In a move that reinforces its commitment to sustainable tourism and responsible land use, Ayala Land Leisure Estates has partnered with Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) to develop a high-tech greenhouse facility within Lio Estate in El Nido, Palawan.
The project, formalized through a land lease agreement, marks a strategic step toward integrating innovative agricultural practices into eco-tourism destinations. The greenhouse, with a planned capacity of 100,000 kilograms of produce annually, will supply fresh, locally grown vegetables to hospitality establishments within the estate—specifically Seda Lio, Huni, and El Nido Resorts—as well as other locators and the wider El Nido community.
“Our vision for Lio Estate has always centered on sustainability and community integration,” said Cris Zuluaga, Group Head of Ayala Land Leisure Estates. “This partnership is poised to make a substantial impact on the region, as the planned greenhouse… will provide fresh, locally grown vegetable produce… [and] not only aims to reduce reliance on importation of goods outside of the Palawan Island, but also champions environmental stewardship in the area.”
MPAV President and CEO Jovy Hernandez expressed similar optimism about the collaboration. “This project aligns with our mission to introduce cutting-edge farming techniques across the country,” he said. “By establishing a greenhouse in Lio Estate, we aim to demonstrate the viability of sustainable agriculture even in remote locations.”
The upcoming facility will be equipped with modern technologies such as hydroponics and climate-controlled systems, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality vegetables year-round. It follows the successful model established by MPAV in San Rafael, Bulacan, where Metro Pacific Fresh Farms—developed in collaboration with Israel’s LR Group—has set a new benchmark for local agri-tech.
The 3.5-hectare Bulacan facility is currently the largest of its kind in the country, producing around 500 metric tons of vegetables annually. It delivers approximately 60,000 heads of lettuce each month while optimizing land and water use. MPAV is already preparing to double the capacity of the Bulacan farm to 7 hectares.
In addition to production, the Lio Estate greenhouse will function as a knowledge center, offering training and educational programs for local farmers and residents interested in sustainable agriculture. This initiative supports MPAV’s broader vision of promoting food security and agricultural self-sufficiency throughout the Philippines.
Construction of the greenhouse is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with operations targeted to commence by the fourth quarter of 2026.
For more information on Ayala Land Leisure Estates’ sustainability programs and MPAV’s agricultural innovations, visit www.ayalaland.com and www.mpic.com.ph/agribusiness, or follow Ayala Land, Metro Pacific Agro Ventures, and Metro Pacific Fresh Farms on social media.
