Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. turned over two hydroponic system units to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
The donation aims to promote healthy food consumption and assess the use of hydroponic technology as an alternative food production method in government offices, with SBMA serving as the testing bed. SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the systems could help improve food availability for employees, particularly in future facilities.
"With the buildings of the SBMA running on solar power, electricity for these Hydroponic System units will not be an issue. I hope that the testing of these units would become successful so that companies inside the Subic Freeport would adopt it for the sake of their employees," he said.
The two units installed at Building 255 are currently cultivating Black Rose lettuce, which will be distributed to SBMA employees once harvested.
© SBMA Media ProductionSanyo Denki Philippines Inc. turns over two hydroponic system units to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to promote healthy food consumption and assess hydroponic technology
Aliño added that the hydroponic systems may also be adapted for planned dormitory and residential areas for Freeport employees to help support food security initiatives.
Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. Director Yosuke Takeuchi said the hydroponic systems are intended to produce fresh, chemical-free vegetables in a controlled environment while being evaluated under actual operating conditions with a government agency.
The hydroponic systems use San Ace fans manufactured by Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. and are capable of growing various leafy vegetables, including leaf radish, parsley, Mizuna, coriander, romaine lettuce, green lettuce and iceberg lettuce.
Each unit uses the Deep Flow Technique, a method where plant roots grow in a shallow, continuously circulating nutrient-rich water solution.
The system is cabinet-sized, weighs 61 kilograms without water, operates on 220-volt electricity, consumes about 0.3 kilowatt-hour, and can accommodate up to 90 plants with a 60-liter water tank.
Lettuce grown using the system may be harvested after 20 days.
Source: Philippine Information Agency
