Jury Catapang’s basil pesto paste is being showcased at the World Bazaar Festival 2024 in Pasay City in this photo taken in December 2024, where 72 jars sold out within two days. (Photo courtesy of Jury Catapang)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — A young agripreneur from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental is making waves in the agricultural sector through hydroponics farming, inspiring others to explore innovative and sustainable farming practices.
In an episode of Usapang Agrikultura that aired on January 7 via Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM, Jury Rey Catapang, a certified public accountant and one of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10, shared his journey into agripreneurship.
Catapang, 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.
He also highlighted the cost-efficiency of hydroponics, noting that operational expenses are lower due to reduced pest issues in a greenhouse environment.
From numbers to crops
Originally planning to work abroad as an accountant, Catapang’s dive into agriculture has not only changed his career path but also positively impacted his community. 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.
Catapang’s advice to aspiring farmers is, “do thorough research and learn. It’s essential to fully understand what you’re getting into, from planting to growing the crops.”
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.
Support from Young Farmers Challenge
As a YFC provincial awardee, Catapang credits the program for providing him with funding, exposure, and access to agricultural support services. He is also an eligible participant for the YFC Upscale program, which aims to help young farmers expand their ventures.
At 29 years old, Catapang manages to balance his career as an accountant while running his thriving hydroponics farm, creating employment opportunities and contributing to food security in his community.
DA continues to empower young farmers like Catapang, proving that agriculture is not only a traditional profession but also a field ripe with opportunities for innovation and growth. (RTP/DA-10/PIA-10)
