DOLE extends P400K grant to Koronadal urban farm

A grant amounting to P400,000 has been provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to a homegrown social enterprise in Koronadala, South Cotabato.

Known for its farm-to-table cafe and pesticide-free urban greens, Organikan Agriventures Corporation has built its name on sustainable urban farming, hydroponics, and health food production.

The DOLE Adjustment Measures Program grant will fund the installation of 20 aeroponics or vertical tower systems, increasing the farm's crop yield by over 200 percent in the same growing area.

According to the Labor department, the expanded system will not only boost supply for the cafe's menu but also serve as a live demonstration site for educational tours, local government unit collaborations, and community training.

The program targets barangays, students, and aspiring agripreneurs, especially in areas where land is scarce and food security is a pressing concern.

The initiative is expected to be financially sustainable within six to eight months, generating an additional 800 heads of leafy greens monthly.

DOLE Soccsksargen Regional Director Joel Gonzales said the program helps businesses adapt to economic shifts, strengthen their operational resilience, and protect employment, particularly in priority sectors such as agriculture and food security.

"From seed trays to steaming bowls of healthy dishes, Organikian’s journey demonstrates how the right support can transform small urban spaces into thriving hubs of health, livelihood, and hope," Gonzales said.