The country’s pioneer private company that produces hybrid rice seeds has offered to put up a 50-hectare demo farm in Marawi as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

This is the SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC) headed by Henry Lim Bon Liong that is producing hybrid seeds for planting and commercially selling the Doña Maria premium-quality rice nationwide. The company is putting up the demo farm to inspire hope among the farmers in the devastated city.

Lim Bon Liong reported that agriculturists in Lanao del Sur are now identifying contiguous areas. SLAC will undertake the project in coordination with Go Negosyo, the Marawi City government and the Department of Agriculture.
SLAC will shoulder the production cost of around P30,000 per hectare. It will provide the seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and other inputs, and will also link the farmers to the market that will buy their harvest.

According to Dr. Frisco Malabanan, SLAC consultant, they will educate the farmers on proper farm management, especially in dealing with pests and diseases. They will provide experts to help the farmers achive high yield.