Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso visited Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF) in San Rafael, Bulacan, as part of his agenda to introduce modern urban farming technologies to the nation’s capital.
During the visit, Domagoso was briefed by Shahar Turgeman, Director of MPFF, on the greenhouse facility’s operations and its use of controlled-environment agriculture to produce vegetables efficiently and consistently.
“Binisita natin ang Metro Pacific Fresh Farms sa San Rafael, Bulacan na bahagi ng ating plano na i-introduce ang urban farming technologies sa Lungsod ng Maynila.”
“Binisita natin ang Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF) sa San Rafael, Bulacan na bahagi ng ating plano na i-introduce ang urban farming technologies sa Lungsod ng Maynila,” the mayor said.
Metro Pacific Fresh Farms is a greenhouse complex that utilizes controlled-environment agriculture to grow vegetables in a managed setting.
“Nakita natin ang iba’t-ibang pasilidad nito katulad ng greenhouse facility na gumagamit ng controlled-environment agriculture.”
“Kasama si MPFF Director Shahar Turgeman ay nakita natin ang iba’t-ibang pasilidad nito katulad ng greenhouse facility na gumagamit ng controlled-environment agriculture,” he added.
The visit comes as Domagoso advances plans to convert open and idle spaces in Manila into urban farming areas to help strengthen local food supply.
In recent weeks, he met with officials from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to study food safety regulations and food supply management systems applicable to high-density urban areas.
“Hango sa ating ‘lakbay aral’ noong nakaraang buwan sa Singapore kasama ang Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ay patuloy tayong nag-aaral at naghahanap ng iba pang mga paraan upang mapaigting ang food security sa Maynila,” Domagoso said.
He also held discussions with Israeli representatives on agricultural technologies, including water-efficient systems and modern farming methods suited for limited spaces.
Domagoso had also met with Department of Agriculture (DA) officials to discuss high-density urban gardening initiatives and possible technical support for the city.
He likewise inspected a 23-hectare property in Boystown Manila being considered for agricultural use and received ₱463,343.62 worth of tool kits and training equipment from TESDA for local training institutions, as part of broader preparations for urban farming initiatives.
