Ayala Land Leisure Estates has entered into a land lease agreement with Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) to build an advanced greenhouse facility within Lio Estate in El Nido, Palawan, in a joint push for sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism.

The partnership, announced Wednesday, marks a significant step toward reducing reliance on imported produce for the Palawan region. MPAV will construct and operate a high-tech greenhouse with a 100,000-kilogram annual capacity to supply vegetables to Lio Estate’s hospitality developments — Seda Lio, Huni, and The El Nido Resorts — as well as estate locators and the local community.

“Our vision for Lio Estate has always centered on sustainability and community integration,” said Ayala Land Leisure Estates Group head Cris Zuluaga.

“This partnership is poised to make a substantial impact on the region, as the planned greenhouse — with a 100,000-kilo capacity — will provide fresh, locally grown vegetable produce to Lio Estate's hospitality establishments — specifically Seda Lio, Huni, and The El Nido Resorts — as well as to our locators within the Estates and to the local El Nido community. This initiative not only aims to reduce reliance on importation of goods outside of the Palawan Island, but also champions environmental stewardship in the area.”

MPAV president and CEO Jovy Hernandez said the collaboration fits into MPAV’s goal of advancing modern agricultural practices across the Philippines. “This project aligns with our mission to introduce cutting-edge farming techniques across the country,” he said.

“By establishing a greenhouse in Lio Estate, we aim to demonstrate the viability of sustainable agriculture even in remote locations.”

The facility will incorporate hydroponics and climate-controlled technologies to ensure year-round production of high-quality crops. It follows the model of MPAV’s Metro Pacific Fresh Farms in San Rafael, Bulacan — a 3.5-hectare greenhouse complex developed with Israel-based LR Group that produces 500 metric tons of vegetables annually. MPAV is currently expanding the site to 7 hectares.

In addition to food production, the El Nido greenhouse will serve as a learning center, offering training to farmers and residents interested in sustainable agriculture. This aligns with MPAV’s long-term goal of improving food security and promoting agricultural self-sufficiency nationwide.

Construction of the greenhouse is set to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with operations expected to start by the fourth quarter of 2026.