THIRD District Congressman Francisco Benitez said the proposal of the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas (TUPV) focusing on micro-farming through aquaponics offers positive potential for both urban and rural communities.

The Negrense lawmaker, whose priority development thrusts include food security, recently visited a demonstration farm developed by TUPV in Talisay City.

During the visit, TUPV Director Eric Malooy showcased a single mini farm-set-up using aquaponics technology with lettuce, pepper, tomatoes and tilapia ready for harvesting.

Benitez said in his website that the project will pool the efforts and resources of his Congressional District Office, TUPV, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation and IF Green Technologies.

"It targets the development of a sustainable business model for food security, increased production of healthy food choices, training of beneficiary communities on aquaponics technology assisted farming and financial literacy," the official said.

Micro-financing for expansion plans and marketing support through an e-commerce platform for the produce is also a vital component of the project, he added.

In a meeting with Benitez, Malooy and key TUPV representatives also introduced the solar-powered water supply technology and disaster preparedness technologies such as flood prediction, detection and monitoring through analytics, air quality monitoring, and data-driven disaster monitoring and response. (EPN)