Epson Philippines and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have completed a collaborative project promising to enhance food self-sufficiency in Tarlac City through sustainable farming initiatives.
Launched in 2023, the Food Shed Farming Enterprise Project has established two food sheds in Barangay San Jose de Urquico and Barangay Batang-Batang, providing 60 households with over 70 kilograms of fresh vegetables, including eggplants, chili, and squash.
“We are proud of our work in empowering local communities in Tarlac City with the help of WWF-Philippines,” said Masako Kusama, president and director, Epson Philippines. “These initiatives enable communities to become more self-sufficient in their food supply through agriculture-based livelihoods, aligning with our vision of sustainability.”
The project has been instrumental in promoting local food access and economic resilience. Each barangay’s food shed supports 30 households, allowing them to harvest fresh produce and generate income for group savings. The initiative has received support from the Tarlac City Agriculture Office, with local leaders ensuring the ongoing management and operation of the food sheds.
In addition to building the food sheds, 47 community members participated in training programs focused on vegetable cultivation, financial management, and market linkage. Participants learned essential skills in food shed farming, financial savings, and loan management, as well as advanced techniques such as Kratky hydroponics and integrated pest management.
The project also engaged Epson employees, with over 180 volunteers in activities ranging from food shed construction to attending educational sessions on environmental topics like plastic pollution and energy conservation.
By enabling local communities to grow their vegetables, the initiative not only provides affordable and accessible food but also fosters sustainable livelihoods and reduces the environmental impact of food transportation.
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