Hydroponics guru promotes soil-less, pesticide-free farming

Hydroponics, a soil-less and pesticide-free farming technology, is now in Metro Manila. Hydroponics guru Boy Guevarra has made a lifetime commitement to propagate the art and science of hydroponics farming not only in Metro Manila but also in major cities of the country.

It has long been the technology used in countries like USA, Europe, Israel, Singapore and many others. "Singapore which is only as small as Metro Manila Exports vegetable through the use of this technology," says Guevarra whose exposure and training in hydroponics traces back in these countries. There is greater hope as there is a more ideal environment for agriculture in our country as compared with the countries I have been," he adds.

Mother Earth Hydroponics, a non-profit, non-stock entity under the Nego-Skuela, has been offering training widely on urban agriculture and other livelihood areas. The committement is to upgrade the skills of Filipinos in these areas and to equip them with technology that will increase their productivity.

Recently, hydroponics became a main attraction of the very successful Metro Manila Business Conference hosted by the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Guests from public and private sectors including Speaker Jose de Venecia, Reps Imee Marcos and Oscar Moreno, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, Secretary Obet Pagdanganan and TESDA Director General Dante Liban, were all wowed by Guevarra’s exhibit of health and clean vegetables that touched no soil in the process. "Even the Binibining Pilipinas beauties were surprisingly interested in the science and art of this magical hydroponics," notes Guevarra.

Guevarra has opened an office in Garwood Hotel, Fuente Osmeña in Cebu City (032-2531131) to regularly offer trainings in hydroponics and in other areas as well. There are two seminars in hydroponics scheduled in Cebu for the month of November. Its Manila office (924-5111) lines up weekly programs that aim to equip Filipinos with proper skills and knowledge in these income-generating endeavors. On Nov. 24, Guevarra will conduct a full day of lecture demonstration and workshop on hydroponics. It will be held at the Nego-Eskuela Compound, across Veterans Medical Center in North Ave. Quezon City where Guevarra has set up green houses of hydroponics.