By Kenneth Marcos 
On a busy Saturday at a popular mall in Taguig City, shoppers paused from their routines to look at seedlings, ask questions about planting, and imagine growing food at home. For many city families facing rising food costs, the scene offered a simple but powerful message: fresh food can start in backyards, balconies, and even small kitchen corners.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), joined the Farmers Market organized by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls at Venice Grand Canal Mall on January 31, 2026. The activity was held in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to promote urban food security and encourage more Filipinos to take part in urban agriculture.
During the event, DA-NUPAP and BPI distributed Information, Education, and Communication materials, free vegetable seeds, and seedlings to mall visitors. The materials explained basic steps in home gardening, such as soil preparation, container planting, watering, and pest management. Agriculture staff also answered questions from the public, especially beginners who wanted to try growing their own food for the first time.
Urban and peri-urban agriculture has become increasingly important as more Filipinos live in cities where access to land is limited. According to the DA, home and community gardens help supplement household food supply, reduce daily expenses, and improve nutrition. Even small harvests of vegetables like pechay, kangkong, tomatoes, and herbs can make a difference for families.
The DA said activities like farmers markets in urban spaces help bring agriculture closer to the public. By setting up in malls and other high-traffic areas, the agency hopes to reach working families, young professionals, and students who may not usually engage with farming programs. These efforts aim to show that agriculture is not only for rural areas, but also a practical solution in cities.
BPI representatives highlighted the importance of using quality seeds and healthy planting materials to ensure good yields, even in small spaces. They also reminded the public that growing food at home reduces dependence on market prices and helps ensure safer, fresher produce.
The farmers market also supported local growers by connecting them directly with consumers. This setup allows farmers to sell produce without middlemen, while buyers gain access to fresh and affordable food. DA officials noted that strengthening these links supports both urban consumers and nearby farming communities.
Urban agriculture is part of the government’s broader food security strategy, especially as the country faces challenges from climate change, natural disasters, and global supply disruptions. Encouraging city-based food production adds another layer of protection by spreading food sources across communities.
As the day ended, many visitors left with seedlings in hand and new ideas in mind. The DA said it will continue to bring similar activities to more urban areas to inspire Filipinos to take small but meaningful steps toward food self-reliance.
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