BAGUIO CITY – What started as a simple hobby to pass the time during the pandemic has now grown into one of Baguio City’s promising ventures in urban agriculture. Mark Adriel Sison, the proprietor of DomeGarden Hydroponics, never imagined that a casual project born out of boredom in 2020 would one day supply fresh, high-quality lettuce to some of the city’s well-known restaurants, including Korean Palace. Now four years into the business, DomeGarden stands as a model of innovation, sustainability, and community-driven farming.
DomeGarden Hydroponics takes pride in offering insecticide- and pesticide-free produce, something Mark believes is becoming increasingly important to consumers who are seeking cleaner and safer food options. Amidst traditional farms that rely heavily on chemicals, DomeGarden stands out as a healthy, eco-friendly alternative. Mark highlights that there is a high demand for such products, especially from restaurants that prioritize food quality and safety.
Beyond producing crops, DomeGarden is also deeply rooted in education and advocacy. Mark generously shares his knowledge with anyone interested in hydroponics, from casual visitors to students and even individuals sent by government agencies, like the Department of Social Welfare and Development .
His efforts extend to his own community, a mining barangay, where he showcases how hydroponic farming can serve as a sustainable livelihood. Through community outreach and techno demonstrations, DomeGarden has introduced many to the profitability and environmental benefits of this modern farming technique.
A key element in DomeGarden’s success is the integration of smart farming technologies. He proudly demonstrates their automated dosing and timer system, which is linked directly to a smartphone. This setup allows for real-time monitoring of crops, even when no one is physically present at the greenhouse.
Another innovation that sets DomeGarden apart is the Kratky table, an efficient, low-maintenance hydroponic setup that makes it easy to check plant growth regularly while maintaining a steady supply to meet market demands.
Cleanliness, consistency, and close monitoring are the pillars of its operations. Mark is meticulous about daily tasks such as checking fertilizer levels, monitoring plant temperatures, managing the shade net system, and maintaining greenhouse cleanliness. He emphasizes that hydroponic farming is not a passive business. “If you don’t tend to it daily, the greenhouse can deteriorate quickly,” he says. Even the transition of plants from sowing to transplanting into hydroponic beds—is handled with precision and care.
Design and adaptability also played a role in DomeGarden’s growth. The original plan was to build an A-shaped Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) setup, but due to sunlight limitations in their location, they switched to a flat NFT layout. Though they considered the high-tower method, which yields more crops per square meter, they opted for a more affordable and accessible structure. This decision was driven by a desire to make demonstrations and community engagement easier and more relatable to aspiring growers.
DomeGarden’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, they clinched first runner-up in the Search for the Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden Contest under the micro garden category. Today, their greenhouse is officially recognized as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA 1), positioning them as a key player in advancing sustainable farming practices in the region.
Currently, DomeGarden is tasked with building six hydroponic greenhouses for Baguio City, a testament to the trust and recognition they have earned. Mark envisions that Benguet, with its naturally low temperatures, has a unique advantage in adopting hydroponic farming. If embraced, he believes the region could see a significant rise in hydroponic farmers within the next 5 to 10 years.
To those considering venturing into hydroponics, he advises starting small. “Learn the setup and the process first. It’s expensive to start, but if you have the right buyers, it’s worth it,” he shares. He notes that operational and maintenance costs are relatively low around 15 to 20 percent of the income leaving a good margin for profit. He also suggests trying the Kratky method to get a feel for the system before expanding.
From a pandemic pastime to a learning hub and business success, DomeGarden Hydroponics is a story of innovation, resilience, and purpose. Through smart farming and community engagement, Mark Adriel Sison has proven that hydroponics isn’t just a trend, it’s the future of sustainable agriculture in Baguio and beyond. By Alyssa Dawn Alalag
