami ang harvest, mas malaki rin ang pwede namin kitain,” said Magdalena David, Farm Operations Supervisor.
“Napakalaking bagay po na kapag kinapos kami, mayroon kaming matatakbuhan,” David added.
Larry Serrano, another farm volunteer who also stands as Ilug Kamalig Agriculture Cooperative (IKAC) General Manager, happily shared that the farm has inspired several people in the area to try sustainable farming. “Nakakatuwa rin na naka-inspire kami ng ilan naming mga ka-barangay. Nabigyan namin sila ng idea kung paano magtanim kahit sa limited na espasyo. Marami na rin kaming na-enganyo na gawin ito sa mga bakuran lang nila,” he said.
“This farm exemplifies the true spirit of Bayanihan. It demonstrates the significant impact we can make when we support one another, even in simple ways. Beyond providing healthier and more affordable food options, we uplift individuals by creating opportunities for them to earn extra income and fostering meaningful collaboration between communities and organizations,” said NLEX VP for Communication and Stakeholder Management Donna Faylona-Marcelo.
The 650-square-meter community farm was established in 2024 through the collaborative efforts of NLEX Corporation and its employees, IKAC officers, and volunteers. This initiative provides nutritious food options and generates income for the IKAC volunteers, enhancing their financial stability and helping them meet everyday needs. It aligns with NLEX’s commitment to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).