CAC bolsters CSR via leisure farm development

MANILA, Philippines - The Ortigas-led Concrete Aggregates Corporation (CAC) said its foray into leisure farm developments is not only for income generation but also a means to reinforce its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The company in 2010 announced its plan to convert a portion of its landbank into leisure farms, with its 10-hectare property in Sto.Tomas, Batangas as a pioneer project.

Noel Rapadas, general manager of CAC, said that while they are selling at an average of P4,000 to P4,500 per square meter for the minimum purchase of a 1,000 sq. m. lot, the project cements CAC’s efforts on CSR given the thrust on sustainability of the farm and its community.

“The Farmland concept brings about a convergence of various stakeholders that will build local communities, heighten economic growth and commerce, improve tourism, reinforce education and most importantly preserve the environment,” Rapadas said.

A farm school would also be established to provide free education for 30 to 40 students, allowing them to obtain a two-year vocational certificate in agriculture. This would enable lot owners to have 75 percent of their land tended by farm school students, growing high value crops or greenhouse vegetables for profit.

“Then, linkages would be established with dependable market suppliers/traders/sellers, which would provide a ready market for the farm produce.   The local communities are expected to benefit from the farm produce via a trading depot established right alongside the farm’s entrance gate,” Rapadas added.

The initiative of CAC to transform the property into a farmland was encouraged by the fact that Sto. Tomas is within reach from Makati via the South Luzon Expressway and Star Tollways.

The area is touted as the next growth area for trade and tourism. Its rich biodiversity, nurtured by its well-preserved forests and aquatic resources never fail to attract both local and foreign tourists.

“These are but a few of the reasons why it made very apparent for CAC to conceptualize, build and develop the area way ahead of the expected development boom,” Rapadas explained.

The Sto. Tomas property is architecturally designed to ensure a balanced distribution of land and air space while providing a relaxing view of Mt. Makiling.

CAC’s plan is to divide the entire property into 60 individual farm lots, with each farm lot size starting at a minimum of 1,000 sq. m. to 1,400 sq. m. Only 25 percent of the farm lot will be allotted for residential purposes while the remaining 75 percent is dedicated to vegetable farming. The vegetable gardens will be supplied by a re-circulating water system while the household will source its potable water supply from two 20,000 gallons overhead tanks. A wind pump is also envisioned to help assist the natural flow of water into the receiving tanks for ‘brown water’.

Rapadas described the Sto. Tomas project as a weekend destination for city dwellers seeking a quiet, farm-like atmosphere.

CAC used to be the largest distributor of concrete aggregates, accounting for about 70-80 percent of the NCR market. Now, it leases its 211-hectare quarry to a global cement company and is set to develop properties in Batangas, Rizal, and Pampanga.