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Urban Gardening in the Philippines: A Sustainable Practice

• by Amiel Pineda
• January 17, 2024 January 19, 2024

Have you ever considered the impact of urban gardening on sustainable living in the Philippines?

It’s not just about growing plants in a city environment; it’s a movement towards self-sufficiency, environmental consciousness, and community resilience.

Urban gardening in the Philippines is gaining momentum as a viable solution to food security and ecological sustainability.

As you explore this topic further, you’ll uncover the innovative techniques, the challenges faced, and the remarkable benefits that urban gardening brings to both individuals and communities.

Key Takeaways

• Urban gardening in the Philippines addresses food security in urban areas and reduces reliance on traditional farmlands.
• It promotes sustainable food systems, reduces food waste and plastic pollution, and maximizes limited space in densely populated urban settings.
• Urban gardening in the Philippines has a positive impact on the environment through sustainable agricultural practices and fosters a sense of community and cooperation.
• It enhances food security, improves access to fresh produce, reduces carbon footprint, promotes effective waste management, increases local food production, and promotes a diverse, healthy diet.

Importance of Urban Gardening

Urban gardening plays a vital role in addressing the issue of food security in urban areas in the Philippines. By reducing reliance on traditional farmlands and promoting sustainable food systems, it provides a solution to the challenge of ensuring a stable food supply.

This sustainable practice not only reduces food waste but also contributes to the reduction of single-use plastics and plastic pollution.

In a densely populated urban setting, urban gardening allows for the cultivation of crops in compact areas and even on vertical structures, making the most of limited space.

Embracing sustainable urban gardening in the Philippines not only ensures a steady supply of fresh produce but also fosters a sense of community and belonging as people come together to cultivate and share the bounty of their labor.

Challenges Faced in Urban Gardening

In densely populated urban areas, the limited availability of suitable land poses a significant challenge for those interested in engaging in urban gardening. The lack of space makes it difficult to find areas for planting and cultivating crops, which is essential for sustainable urban gardening.

Additionally, there’s a lack of awareness and education about the benefits and techniques of urban farming. Many people are still unaware of the possibilities and advantages it offers. Access to resources such as affordable seeds, tools, and training can also be a significant hurdle for urban farmers.

Moreover, while there’s some government support, continued policy backing is crucial for promoting and sustaining urban farming. Encouraging collaboration between different stakeholders and embracing innovative solutions can drive the future of urban farming in the Philippines .

Urban Gardening Techniques

To effectively practice urban gardening in the Philippines, it is essential to employ various techniques that prioritize organic cultivation for high-valued crops while minimizing negative impact on the environment. Urban gardening techniques in the Philippines often revolve around organic cultivation, vermiculture, and the use of a crop house. These methods and materials not only promote sustainable food systems but also contribute to minimizing the negative impact on the environment. The use of a crop house provides favorable conditions for plant growth, allowing urban gardeners to produce high-value crops for income. By incorporating these techniques, urban gardening enthusiasts in the Philippines can contribute to the WWF-Philippines Sustainable Food Systems initiative while enjoying the benefits of organic cultivation and sustainable practices.

Benefits of Urban Gardening

You’ll be thrilled to learn about the numerous benefits of urban gardening.

Not only does it have a positive impact on the environment by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, but it also fosters a sense of community and cooperation among residents.

Additionally, urban gardening plays a crucial role in enhancing food security by increasing local food production and improving access to fresh, nutritious produce.

Environmental Impact

By engaging in urban gardening, you can actively contribute to environmental sustainability through promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the use of harmful chemicals, ultimately minimizing the carbon footprint.

Urban gardening also provides an opportunity to recycle organic waste, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills for effective waste management. As a result, this practice helps in reducing plastic pollution and environmental degradation.

Moreover, by involving local communities, urban gardening fosters a sense of belonging and promotes social interaction for community building. Additionally, it increases local food production, reducing dependence on external sources for food security and encouraging the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, leading to improved nutrition and a diverse, healthy diet.

Urban gardening is indeed a sustainable practice with significant environmental benefits.

Community Involvement

Community involvement in urban gardening brings numerous benefits, fostering a sense of empowerment and sustainability within local neighborhoods.

Urban Gardening initiatives, such as those led by Pasali Philippines, not only address food security and livelihoods but also respond to global warming and pollution, benefiting vulnerable groups.

By actively participating in urban gardening, community members can generate income through crop sales and improve access to fresh produce, thus promoting healthy eating habits.

Additionally, sustainable urban gardening has a positive impact on the environment and the local economy, increasing local food production.

Through these initiatives, communities not only gain a sense of ownership and responsibility for their surroundings but also create a network of support, fostering a strong sense of belonging and empowerment within neighborhoods.

Food Security

Transitioning from the community involvement in urban gardening, the focus now shifts to the significant impact of urban gardening on food security.

Urban gardening (SUGa) plays a crucial role in ensuring food security by increasing local food production and improving community access to fresh and nutritious produce. This practice not only provides a sustainable source of food but also promotes a diverse and healthy diet, leading to improved nutrition within the community.

