THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology Regional Office 3 has partnered with the Central Luzon State University to help beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Pantabagan, Nueva Ecija to have sustainable source of livelihood all year round.

The CLSU and DOST provided the 4Ps group with 30 units of vertical tower hydroponics system with a protective covering that they can use to start growing high-value crops like strawberries, lettuce and basil.

“The group is mostly composed of vegetable growers who were forced by circumstances to make do with rainfed agriculture. This limitation translates to very limited agricultural productivity and therefore less food on the table specially during the dry months,” Science and Technology Provincial Director Leidi Mel Sicat said.

Sicat explained that the vertical tower hydroponics system is a water efficient and space-saving technology that offers a spectrum of possibilities for the beneficiaries.

She also noted that it could help in food security “because of the soilless and water recirculating principle that makes the vertical garden good news for both the table and the planet.”

“This vertical garden inside a greenhouse can grow up to forty plants in each tower, which means more crops can be grown in a very small floor area,” the official said.

“The vertical tower system also uses a ground heat exchanger for root zone cooling, which enhances productivity especially in areas with hot weather conditions,” she added.

Engineer Christopher Pascual, CLSU Hydroponics and Aquaponics Technology project leader, said the vertical tower system similarly uses a ground heat exchanger for root zone cooling, which enhances productivity especially in areas with hot weather conditions.

“Ginawa nating mas simple ang paraan ng paggamit ng technology na ito para mas madaling maintindihan at magamit ng ating mga beneficiary, para makapag-produce na sila ng kanilang mga masusustansiyang ani na maaari rin nilang ibenta para pagkakitaan,” Pascual said.