Under a newly signed land lease agreement, MPAV will develop and operate the greenhouse, which is designed to produce up to 100,000 kilos of fresh vegetables annually. These will be supplied to Lio Estate’s hospitality establishments—Seda Lio, Huni, and The El Nido Resorts—as well as local business locators and the broader El Nido community.
Sustainability, community integration
“Our vision for Lio Estate has always centered on sustainability and community integration,” said Cris Zuluaga, group head of Ayala Land Leisure Estates.
“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,” he added.
Jovy Hernandez, president and CEO of MPAV, emphasized the project's alignment with MPAV’s goal of advancing Philippine agriculture. “We’re bringing modern farming solutions to even the most remote parts of the country,” he said. “The Lio Estate greenhouse will showcase how sustainable, tech-driven agriculture can thrive alongside tourism.”
Community learning hub
The facility will incorporate climate-controlled environments and hydroponic systems, ensuring consistent, high-quality yields year-round. It mirrors MPAV’s earlier success in San Rafael, Bulacan, where its 3.5-hectare Metro Pacific Fresh Farms greenhouse produces over 500 metric tons of vegetables annually. That site is currently undergoing expansion to double its footprint to seven hectares.
Beyond produce supply, the Lio Estate greenhouse will serve as a community learning hub, offering training programs to farmers and residents interested in sustainable agriculture. This supports broader goals of agricultural self-sufficiency and enhanced food security.
Green tourism
Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with operations expected by the fourth quarter of 2026. The project represents a landmark collaboration between real estate and agriculture sectors, integrating environmental responsibility with economic development in one of the Philippines’ most treasured eco-tourism destinations.
By combining innovative agri-tech with Ayala Land’s sustainability vision, the partnership sets a new standard for green tourism and rural empowerment. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