Moreover, urban gardening addresses livelihoods and ecological sustainability, offering income opportunities through crop sales and minimizing harmful chemical use for environmental conservation. By responding to global warming and pollution, urban gardening supports vulnerable groups and the environment, making it an essential contributor to food security and overall community well-being.

Embracing urban gardening can lead to a more food-secure and sustainable future for all.

Community Urban Gardening Projects

Ready to explore the impact of community urban gardening projects?

These initiatives bring a multitude of benefits to the community, from providing access to fresh, nutritious produce to fostering a sense of collective pride and purpose.

Benefits for Community

Embracing urban gardening in your neighborhood not only enhances food security and ecological sustainability but also fosters a strong sense of community and economic empowerment through innovative and replicable projects.

Community urban gardening initiatives, such as the Food Systems Project, play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. By actively participating in urban gardening, you contribute to the well-being of vulnerable groups and the environment, while also combatting global warming and pollution.

These projects not only provide income opportunities through the sale of crops but also improve access to fresh and nutritious produce. Moreover, sustainable urban gardening has a positive impact on the environment and the local economy, with the potential for replication in other communities, thereby promoting economic opportunities and a sense of community belonging.

Impact on Environment

As we explore the impact of community urban gardening projects on the environment, it’s evident that these initiatives not only foster a sense of community and economic empowerment but also play a vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing environmental impact.

• Urban gardening initiatives help in the reduction of carbon emissions associated with transporting food from rural areas to cities, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• Sustainable urban gardening promotes the recycling of organic waste, thus reducing the amount of waste going to landfills and supporting waste management efforts.
• Urban farming fosters a sense of community and cooperation among residents, promoting social interaction and community building.
• Urban container gardening empowers households to produce their own food, providing access to fresh and nutritious produce and promoting self-sufficiency in urban communities.

Collective Food Production

Engage your community in sustainable urban gardening with collective food production, fostering cooperation and cultivating high-valued crops for a positive environmental and economic impact.

In Barangay Fatima G.S.C, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines leads a collective food production project, serving 140,000 residents and focusing on vulnerable groups like older persons and children needing special protection.

By utilizing organic gardening techniques, vermiculture, and crop houses, the project minimizes negative environmental impact and ensures optimal plant growth.

The initiative not only benefits the environment but also enhances food security and nutrition for the community.

Moreover, the success of this project serves as a model for potential replication in other communities, amplifying its positive impact.

Through collective food production, urban gardening becomes a powerful tool for fostering a sense of community, sustainable practices, and economic empowerment.

Urban Gardening for Food Security

Considering the increasing importance of food security in urban areas, urban gardening has emerged as a valuable and sustainable solution for providing fresh produce locally.

Sustainable urban gardening methods, such as organic gardening and vermiculture, aim to minimize negative environmental impact while growing high-valued crops.

Urban gardening initiatives can benefit vulnerable groups, improve access to fresh produce, and provide income opportunities.

Components of sustainable urban gardening include organic gardening techniques, vermiculture, crop houses, and efficient water and fertilizer management.

Furthermore, urban farming initiatives have a positive impact on the environment and local economy, potentially reducing reliance on traditional agriculture and improving food security.

Sustainability in Urban Gardening

Sustainability in urban gardening is essential for cultivating high-valued crops with minimal negative impact on the environment and promoting food security in urban areas. Incorporating organic gardening, vermiculture, and crop houses are integral to sustainable urban gardening. In Barangay Fatima G.S.C, a sustainable urban gardening project focuses on vulnerable groups such as older persons and children who need special protection. Components of sustainable urban gardening include organic gardening techniques, vermiculture, crop houses, water distribution, and pest control. Urban farming initiatives in the Philippines, like the Philippine Urban Agriculture Network (PUAN) and Gawad Kalinga, promote sustainable livelihood and food security. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) supports sustainable urban gardening as a means to address food security and environmental sustainability in urban areas.

Urban Gardening Initiatives in the Philippines

Urban gardening initiatives in the Philippines have gained momentum in promoting sustainable livelihoods and addressing food security challenges in urban areas. These initiatives focus on organic cultivation of high-valued crops and employ methods that minimize negative environmental impact. They aim to address food security, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability, responding to global warming and pollution while improving community access to fresh and nutritious produce.

Projects are strategically located, often supporting vulnerable groups such as older persons and children, and are frequently backed by local government offices. Sustainable urban gardening components include organic gardening techniques, vermiculture, and the use of a crop house to produce high-value crops for income while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

The positive impact of these initiatives on the environment and local economy showcases their potential for replication in other communities and their role in improving food security and nutrition.

Urban Gardening and Environmental Impact

With a focus on minimizing environmental impact, urban gardening in the Philippines employs sustainable methods to cultivate organic produce and address food security challenges in urban areas. Sustainable urban gardening has a positive impact on the environment, local economy, and community nutrition. Techniques such as organic gardening, vermiculture, and crop houses are used to produce high-value crops with minimal environmental impact. Below is a table showcasing some of the sustainable practices and their environmental benefits:

Urban gardening not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also fosters community development and food security in the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is urban agriculture a sustainable practice.

