(Photos by James Bulan/ManilaPIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso is moving to position the city at the forefront of urban agriculture, exploring the development of a large-scale, technology-driven farming facility aimed at securing a stable and affordable food supply for Manileños.
As part of the city’s preparatory work, Moreno recently inspected a roughly 23-hectare property in Boystown Manila that is being considered as the site of a modern urban farming complex. The proposed facility is envisioned to support intensive food production within the city, reinforcing food security while reducing dependence on external supply chains.
The mayor also held discussions with the Department of Agriculture, led by Undersecretary Cheryl Caballero, to align national expertise with the city’s plans. The meeting focused on potential programs, technical assistance, and long-term strategies to ensure the effective and sustainable rollout of high-density urban gardening initiatives across Manila.
Further strengthening the initiative, Moreno met with representatives of an Israeli group to consult on advanced agricultural technologies suited for urban environments. Topics included water-efficient systems, vertical farming solutions, and modern vegetable production methods designed to maximize output even in limited spaces. Israel is widely recognized for its innovations in agriculture, particularly in optimizing resources in dense and challenging settings.
Earlier, Moreno traveled to Singapore to study its successful urban farming models and sustainable food systems. Insights and best practices gathered from these international engagements are expected to inform the design of a modern, resilient, and long-term urban agriculture program tailored to the needs of the Philippine capital.
City officials see the initiative as a strategic investment in food resilience, sustainability, and inclusive urban development, with the potential to transform underutilized land into productive spaces that directly benefit Manila’s residents.
