President Marcos on Wednesday, Oct. 4, asked local government units (LGUs) to draw inspiration from Taguig City’s urban farming initiatives in a bid to boost food security and conservation efforts.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of confiscated rice to 1,000 members of 4Ps from Taguig City on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)

Speaking during a rice distribution program for 4Ps beneficiaries, the Chief Executive lauded Taguig City’s initiatives and vowed support from the government.

“Hanga po ako sa ginagawa ninyo dito sa Taguig upang sa mga urban farming initiatives na inyong ginagawa dito sa inyong lungsod (I admire what you are doing here in Taguig for urban farming initiatives),” he said, describing it as proof that Filipinos can grow produce even in cities.

“Ito ay isang patunay na puwede tayong magtanim kahit tayo ay nasa siyudad. Buo ang suporta ng administrasyon sa mga programang tulad nito (This is proof that we can plant even if we’re in the city. The administration fully supports this program),” Marcos stated.

He vowed to intensify these initiatives alongside local efforts to maintain a sufficient supply of clean water, flood control, and preparedness in times of calamity.

“Paiigtingin natin ang mga inisyatibang ito, kasabay rin ang pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan upang mapanatili ang suplay ng malinis na tubig, pagkontrol sa baha, at paghahanda sa oras ng kalamidad (We will bolster these initiatives, along with implementing the programs of your local government to ensure the supply of clean water, control flooding, and prepare for calamities),” he added.

The President was in Taguig City to distribute smuggled rice to 4Ps beneficiaries with the aim of underscoring his administration’s efforts to ensure sufficient food supply for Filipinos.

In recognizing Taguig City’s urban farming programs, he highlighted the sites of these urban gardens and communities.

“Isang halimbawa nito ay ang BGC Community Farm na matatagpuan mismo sa sentro ng maunlad at naglalakihang gusali ng BGC (One example of this is the BGC Community Farm which can be found right in the center of the prosperous and big buildings of BGC),” Marcos noted.

He also cited the city farm which is being led by a student, Anna Beatriz Suavengco, with other youths in planting vegetables and an urban farm in North Signal, Taguig.

BGC Urban Farm, which was launched March 2022, is located across The Flats along 5th Avenue, is open to anyone, including non-BGC resident.

Those who would like to join the program can adopt their own pods or volunteer to be a weekend farmer for an hour a day.

The President also commended the Taguig City Agricultural Office for their continuous commitment to the broadening of urban gardening in communities.

He said that these efforts show how Filipinos are capable of finding ways to overcome current challenges.

“Patuloy tayong magtulungan para sa kinabukasan na walang gutom at puno ng kaginhawaan at pag-asa (Let us continue helping each other for a future without hunger and one that’s full of comfort and hope),” the President added.