Yes, urban agriculture is a sustainable practice. It fosters food security, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability while combating global warming and pollution. By utilizing organic techniques and innovative methods, it contributes to a more sustainable future.

Why Is Urban Gardening Important in the Philippines?

Urban gardening is important in the Philippines because it addresses food security, promotes sustainable food systems, and empowers urban communities. It reduces reliance on traditional farmlands, encourages self-sufficiency, and contributes to a sustainable future.

How Are Urban Gardens Sustainable?

Urban gardens are sustainable because they allow you to grow high-value crops organically, minimizing environmental impact. Techniques like vermiculture and crop houses are employed for sustainable urban gardening, addressing food security and ecological sustainability.

What Is Urban Agriculture in the Philippines?

Urban agriculture in the Philippines involves organic cultivation methods and materials that minimize negative impact on the environment. Techniques include organic gardening, vermiculture, and crop houses. It addresses food security, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability.

So, as you can see, urban gardening in the Philippines isn’t just about growing plants. It’s about creating a sustainable and eco-friendly way to produce food, generate income, and improve community access to fresh produce.

Despite the challenges, techniques like organic gardening and collaborations with organizations like WWF-Philippines are making a positive impact.

By supporting urban gardening initiatives, you can help promote food security, ecological sustainability, and a healthier community for all.

Urban Agriculture in the Philippines: Initiatives, Practices, Significance, and Threats

• First Online: 20 January 2017

Cite this chapter

• Constancio C. De Guzman 6  

Part of the book series: Science for Sustainable Societies ((SFSS))

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This chapter provides an overview of urban agriculture (UA) in the Philippines. Several academic and government initiatives are described that relate to UA and have led to an awareness and recognition of UA. The practice of UA is illustrated through studies conducted on commercial vegetable production within Metro Manila and also on a peri-urban livelihood system based on the jasmine species known as sampaguita ( Jasminum sambac Ait), which is used to make garlands in San Pedro, Laguna, a municipality adjacent to Metro Manila. These studies reveal the positive impact of urban and peri-urban agricultural activities on employment and income generation as well as the promotion of positive social values. Most crop production in Metro Manila has been discontinued owing to the inability to compete with land use prioritization. The lack of clear government policy with respect to UA has contributed to the decline of the practice. Recommendations are made for the promotion of urban and peri-urban agriculture.

• Livelihood system
• Metro Manila
• Urban and peri-urban agriculture
• Jasmine garland

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1 introduction.

In today’s world, so-called megacities , which have a population of 10 million or more, are undergoing rapid development. The majority of these megacities are expected to expand from several urban centers of the developing countries of Asia. It is estimated that by 2015, Karachi, Jakarta, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Tokyo (the latter topping the list) will each have a population of over 20 million (Hall 2001 ). With a predicted population of just under 15 million by that time, Metro Manila will rank number 11 among Asia’s megacities. Metro Manila , also referred to as the National Capital Region, is the economic and political center of the Philippines. The population of Metro Manila in 2010 was estimated at 11.6 million ( www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_popnProj.asp , 2012). The projected increase in the population of Metro Manila is expected to parallel a huge demand for land for residential, recreational, and industrial purposes. More critical, however, will be the enormous demand for food among urban households. Since food security is already a problematic issue, it will of course become a far greater one in 10 years’ time unless appropriate measures are undertaken. In light of this scenario, urban agriculture (UA) is seen to play a pivotal role.

The paper presented in this chapter discusses UA within the context of the Philippines. The chapter provides some examples of academic and government initiatives relating to UA, the practice of UA in intra-urban (primarily Metro Manila) and peri-urban settings, some of the benefits derived from the practice, and the problems encountered by urban farmers.

2 Local UA Efforts

2.1 academic and government initiatives.

In 1995, the University of Philippines Los Baños initiated the Urban Agriculture Planning Workshop to produce a situation report on various aspects of local UA, including the identification of issues and omissions with respect to possible research and development. A significant offshoot of the workshop was the creation of the Urban Agriculture Project under the Agro-Industrial Program of the College of Agriculture; this extension project aimed at strengthening the capabilities of local government units (LGUs), state colleges and universities (SCUs), and nongovernmental organizations in the transfer and promotion of urban agricultural technologies (De Guzman and Banatlao 1999 ).

Similarly, Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite, has promoted various urban agricultural technologies at its Sanayan sa Kakayahang Agrikultura project site, showcasing examples of protected cultivation and soilless culture. In the north of the country, Central Luzon State University in 1999 established models of container gardening as a production strategy for UA (Nitural 2001 ). In 1997 in the city of Cagayan de Oro, the Xavier University College of Agriculture initiated a research project titled Urban and Peri-urban Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development for Sustainable Vegetable Production and Marketing Systems. The project focused on the following areas of research: socioeconomic interactions of peri-urban vegetable production, consumption, and marketing; crop improvement; soil management and plant nutrition; waste management; and integrated pest and disease management (Holmer 2001 ). The pioneering efforts of these SCUs have paved the way for the growing recognition of UA in the Philippines.

