Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to expanding its agri-business portfolio.
This time, its wholly owned subsidiary Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV) has teamed up with Innovative Agriculture Industry Ltd. (IAI), an affiliate of its dairy farm partner LR Group, to launch The Vegetable Greenhouse Project on a 22-hectare property in San Rafael, Bulacan.
Touted to be the largest greenhouse facility in the Philippines, the project will provide high-quality vegetables all year round.
It will comprise of a full value chain including seedlings production, vegetable cultivation, sorting, packaging and marketing.
“The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally independent Philippines. We want to help build a nation that’s capable of feeding all of its people,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, MPIC chairman and president.
For his part, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Ilan Fluss said: “I am proud that Israeli technologies and expertise are being introduced to the Philippines and can become part of the country’s journey towards food security and agricultural productivity. This is just the beginning of Israel and the Philippines’ agri- adventure on agriventures.”
With more accessible supply, the goal is to create healthier and more nutritious meals that will significantly improve the Filipino diet and overall health.
This latest move comes on the heels of MPAV and LR Group’s recent investment of P2 billion to expand their dairy business, including the construction of a plant in Laguna with the capacity to produce at least six million liters of milk. Construction is set to begin this year, with operations expected to commence by 2025 or 2026.
MPIC, through MPAV, remains on the lookout for opportunities in the agricultural sector, while aiming to achieve a wider presence in the dairy industry.