By Kenneth Marcos 
In the middle of a busy city filled with high-rise buildings, a small patch of green is quietly changing how food is grown and served. Inside one of the country’s top hotels, fresh herbs are being harvested just steps away from the kitchen, showing that farming can thrive even in urban spaces.
Solaire Resort Entertainment City has become the first five-star hotel in the Philippines to receive the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification for its on-site urban farm. The recognition was awarded on April 14, 2026, for the hotel’s Solaire Herb and Greenhouse, Inc., marking a milestone in combining hospitality and sustainable agriculture.
The certification was formally presented by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), led by Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, PhD, together with officials from the Plant Product Safety Services Division. The award was received by Solaire’s Executive Steward Emmanuel Corachea, Hygiene Manager Hahzene Cayago, and their team.
PhilGAP certification ensures that farms follow strict standards on food safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. According to Dr. Gabertan, the certification reflects a strong commitment to producing safe and high-quality food while protecting natural resources. She also highlighted that Solaire’s initiative proves that urban areas can support agriculture and contribute to local food supply.
The hotel’s greenhouse grows a variety of premium herbs used in its restaurants. These include sweet basil, curry leaves, kaffir lime, Thai basil, thyme, tarragon, gotu kola, and spearmint. By producing herbs on-site, the hotel reduces the need for long-distance transport and ensures freshness for its dishes, offering guests a true farm-to-table dining experience.
To support plant growth, the facility also maintains a bee colony that helps with natural pollination. This not only improves crop yield but also promotes biodiversity within the urban environment. Experts say such practices can help address environmental challenges by creating greener spaces in cities.
Urban farming is gaining attention in the Philippines as land for traditional agriculture becomes more limited, especially in highly developed areas. Small-scale farms like Solaire’s greenhouse show how technology and careful planning can make food production possible even in compact spaces.
The initiative also aligns with the government’s push for sustainable agriculture and food security. By encouraging innovative farming methods, authorities hope to increase local production and reduce dependence on external sources.
Solaire’s achievement sets a new standard for the hospitality industry, showing that luxury establishments can play a role in promoting environmental responsibility. It also opens the door for other hotels and businesses to adopt similar practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.
As cities continue to grow, efforts like this highlight the importance of finding new ways to produce food responsibly. With the right support and innovation, urban farming can become a key part of ensuring safe and sustainable food for future generations.
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