In 1998, the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Food Security, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit, launched its UA Program in various cities and municipalities of Metro Manila. The program is basically a government extension project implemented through the Community Gulayan Projects and the Gulayan at Bulaklakan Projects. A total of 46 ha was allocated for the projects in various parts of Metro Manila, and they had almost 4000 family beneficiaries (Duldulao 2001 ). More recently, the Department of Science and Technology funded an urban agricultural project for growing plants by means of hydroponic culture (Department of Science and Technology 2010 ).

2.2 Commercial Intra-urban Agriculture—Vegetable Gardens in Metro Manila

In the 1970s, the most visible example of UA in Metro Manila was in Barangay Pilipino in the city of Pasay, just 300 m from Manila Domestic Airport. A 10-ha area of land owned by the government was converted to market gardens and planted with vegetables (Fojas 1982 ). The area eventually became used for the construction of the Light Railway Transit depot.

Current statistics on the volume of crops produced in Metro Manila are virtually nonexistent. Data obtained from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics in 1998 showed that the volume of production of vegetables in Metro Manila amounted to 3362 tons over a total area of 262 ha (De Guzman and Tusi 2001 ). Vegetables grown in these commercial urban farms in 1998 were commonly of the leafy type with a short gestation cycle. At that time, pechay was the most popular crop and was grown from a single harvest, with more than 1500 tons harvested from an area of 151 ha. This was followed by mustard (354 tons from 298 ha), spring onions (174 tons from 132 ha), and celery (155 tons from 115 ha). In 1998, there were about 600 urban farmers in the metropolis. The city of Muntinlupa had the largest number (40 % of the total) followed by Quezon City (with a little under 30 %). Pasay and Pateros had the smallest numbers of urban growers.

Today, farming in Metro Manila is usually carried out on vacant lots of subdivisions or community gardens allotted by the LGUs (Fig.  16.1 ). According to Hardiyanto ( 2002 ), city farmers in Las Piñas and Parañaque cultivated areas of 180–5000 m 2 in subdivision vacant lots.

Urban farming in community gardens allotted by local government units ( left ) and on vacant lots of subdivisions ( right )

Fresh produce is immediately sold or delivered not only to nearby wet markets but also to major supermarkets that cater to high-income consumers, e.g., Farmers’ Market, SM Megamall, and Glorymart Trading. It is also not uncommon for traders and middlemen to bid for vegetables in garden plots before harvesting (De Guzman and Banatlao 1999 ).

Based on the survey of Hardiyanto ( 2002 ) of 76 farmers in the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque, urban farmers can be characterized as follows. Over 50 % of the urban farmers had an average age of 34 years and more than 70 % had only elementary-level education. Almost all (97 %) cited city farming as their main occupation. Most urban farmers were migrants from various provinces of the Philippines, with 31 % coming from the Visayan Region and 64 % from the Bicol Region. About 83 % had engaged in farming in the city for 10 years or less.

2.3 Sampaguita System in San Pedro, Laguna—A Peri-Urban Enterprise

The bulk of UA activities observed in Metro Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines is geared toward the production of short-cycle vegetable crops. The following discussion will consider the study conducted by De Guzman and Tusi ( 2001 ) on a livelihood system operating in San Pedro, Laguna, that is centered on the species of jasmine known in the Philippines as sampaguita ( Jasminum sambac Ait). Though the commercial vegetable gardens in Metro Manila are characteristically intra-urban, the sampaguita system is a good example of a commercial, non-food-crop peri-urban enterprise .

San Pedro is one of the urban municipalities of the province of Laguna, and it serves as the strategic gateway from Metro Manila to the country’s southern provinces. The sampaguita garland is the major product of the sampaguita enterprise in San Pedro. The unopened blossoms are taken from evergreen sampaguita shrubs and strung together into garlands, which are used in religious ceremonies and as personal adornments (Fig.  16.2 ).

The sampaguita garland consists of unopened sampaguita flowers strung together by abaca fiber as a pendant with a single blossom of camia , ilang-ilang , or champaca ( white and golden )

The livelihood system begins with the farmers, who are based not only in San Pedro but also in neighboring towns in Laguna and the provinces of Cavite, Quezon, and Pampanga (Fig.  16.3 ).

Map showing the relative location of the municipality of San Pedro (where the sampaguita garlands are prepared), Metro Manila (where the garlands are sold), and the different provinces (where sampaguita floral buds are sourced) involved in the sampaguita livelihood system

The other players in the sampaguita system are as follows: (1) flower pickers, who harvest the floral buds; (2) traders and suppliers, who take the raw materials needed for garland making to the vendors; (3) vendors in San Pedro, who directly sell the raw materials; (4) fiber cleaners, who clean and cut the fibers into the required garland length; (5) garland-making contractors, who buy all the raw materials needed for making sampaguita garlands; and (6) garland makers, who produce the garlands (Fig.  16.4 ).

