An Urban Farm Serves as a Vital Source of Produce in Taguig, Philippines

As many as 783 million people face food insecurity across the globe. At Rise Against Hunger, we provide immediate assistance and implement sustainable long-term solutions — furthering our mission of a world without hunger. We support programs that nourish the hopes and dreams of people facing hunger, including in the Philippines. 

Nestled in Taguig, Philippines, what first began as an empty lot flourished into a 300-square-meter sustainable urban community farm in 2020 as a part of Rise Against Hunger Philippines’ Good Food Farm project, a nearby agri-tourism resort. As 45% of the population faces moderate or severe food insecurity and 29% of children are affected by stunted growth, this urban farm became a vital source of fresh produce for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crops harvested at this farm are sold and donated to the community, including a variety of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich food like tilapia. As a result of the produce provided by the urban farm, children and their families have immediate access to the nutrition they need to thrive, improving their overall health and well-being.

With a focus on empowering women farmers, the urban farm is entirely led by women from the community who generously volunteer their time, including Marilou, head of the urban farm, who has a passion for farming and serving others. “This is a plant, kangkong [water spinach]. So, all who pass by here are benefited from it because I just give them away, especially the senior citizens who [walk by] every morning.”

Money generated from the farm supports funding for the farm’s regeneration, maintenance, improvements, buying of seeds and sustainable agriculture training for farm members. As a result, not only does the urban farm improve access to notorious meals for thousands of people in Taguig, but it also creates self-sufficiency by empowering local farmers and their community. Watch the video below to learn more about the urban farm and the impact YOU — our community of Hunger Champions — have made possible in the lives of so many.  

With your support, we can continue to provide immediate access to nourishing meals and lasting, long-term impact for people facing hunger across the globe and pave the way toward brighter futures by empowering communities, which leads to resilience and self-sufficiency. Ending hunger starts with a meal, and it starts with you. Donate today!