Mayor eyes greenhouse model for capital’s food supply

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso is pushing to introduce modern urban farming technologies in the nation’s capital following his visit on Wednesday, 18 February, to Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (MPFF) in San Rafael, Bulacan.

During the visit, Domagoso was briefed by MPFF Director Shahar Turgeman on the facility’s greenhouse operations and its use of controlled-environment agriculture to efficiently and consistently produce vegetables.

Metro Pacific Fresh Farms operates a greenhouse complex that utilizes controlled-environment agriculture to grow crops in a managed setting, ensuring stable production despite weather variations.

The visit comes as the mayor advances plans to convert open and idle spaces in Manila into urban farming areas to help strengthen the city’s local food supply.

In recent weeks, Domagoso met with officials of the Singapore Food Agency to study food safety regulations and food supply management systems applicable to high-density urban areas.

He also held discussions with Israeli representatives on agricultural technologies, including water-efficient systems and modern farming methods suitable for limited spaces.

The mayor likewise met with officials of the Department of Agriculture to explore high-density urban gardening initiatives and possible technical support for the city.

Domagoso also inspected a 23-hectare property in Boystown Manila being considered for agricultural use and received P463,343.62 worth of tool kits and training equipment from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for local training institutions as part of preparations for urban farming initiatives.