The key actors in the sampaguita livelihood system ( 1 —farmer; 2 —flower picker; 3 —traders; 4 —vendors; 5 —fiber cleaner; 6 and 7 —garland makers, and 8 and 9 —garland sellers)

Almost all the garlands produced in San Pedro are brought to Metro Manila by garland-making contractors. The garlands are subsequently distributed to garland peddlers. The garland peddler, therefore, serves as the final link from the sampaguita farmer to the consumer. The sampaguita system in San Pedro is an excellent example of the close interaction among rural, peri-urban, and intra-urban agricultural and related activities (from crop production to processing and marketing) (Fig.  16.5 ).

Key players in the sampaguita livelihood system

3 Significance of Local UA

There is no doubt that vegetable production in Metro Manila is an important source of income and employment for a number of urban farmers. Hardiyanto ( 2002 ) reported that urban farmers in Las Piñas and Parañaque could earn an average of 2617–6382 Philippine pesos (US$ 50.32–122.73) from a 400-m 2 farm lot per month by growing leafy vegetable crops. With the sampaguita business in San Pedro, there is, however, a large number of potential jobs. Garland makers in San Pedro alone number more than 3000; there are no statistics with respect to garland sellers in Metro Manila, but the number is certainly considerable.

One of the nonfinancial benefits of UA is the promotion of positive values as exemplified by the sampaguita system in San Pedro. The sampaguita system is generally perceived as a way of making young people productive. Sampaguita flower picking, garland making, and garland selling are relatively uncomplicated activities that can keep young people busy, particularly in summer when the flower yield is at its peak and students are on vacation. A number of women garland-making contractors in San Pedro became widowed at an early age, and because of their work they are able to support their families. More importantly, this has provided them with self-confidence in being able to accomplish simple aspirations in life. In San Pedro, garland making is viewed not just as an individual’s means of deriving income but also as a community tradition handed down from one generation to the next.

UA also has the potential to contribute to urban household food supply and the greening of the environment . According to Delfinado ( 1998 ), food in the Philippines accounts for 54 % of families’ personal consumption expenditure. Self-produced food through UA can allow some money allocated for food to be diverted to other uses. UA also offers possible alleviation of the problem of malnutrition prevalent among lower-income families. Farming in Metro Manila can complement the government’s current drive toward the efficient disposal and management of city waste. Composting the organic fraction of city waste provides a potential solution to the problem of solid-waste management in urban areas while augmenting the media inputs into urban farming.

4 Threats to UA

One of the major constraints for UA is competition for land use other than for crop production. That is certainly the case with the sampaguita enterprise in San Pedro. The population of San Pedro was estimated to have expanded from 218,442 in 1999 to 323,700 in 2010. This increase of almost 50 % would engender a corresponding demand for residential, commercial, industrial, and road land uses. It was estimated that San Pedro would require an additional 1990 ha to satisfy that demand. Land for industrial use would receive the largest share of this additional area followed by land for residential use. Agricultural areas, including those growing sampaguita, amount to only about 153 ha, and vacant areas of open grassland will eventually undergo development. Vegetable farms located in subdivisions surveyed by De Guzman and Tusi ( 2001 ) in North Fairview and Hardiyanto ( 2002 ) in Las Piñas and Parañaque no longer exist: houses have been built by the owners in their place.

Another potential threat is the lack of a definite government policy on UA . Despite its good intention to modernize the agriculture sector, Republic Act No. 8435, also known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, did not make specific provisions for UA. Concerns about UA in that act can be gained indirectly from some provisions related to forestry and urban housing. Palijon ( 2001 ) reported that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources incorporated urban forestry as a major component of the Master Plan for Philippine Forestry Development in the late 1980s, which led to the implementation of various beautification and greening programs. Pabuayon ( 1995 ) cited the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 as being favorable to the development of UA and forestry in terms of the rational use of and development of urban land particularly that related to “parks, reserves for flora and fauna, forest and watersheds…to maintain ecological balance or environmental protection.” Recently, House Bill 4750, also known as the Urban Agriculture Act of 2011, was filed in the Philippine Congress to promote urban farming in cities to address food security concerns and regenerate the functions of ecosystems (Rosario 2011 ).

The practice of UA, both in Metro Manila and in other cities, may present a potential health risk because of problems with air pollution, contaminated water sources, and pesticide application. This aspect requires closer investigation.

5 Recommendations

Very few researchers in the field of agriculture and social sciences are aware that UA exists and therefore do not realize that urban farmers face a number of problems. As a multidisciplinary field , UA offers a wide range of topics that can be investigated—from production to socioeconomics. The establishment of the Urban Agriculture National Research, Development and Extension Network by the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research in the Philippines was a significant effort to address several issues related to UA.

