The urban farm sits on a lot along the shores of Laguna de Bay in Barangay Lower Bicutan.—Contributed photos
The local government of Taguig has opened a new “integrated urban farm” which can be a source of organic produce while serving as an agricultural learning center in the middle of the city.
The farm — the third to be established in the city since 2014—sits on a 2,500-square – meter lot along the shores of Laguna de Bay in Barangay Lower Bicutan.
“The city government wants to show that there is no conflict between the urban and the rural,” said Emelita Solis, officer in charge of the city agriculture office. “With this, we are showing that we care about agriculture and farming, and that we are a real probinsiyudad (a city retaining a provincial feel).”
The new project hopes to encourage residents to go into farming and gardening despite the limited space in their communities.
It showcases cultivation methods suitable to the urban setting, such as vertical farming and the use of wooden racks and poles for fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Visitors may soon be able to buy and partake of the harvest. At present, personnel from the city agriculture office are tending to fruit-bearing trees like lemon, avocado and chico, which are being grown free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones or genetic modification.
The farm also features a pond for tilapia and catfish, and a greenhouse for lettuce and other salad greens. There is also a bamboo classroom which can be used by students on study tours.
The city agriculture office provides training and seminars on urban gardening and farming, and also distributes seeds for free.
The first two urban farms in the city were opened at Tipas Elementary School in October 2014 and at Eusebio C. Santos Elementary School in August this year. —Dexter Cabalza