Mirroring the adage, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” the NLEX-SCTEX Community Farm has played a significant role in bolstering food security and creating opportunities for sustainable income for the residents of Barangay Pio, Porac, Pampanga by imparting various farming techniques.

A year after its inception, the farm has yielded over 1,200 kg of fresh produce, including pechay, eggplants, and white onions. The farm employs both traditional and hydroponic farming methods to ensure a healthy and abundant harvest.

Magdalena David, the Farm Operations Supervisor, noted that hydroponic farming was new to them and expressed their fortune in receiving the opportunity to learn and utilize it at the community farm. She stated that it had helped to increase and expedite their harvests, which in turn allowed them to earn more. David also added that it was a significant comfort to have somewhere to turn to when resources were scarce.

Larry Serrano, another farm volunteer and the General Manager of the Ilug Kamalig Agriculture Cooperative (IKAC), happily shared that the farm had inspired several people in the area to adopt sustainable farming practices. He found it rewarding that they had inspired some of their neighbors, giving them ideas on how to plant even in limited spaces. He mentioned that they had encouraged many to start farming in their own yards.

NLEX VP for Communication and Stakeholder Management, Donna Faylona-Marcelo, stated that the farm exemplified the true spirit of bayanihan, demonstrating the significant impact of mutual support, even in simple ways. She added that beyond providing healthier and more affordable food, the initiative uplifted individuals by creating income opportunities and fostering meaningful collaboration between communities and organizations.

The 650-square-meter community farm was established in 2024 through the joint efforts of NLEX Corporation and its employees, IKAC officers, and volunteers. This initiative aims to provide nutritious food options and generate income for the IKAC volunteers, thereby enhancing their financial stability and helping them meet everyday needs. It aligns with NLEX’s commitment to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).