There is a need for agriculture to be included as an important and critical component of urban development. To this end, urban planners and city government officials should be shown the advantages of agriculture in an urban setting so that they can accept agriculture as a legitimate form of land use . Some specific actions that can be proposed include the provisions of short or medium-term occupancy licenses to interested growers by local government officials and identification of zones where the practice of agriculture can be permitted. The wisdom of incorporating space for community gardens in the development of new housing subdivisions may also be looked into. The still-existing community garden in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, which was established in 1998, shows that with full support and political will from local government officials, UA can be a viable venture.

UA activities should be promoted as an agritourism venture and a showcase of a thriving enterprise. A clear example of this is the sampaguita garland–making industry in San Pedro. The municipality holds an annual Sampaguita Flower Festival, which has attracted a considerable number of local and foreign tourists.

If properly developed, UA could help mitigate some of the negative impacts of the expansion of megacities in the near future. City administrators should view UA as an asset to urban development.

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De Guzman, C.C. (2017). Urban Agriculture in the Philippines: Initiatives, Practices, Significance, and Threats. In: Yokohari, M., Murakami, A., Hara, Y., Tsuchiya, K. (eds) Sustainable Landscape Planning in Selected Urban Regions. Science for Sustainable Societies. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-56445-4_16

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The School-Plus-Home Gardens Project in the Philippines: A Participatory and Inclusive Model for Sustainable Development

2019, Policy Papers Vol. 2019 No. 1

School gardening has been increasingly popular in the past decade both in developed and developing countries. However, most school gardening projects focus on educational goals and aim to increase school children's knowledge of food systems and their acceptance of vegetable consumption. The School-Plus-Home Gardens Project (S+HGP), a collaboration among the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines, district of Laguna, revived and redesigned DepEd's earlier school garden programs to an innovative approach focusing on nutrition, education, and economic well-being of school children, their families, and their communities. The S+HGP was piloted in six schools in the province of Laguna, Philippines with a model where harvests from the school gardens provided fresh vegetables for the school-based feeding program. The model also extended the gardening-feeding linkage to the establishment of food gardens in school children's homes. More than just establishing home gardens, the parents developed a greater sense of responsibility to ensure good nutrition for their children, while also saving on food expenses. It highlighted the multi-functionality of school gardens as learning laboratories for educating pupils, teachers, and parents about sustainability concepts and interconnections of food and nutrition, organic agriculture, edible landscaping, climate change, and solid waste management. Key project outcomes are discussed according to five categories, namely, socio-cultural, technical, economic/financial, environmental, and policy-institutional aspects. Mechanisms for sustaining and scaling up the initial success of the S+HGP were designed in a stepwise process, where the pilot schools took the lead to pay forward and share their knowledge with other schools, particularly, small schools in remote areas through intra-school and interdistrict networking. From the six original pilot schools in 2016, there are now two additional adopted schools, 23 sister schools, and three brother schools.

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The Department of Education implemented gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) to assist the government in reducing malnutrition in the country. DEBESMSCAT-Cawayan Campus assessed the state of gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) of all public schools in Cawayan, Masbate as part of the evaluation technique to establish the suitable and needed extension services to be delivered. The study employed a descriptive research approach and purposive sampling. In the study, a structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data on the status of the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) program in the schools. Data showed that the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) initiative had not yet been adequately implemented for a variety of reasons. Schools utilized bolo to prepare the land, which took several months to complete. Planting supplies and other inputs were unavailable at all times, causing the output to be delayed. The lack of Department of Agriculture assistance for inputs, as well as the...

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This study was conducted in pursuit of determining the level of technical assistance provided by the schools' division office (SDO), lessons learned, and challenges in the full implementation of school-to-school partnership (STS). The study was descriptive in nature involving both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Purposive sampling was employed in identifying both leader and partner school-heads. This study used self-made instrument in which items were taken from the provisions reflected in the issuance under the STS partnership. The instrument was validated by the experts with the STS focal person. Findings revealed that both leader and partner school-heads rated very much evident as to the technical assistance provided by the SDO. There was no significant difference between the respondents' perceptions on the level of technical assistance when grouped by type of recipient schools. Innovations were observed during the implementation of STS partnership such as mentoring, sharing of best practices, development and production of IMs, and conduct of LAC sessions. Additionally, there were lessons learned along the STS journey, namely, strengths and weaknesses identification, values of cooperation and teamwork, and sharing of knowledge and best practices. However, challenges were encountered such as limited time of implementation, distance of the leader school from the partner school, overlapping schedules, and inferiority of leader school to the partner school. STS promotes social trust, awareness, and understanding with other schools. Technical assistance from SDO plays a vital role in achieving success. It creates an avenue for the leader schools to share best practices and resources to their partner schools, thereby, creating an atmosphere of collaborative professional development strategies and activities. It is recommended that the identification of the leader schools could be division-based, not central-based considering that the division personnel knew better their context, especially on the characteristics of the low and high performing schools both access and quality.

