By Michelle Ducut
Around 3, 000 backyard livestock farmers in Baguio City are helping ensure food availability and sustainability, even during natural disasters and road closures, according to a city official.
Marcelina Tabelin, supervising agriculturist for the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), said Thursday that residents raising chickens, rabbits, ducks, goats, and even producing honey contribute significantly to the city’s food resilience. The initiative aims to reduce dependency on external food sources, particularly in times of calamity when supply routes to the mountain city may be affected.
“This is a substantial contribution since we aim for local food production that can sustain us during events like disasters, road closures, and other emergencies,” Tabelin explained. Baguio’s hilly terrain and susceptibility to landslides during typhoons often lead to food access challenges, making local production critical.
Since launching an urban farming program in 2018, CVAO has observed rising interest from residents, who are now utilizing backyards, rooftops, and balconies to cultivate food. Although many urban gardeners and livestock producers primarily grow food for personal consumption, their efforts contribute to the city’s food security by supplementing local supply.
The CVAO supports these small-scale farmers by providing free resources, including planting materials, seeds, seedlings, fingerlings, and chicks. Additionally, the agency offers training sessions, connects producers to local markets, and runs other programs in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to encourage sustainable urban agriculture.
This local initiative aligns with the national government’s broader goals of promoting food security and community resilience amid environmental and economic challenges. Baguio’s effort reflects a growing trend across the Philippines, where urban agriculture is gaining traction as a viable strategy for enhancing food availability in urban centers.