Sustainable Urban Farming Act

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 APR -7 P2:56 RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No._ 2027 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR URBAN FARMING TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY, POVERTY, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN AREAS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE In the Philippines, food security remains a pressing concern, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas. As the population increases, the demand for food continues to rise, while available agricultural land in the country steadily declines due to urbanization,. UNICEF reported high prices may push families toward cheaper, ultra-processed foods with low nutritional value while fruits, vegetables and high-quality proteins remain expensive.' Urban farming presents a viable and sustainable response to these challenges. By utilizing idle lands, it promotes local food production, enhances food availability, and reduces dependence on external supply chains. Moreover, urban farming can generate livelihood opportunities, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to environmental sustainability through greener urban spaces. ' https://data.unicef.org/resources/sofi-2025/, accessed last 04 April 2026.

This proposed measure seeks to establish a comprehensive national program for urban farming that will institutionalize support mechanisms, provide technical assistance, and encourage community participation. In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is respectfully sought. ERWIN T. TULFO

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session APR -K P2:56 SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 2027 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR URBAN FARMING TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY, POVERTY, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN AREAS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the

2 "Sustainable Urban Farming Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy

of the State to promote and enhance food security, reduce poverty, and support sustainable urban development through the institutionalization and expansion of urban farming in metropolitan areas.

SEC. 3. Urban Farming Program. - There is hereby established

an Urban Farming Program to be implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with local government units (LGUs). The Program shall pursue the following objectives: a. Promote urban farming as a sustainable strategy to enhance food security; b. Develop and support diverse models of urban agriculture suited to the needs of various stakeholders;

c. Provide assistance to urban farmers, including the provision of seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs; d. Establish, develop, and maintain community gardens in urban areas, encouraging active participation from local communities; and e. Develop and implement effective marketing systems for urban farm products to ensure market access and sustainability.

SEC. 4. Urban Farming Council. - There is hereby created an

11 Urban Farming Council which shall be composed of the following: a. Secretary of Department of Agriculture (DA), as Chairperson; b. Secretary of Department of Interior and Local Government, as Vice-Chairperson; c. Secretary of Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), as member; d. Secretary of Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as member; and e. President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, as member.

SEC. 5. Urban Farming Learning Hubs. - The Department of

Agriculture, in coordination with DTI and DILG, shall establish and oversee Urban Farming Learning Hubs in strategic metropolitan areas, 26 subject to the availability of funds under the General Appropriations Act. These hubs shall serve as centers for training, demonstration, and research on sustainable urban agriculture, providing accessible education on urban farming techniques, promoting community participation, and supporting innovation in food production.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DA shall

35 immediately include in the Department's program the implementation

1 of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General 2 Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

5 this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,

10 proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 12 accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 16 newspapers of general circulation. Approved,