Corinne Schaidle

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This book highlights the potential of school farms to fight hunger and malnutrition by providing access to locally produced, fresh, and healthy food as well as providing young students with educational opportunities to learn, interact with nature, and develop their skills. Hunger is one of the most pressing concerns we face today and there is a clear need to provide alternative sources of food to feed a fast-growing population. School farms offer a sustainable opportunity to produce food locally in order to feed students who rely on school meals as an integral part of their daily diet. Approaching the concept of school farms through four themes, Problem, People, Process, and Place, the book shows how they can play an essential role in providing sustainable and healthy food for students, the critical role educational institutions can play in promoting this process, and the positive impact handson farming can have on students' mental and physical wellbeing. Utilizing the authors' personal hands-on experiences, and drawing on global case studies, the book provides a theoretical framework and practical guidance to help with the establishment of school farms and community-based gardening projects and an education system which promotes a sustainable and healthy approach to food, agriculture, and the environment. This book will be essential reading for students and scholars of food security, agriculture, healthy and sustainable diets, education for sustainable development, and urban studies. It will also be of great interest to practitioners and policymakers involved in food policy, developing school and community projects, global health and international development, as well as education professionals. Alshimaa Aboelmakarem Farag is a researcher, educator, and urban designer, who has a special passion for creating public spaces that are smart, inclusive, livable, healthy, and people oriented.

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This particular book belongs to the collection “Tools for You” developed by CoDeS network to support the work of school and communities when collaborating to promote sustainable development locally and globally. Through this book, with a concise content and flexible potential, we attempt to identify the quality areas that have been considered important for the development of dynamic school community collaboration for SD. These quality areas include participation, communication, learning, action, vision, resources, mandates, and research. Although the quality areas have an agreed conceptualization, they also have a local value and can be socially and culturally situated. The hall mark of this book is to provide to the stakeholders engaged in school and community collaboration for SD (teachers, principals, local authorities, parents, civil servants, people from the private and public sector, local authorities, trades, etc.) a quality framework from which to reflect on the quality of t...

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Purpose The goal of this case study was to qualitatively assess the efficacy of a pre-K/kindergarten school garden project, which was formed by two collaborating instructions, in realizing the project’s and the teachers’ goals. This work should be of interest to current or prospective school garden practitioners and researchers, students of community and school agricultural projects, and possible stakeholders in a garden project ranging from school principals to public officials considering supporting school gardens. Background Many school gardens have been established in the past two decades in American cities. The motivations behind these new initiatives range from providing experiential environmental education to improving student nutrition to improving food access in disadvantaged communities. Many are focused on measurable impacts, such as test scores and obesity reduction and have thus been studied using quantitative methods. These have documented that school gardens can provide positive psychological, developmental, academic, and nutritional benefits to students and also improve access to fresh vegetables. However, qualitative studies of such garden projects can also demonstrate these impacts as well as other less measurable ones. Furthermore, in-depth qualitative research can illuminate structural opportunities and barriers to a school garden project’s efficacy. Ubiquitous barriers described in reviews, histories and assessments of school gardens include lack of funding, volunteer involvement, summer support and participative decision-making. Recent critical assessments of school garden projects have stressed other barriers. These include the risk of an initiative’s coordinators or volunteers making decisions that reflect their own opinions, ideas, assumptions and food cultures rather than those of the teachers and children participating in the school garden. Another is the risk of over-relying on volunteers such that the options of hiring paid staff or advocating for greater public funding are overlooked. The Case Study ‘Cultivating Hope’ is an edible school garden project at John Hope Settlement House, in the West End of Providence, RI, that primarily serves preschool and kindergarten students. The project is planned and managed as a collaboration between John Hope and the nearby Brown University. University students volunteer at the school garden through a course project and utilize university funding to maintain and develop the garden. In an attempt to avoid possible risks that such a relationship may generate, there has been a focus on collaborative, participative decision-making throughout the project. Methods I engaged in participant observation at ‘Cultivating Hope’ for several months and conducted interviews with teachers involved in the project. Throughout my involvement in planning, implementing and helping manage ‘Cultivating Hope’ I maintained a field journal of observations and insights detailing the day-to-day activities and impacts of the initiative. My interviews were focused on eliciting the teachers’ perceptions of the project, what they valued, what facilitated them achieve what they value, and what hindered them. Through the process of coding the interview transcripts and field notes, several key themes arose, which I then sought to communicate back to the teachers. Key Findings 1. The teachers’ implicit goals for the project were to: 1.1 Provide the children with new, enjoyable group activities 1.2 Increase children’s’ access and opportunities to eat fresh vegetables 1.3 Integrate existing curricula with the garden and with garden activities 1.4 Offer new education on gardening and biology 1.5 To provide all interested classrooms with equal opportunities to achieve the above goals 1.6 To appeal to prospective families and students 1.7 To involve children’s families in the project 2. The fundamental opportunities for developing the project are the: 2.1 Funding from the university partner 2.2 Services of the student volunteers from the university 2.3 Services of paid and devoted summer students from the university 2.4 Garden’s visible and accessible location 2.5 Existing level of participative decision-making 3. The fundamental barriers for developing the project are the: 3.1 Financial dependency on the university partner and lack of long-term funding 3.2 Student volunteer’s unfamiliarity with the project’s context and needs 3.3 Limited opportunities for parent engagement that acknowledge them as assets and also acknowledge their restrictions 3.4 Limited opportunities for all interested classrooms to utilize the garden 3.5 Poor systems of communication and coordination within the project Key Recommendations 1. Institutionalizing clear goals and values, and creating a long-term plan that reflects these 2. Acquiring wider, more diversified financial and volunteer support 3. Hiring a long-term garden manager to consistently help plan, manage, coordinate and implement garden improvements, activities and lessons 4. Strengthening systems and routines to maximize classroom inclusion in the project 5. Teaching the teachers necessary garden knowledge and skills so that they feel comfortable leading activities without external assistance or encouragement 6. Soliciting and incorporating children’sinput into planting choices and layouts. 7. Exploring a variety of options to involve children’s families in the initiative

