Urban farming ensures food security in Las Piñas – Villar

MANILA, Philippines — Urban farming is a viable means to promote a sustainable livelihood and an essential source of healthy food for Las Piñas residents, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar said yesterday.

“We continue to empower our citizens through urban farming as we are actively promoting this as an alternative source of livelihood, especially for those affected by the pandemic. Not only do they have extra income but they also help ensure food security as they have an immediate solution to possible food shortage due to crisis,” she said.

Villar spoke last week about the importance of urban farming in an online forum during the celebration of International Women’s Day.

She said she salutes Filipino women for leading their way toward becoming “agrichampions and helping promote food security.”

According to Villar, fresh produce from urban gardens make their way to local communities.

“We just don’t teach them how to be self-sufficient but we also remind them of the importance of recycling, composting and the use of kitchen waste as organic fertilizer,” she said.

Urban farming was established in Las Piñas in 2013 as part of the annual food festival showcasing the works of barangays, homeowners associations and schools in terms of farming and planting skills, landscaping and design. The project has evolved into income generation and source of affordable and nutritious food.

During the pandemic, Villar distributed seeds and organic fertilizers to help Las Piñas residents establish their own backyard farms.

As one of the authors of House Bill 8385 or the Integrated Urban Agriculture Act, Villar is advocating urban farming to help families produce their own food.

Under the measure, idle lands, buildings and open spaces will be converted into urban gardens.

House members approved the bill on third and final reading last month.