Meet Engr. Cristina Ramirez-Padua, a remarkable individual who wears many hats – a devoted mother, a loving wife, a self-employed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer, Entrepreneur, Content Creator, Hydroponic Mentor, and Fertilizer Endorser. Residing in San Jose, Caloocan City, Cristina has become a well-known figure in the world of hydroponic rooftop gardening.

The Hydroponic Journey Rooted in Passion and Innovation: From Hobby to Profession

Cristina embarked on her hydroponic journey in March 2021, during the challenging times of the global pandemic. What started as a hobby to bring productivity and fresh vegetables to her family during lockdown evolved into a passion and a profession. Armed with her expertise as an engineer, Cristina and her family began experimenting with the Kratky System in their front yard, using styro boxes, PVC pipes, and recyclable materials to create an environmentally conscious hydroponic setup.

Facing the sunlight limitations in their front yard, Cristina ingeniously transformed their rooftop into a thriving garden space using net shade as the only roofing. Her daughter and husband joined her in managing their rooftop garden in Caloocan, while her brother took charge of their greenhouse in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Together, they established CRP Hydroponics Farm, a testament to Cristina’s dedication and expertise.

CRP Hydroponics Farm boasts a variety of crops, including various lettuce varieties, herbs, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, and more. Hydroponics not only became a means of sustenance but also a source of family bonding. Cristina’s daughter, equally skilled in gardening, actively participates in managing the rooftop garden.

NutriHydro Partnership: A Union of Expertise and Practices

In June 2023, Nutrihydro, acknowledged Cristina’s outstanding gardening skills displayed in various hydroponics groups on Facebook. This acknowledgment sparked a collaboration aimed at nurturing the next generation of growers. Cristina, serving as an endorser, actively aids Nutrihydro by offering guidance, training, and responding to queries from fellow growers. Her expertise goes beyond, encompassing one-on-one tutorials, validating theses for students, and engaging with communities through group and livelihood seminars.

Cristina’s favored NutriHydro products, including the Commercial Farm Formula Combo, CFF Lettuce Shake Pack, Iron Chelate, and Growth Nutrient, hold a special place in her gardening routine. She passionately affirms that these products unleash the full potential of her crops, ensuring lively and rapid growth. What sets Cristina apart is her unique practice: she abstains from water testing, placing her full trust in NutriHydro products to nourish and sustain her crops.

Notably, Cristina shares her wealth of knowledge and documents her hydroponic journey by uploading daily videos on her social media platforms. Through this accessible and engaging approach, she extends her expertise to a wider audience, fostering a community of enthusiastic growers eager to learn and implement successful hydroponic practices.
In essence, Cristina’s collaboration with NutriHydro not only enriches her own farming experience but also serves as a beacon of guidance for aspiring growers, thanks to her commitment to daily sharing and demystifying the world of hydroponics through online platforms.

Contributions Beyond Hydroponics: Seminars and Media Recognition

Cristina extends her impact beyond her own garden. On December 3, 2023 she conducted an onsite seminar for the residents of LRB Manggahan in Pasig in collaboration with Nutrihydro Plant Nutrients and Dela Salle University Students. Her outreach includes explaining the types and benefits of hydroponics, making a positive impact on many aspiring growers.

Her achievements in urban low-cost hydroponics have garnered media attention, with features in Manila Bulletin Agriculture Magazine, GMA 24 Oras News, GMA DZBB, GMA Dapat Alam Mo, GMA Agripreneur, Farmsmart Ph., Cignal TV Masaganang Buhay, and Pilipino Star Ngayon. Additionally, her garden had an exclusive appearance in the Filipino movie “Missed Connections,” starring Miles Ocampo in 2023.
Throughout her journey, Cristina’s friends and neighbors became the first customers of their produce, solidifying their support system and reinforcing the sense of community that hydroponics can foster.

A Pioneer in Urban Hydroponics

Engr. Cristina Ramirez-Padua stands as a pioneer in urban hydroponics, blending her engineering expertise with a passion for sustainable and accessible agriculture. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of hydroponics, not just as a farming method but as a catalyst for family bonding, community engagement, and personal fulfillment. As a face of NutriHydro, Cristina continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of growers, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern farming.

Message from Cristina Ramirez-Padua to Aspiring Growers

“Farming includes not only the mind but also the heart as well. Start small, continue to learn and experiment; if you do well, you can have a bigger farm. Just believe in yourself, be strong, and never give up when growing challenges come. Be humble at all times and work hard to pursue your farming dreams. And lastly, be a role model and encourage many to plant their own food for food security and sufficiency.”

Ready to explore the world of hydroponics? For those eager to learn from the expertise of Cristina Padua, your gateway to hydroponic cultivation awaits!

Connect with Cristina on her Facebook Profile: bit.ly/3MYrAfh
Explore more on her dedicated Facebook Page: bit.ly/3RaxviS
Have questions or need guidance? Reach out to Cristina via Contact Number: +639086539721
For a more direct connection, drop her an email at: cristina_padua20@yahoo.com.ph

Embark on your rooftop hydroponic journey with Cristina Padua – she’s here to support and guide you every step of the way!