Josie Roberts

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The Emergence of Urban Farming and Community Gardens in Philippine Cities

Urban farming is becoming a popular trend in the Philippines, as more and more people are recognizing the benefits of growing food in the city. Community gardens have been popping up in urban areas, providing a way for people to gain access to fresh, nutritious produce.

What is Urban Farming?

Urban farming is the practice of growing food in an urban environment. It has gained popularity in recent years as people recognize the benefits of producing their own food in the city. Urban farming utilizes various techniques to maximize limited space, such as vertical gardens , rooftop gardens, and hydroponics in a community garden.

One of the main advantages of urban farming is the ability to have access to fresh and nutritious produce. By growing food in close proximity to where it is consumed, urban farmers can harvest crops at their peak freshness, ensuring a higher nutritional value compared to produce that has to travel long distances.

Urban farming also promotes sustainability and resilience in cities through community gardening. By reducing the distance food needs to travel, it helps to lower carbon emissions associated with transportation. Additionally, urban farming can contribute to local food security by providing a reliable source of fresh produce, especially in areas where access to healthy food is limited.

Furthermore, urban farming will be providing social and community benefits. Community gardens, for example, provide a space for residents to come together, share gardening knowledge, and foster a sense of community. These gardens often serve as educational platforms, teaching people about gardening, nutrition, and the importance of sustainable food production through the use of community gardens.

Overview of the Urban Farming Scene in the Philippines

Benefits of urban farming.

Urban farming has numerous benefits that make it an attractive and sustainable practice in urban areas. Here are some of the key benefits of urban farming:

1. Food Security: Urban farming helps increase local food production, reducing dependence on external sources. This can enhance food security by ensuring a steady supply of fresh and nutritious food within cities.

2. Improved Nutrition: Urban farming encourages the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This promotes a diverse and healthy diet, leading to improved nutrition and better overall health for urban dwellers. 3. Environmental Sustainability: Urban farming promotes sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and the use of natural fertilizers in the garden. It minimizes the use of harmful chemicals and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from rural areas to cities.

4. Waste Management: Urban farming provides an opportunity to recycle organic waste generated within cities. Compost from kitchen scraps and other organic materials can be used to enrich the soil and nourish plants, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills.

5. Community Building: Urban farming initiatives often involve local communities, bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging. Community gardens and urban farms serve as gathering spaces, promoting social interaction and cooperation among residents.

6. Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Engaging in urban farming activities, such as gardening, has been shown to have positive effects on mental well-being. It reduces stress, increases physical activity, and provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

7. Economic Opportunities: Urban farming can create job opportunities and generate income for urban dwellers. By selling their produce at local markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, urban farmers can contribute to the local economy.

These benefits highlight the potential of urban farming to address various challenges faced by cities, including food security, environmental sustainability , and community development.

Examples of Urban Farming Initiatives in the Philippines

Urban farming initiatives in the Philippines have gained momentum in recent years, with several organizations and government programs working to promote and support this sustainable practice. Here are some examples of urban farming initiatives in the country:

The Philippine Urban Agriculture Network (PUAN)

PUAN is an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing urban farming in the Philippines. They provide training, resources, and support to urban farmers, helping them establish and maintain their own urban gardens. PUAN also conducts workshops and seminars to raise awareness about the benefits of urban farming and encourage more people to get involved.

Gawad Kalinga

Gawad Kalinga is a community development organization that aims to eradicate poverty and improve the lives of marginalized communities in the Philippines. As part of their efforts, Gawad Kalinga promotes urban farming as a means of sustainable livelihood and food security. They help communities establish community gardens and provide training on organic farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices.

Urban Agriculture Program

The Philippine government has recognized the importance of urban farming and has established the Urban Agriculture Program. This program provides support and resources to individuals and communities interested in starting their own urban farms. The program offers training, financial assistance, and technical support to help urban farmers succeed in their endeavors.

These initiatives are just a few examples of the growing interest and support for urban farming in the Philippines. Through the collaborative efforts of organizations, government programs, and individuals, urban farming is becoming an integral part of sustainable urban development in the country.

In summary, urban farming is a growing trend in the Philippines and other countries. It offers numerous benefits such as increased access to fresh produce, sustainability, and community building. As cities continue to grow and face challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability, urban farming presents a viable solution.

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