“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

This timeless proverb captures the heart of the NLEX-SCTEX Community Farm, which has become a source of hope and sustenance for residents of Barangay Pio in Porac, Pampanga. One year after its launch, the farm is helping address food security and providing alternative income for the community by equipping locals with practical farming knowledge.

Since its inception, the 650-square-meter farm has yielded over 1,200 kilograms of fresh produce—ranging from pechay and eggplants to white onions—using both traditional and hydroponic methods to ensure a steady, healthy harvest.

“Hydroponic farming was new to us, and we’re very fortunate to have learned it through this project,” said Magdalena David, Farm Operations Supervisor. “It allows us to harvest faster and more abundantly, which means we can also earn more.”

David added, “It’s comforting to know that when times get tough, we have something to rely on.”

Larry Serrano, a fellow volunteer and general manager of the Ilug Kamalig Agriculture Cooperative (IKAC), said the farm has inspired neighbors to adopt backyard farming. “It’s encouraging to see that we’ve motivated others in our barangay to start planting even in limited spaces. Many have started their own small gardens at home,” he shared.

NLEX Corporation Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management Donna Faylona-Marcelo emphasized the project’s broader social impact. “This farm exemplifies the true spirit of Bayanihan. It’s more than just growing food—it’s about creating healthier communities, building livelihood opportunities, and fostering partnerships.”

Established in 2024 through the collaboration of NLEX Corporation, its employees, IKAC officers, and local volunteers, the community farm helps provide both nutrition and income to its participants. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).