An agripreneur from Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental is making waves in the agricultural sector through hydroponics farming, inspiring others to explore innovative and sustainable farming practices. Jury Rey Catapang, one of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 and now the owner of OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics, started his venture in 2021 on an 800-square-meter lettuce production farm.
Inspired by video tutorials he watched during the pandemic, Catapang saw an opportunity to meet the growing demand for fresh lettuce in Ozamiz City, which previously relied on produce from distant areas such as Bukidnon and Don Victoriano.
"Hydroponics is ideal for limited spaces and urban areas because it uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil, unlike traditional farming. I saw this as an opportune time because Ozamiz City is far from other lettuce-producing areas like Bukidnon and Don Victoriano," Catapang said. His farm now produces approximately 12,000 heads of lettuce monthly, generating an average income of P50,000 to P70,000. He supplies local groceries, markets, and restaurants with his produce, while also catering to walk-in customers.
Aside from lettuce, Catapang has diversified his offerings to include pre-packaged salads and value-added products such as basil pesto paste, which has become a hit among customers. His pesto paste gained further exposure when he showcased it at the World Bazaar Festival 2024 in Pasay City, where 72 jars sold out within two days.
Source: pia.gov.ph