FL pitches farming among the youth

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is encouraging Filipinos to return to vegetable farming, this time by embracing technology that allows them to grow food even in limited spaces.

“Who says you need a big farm to grow your own vegetables? Sometimes all you need is a little space, a little creativity, and the will to make it happen! Proud to be part of the Philippine Reclamation Authority’s (PRA) Hydroponics Greenhouse Facility in Las Piñas!” she said in a Facebook post.

“Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, the roots are immersed in a water-based solution containing essential mineral nutrients that support plant growth,” she pointed out.

“What makes this initiative special is that it gives our students a chance to discover that farming isn’t just about soil and sunshine anymore. It’s also about science, technology, innovation, and finding new ways to grow food — even in the smallest spaces! Stated otherwise, think outside the box!” Mrs. Marcos said.

She then thanked her classmate, PRA chairperson Alex Lopez, for helping make the project possible, and Education Secretary Sonny Angara “for supporting opportunities that help young people learn, explore, and grow.”

No tears, please

“And, of course, many thanks to my favorite teary-eyed partner, Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, for the warm welcome (sans tears)! No matter how difficult the road may be, we must face it together. Together, we will rise. Together, we will move forward,” the First Lady said.

Through the Social Environmental Fund generated from reclamation projects, 200 schools will initially receive climate-smart hydroponics greenhouses, with a target of 700 schools nationwide — a direct solution to the land and food security challenges faced by urban and coastal areas.

More than just a source of fresh produce for the School-Based Feeding Program, each greenhouse is designed as a living laboratory, bringing science, sustainability, and agriculture to life inside the classroom.