MORE Power Backs Iloilo Farmers With Urban Harvest Project

A community-based urban agriculture initiative spearheaded by MORE Power has yielded nearly 100 kilograms of high-value vegetables in Barangay Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao in Iloilo City, demonstrating the potential of local partnerships to drive food security and sustainable development.

Launched as part of MORE Power’s 5th anniversary celebration, the project involved the cultivation of 15 planting plots over three months, producing lettuce, pechay, bok choy, eggplant, ampalaya, and okra.

The program was developed in collaboration with the Iloilo City Agriculturist Office, Allied Botanical Corporation, Uswag Nursery, and local farmers, with support ranging from free seedlings to training in modern agricultural methods.

“MORE Power is more than just a power distribution company—it strives to support and uplift the farmers of Iloilo City,” said Iñigo Garingalao, head of the Iloilo City Agriculturist Office.

“Our advocacy to back food producers is strengthened by strong partnerships, especially with MORE Power,” he added.

The initiative culminated in a Harvest Festival this month, where participants celebrated the success of the community gardens and discussed future planting cycles funded through reinvested harvest proceeds.

This model of sustainable agriculture allows farmers to reinvest income from the current yield into future growing seasons, creating a continuous cycle of productivity and self-reliance.

Alongside economic benefits, the project provides farmers with access to expert agricultural knowledge, enabling them to adapt and thrive within an increasingly urban environment.

MORE Power’s involvement underscores a growing trend among private sector companies in the Philippines to expand their roles beyond core business functions and contribute to grassroots development.

The effort aligns with broader goals set by the Department of Agriculture to increase urban farming and improve local food resilience across Philippine cities.

By blending community organizing with environmental sustainability, the Harvest Festival initiative represents a practical and replicable model for other cities seeking to enhance local food systems.

MORE Power said the program will be evaluated for potential expansion to other barangays and is part of its broader corporate social responsibility framework focused on community welfare and environmental stewardship.

“We believe in building communities through sustainable action,” a MORE Power representative said. “This is just the beginning.”