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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippine horticulture summit returns with focus on ornamental horticulture, urban agriculture

Philippine horticulture summit returns with focus on ornamental horticulture, urban agriculture

Published Sep 14, 2025 01:13 pm

The country’s flourishing horticulture community is set to gather once more as Pagsibol: Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit returns for its second edition on September 30 - October 2, 2025. Over the three days, the summit will once again serve as a premier platform to unite farmers, policymakers, experts, champions, and enthusiasts. Together, they will explore new pathways to strengthen horticulture and urban agriculture as vital forces for sustainable living, food security, and community well-being.

Its roots trace back to its landmark event last May 2024, which brought together nearly 800 participants at The Space in One Ayala Mall, Makati. Plant breeders, growers, sellers, and government policymakers converged to exchange insights and opportunities for growth. Lending prestige to the inaugural edition, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos graced the opening ceremonies, underscoring the national importance of this emerging sector. 

Building on that success, this year’s edition is jointly organized by key bureaus and programs of the Department of Agriculture, including Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), and National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), in partnership with private collaborators such as Manila Bulletin and Bukid Amara. This year, the summit turns the spotlight on ornamental horticulture and the growing influence of urban agriculture. 

Ornamental horticulture continues to flourish as cities embrace the aesthetic and environmental value of greenery, from landscaped parks and decorative gardens to vertical walls and rooftop plants. At the same time, urban agriculture is expanding its reach, transforming underutilized spaces into productive areas for growing food, herbs, and other sustainable resources. Together, these practices not only enhance urban living by improving air quality and reducing heat but also foster healthier lifestyles, community engagement, and resilience in the face of rapid urbanization.

The conference will discuss best practices, innovations, and scalable models in urban and peri-urban agriculture to showcase its transformative potential. It will also emphasize how plants, in all their diversity, nourish our tables, enrich well-being, inspire creativity, and beautify our spaces.

Pagsibol 2025 invited esteemed and diverse speakers from the industry to share their insights and expertise at the anticipated event. Discussions on sustainable farming, ornamental plant business and artistry, research and policy updates, and innovations in agriculture and biosystems engineering aim to spark conversations and practices from the experts including speakers from the Deppartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Institute of Plant Breeding, Kasetsart University’s Department of Horticulture, World Vegetable Center, University of Arizona, and representatives from the private sector.

The knowledge-filled event has been officially recognized as a CPD-accredited program with CPD points of 5.00 units/23 hours, covering the agriculture and agricultural and biosystems engineering professions.

The Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit continues to be the country’s growing platform for innovation, collaboration, and advocacy in horticulture and urban agriculture. By uniting experts, communities, and stakeholders, it nurtures fresh ideas, promotes sustainable practices, and inspires action that addresses both environmental and social needs. As it evolves, Pagsibol reinforces its role as a driving force in shaping greener, healthier, and more resilient urban landscapes for the country’s future.

Be part of this enriching event and help shape a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Philippines. Happening at the Grand Ballroom of Manila Prince Hotel, registration is available for only P3,600. Secure your slot today through this link: http://bit.ly/467Eoc7 and stay tuned in Manila Bulletin’s Main Facebook page.

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