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DA-BPI Offers Free Urban Gardening Seminar in Manila

May 22, 2026 1.3K

As food prices continue to affect many Filipino households, more families are turning small spaces into backyard gardens to help provide fresh vegetables and herbs for daily meals. From pots outside apartment windows to rooftop gardens in crowded communities, urban gardening is becoming a practical solution for many city residents.

To encourage more Filipinos to grow their own plants and crops, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) announced a free face-to-face seminar on Urban Gardening and Plant Propagation scheduled on May 27, 2026, in Manila.

The whole-day seminar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD) Training Room inside the Bureau of Plant Industry compound along San Andres Street in Manila.

According to the agency, the training aims to teach participants practical techniques in urban gardening and plant propagation, which involves growing new plants from seeds, cuttings, or other plant parts. The seminar is open to the public and is free of charge.

The DA-BPI said urban gardening has become increasingly important in densely populated areas where access to open farmland is limited. Small-scale gardening can help households save money on food, improve nutrition, and promote environmental awareness, especially among young people and urban communities.

Participants are expected to learn basic gardening skills, proper plant care, and methods for propagating vegetables, ornamental plants, and other crops suitable for small spaces. Experts may also discuss sustainable gardening practices that can help improve food security at the household level.

The Department of Agriculture has been promoting urban agriculture programs in several parts of the country as part of efforts to strengthen local food production and encourage self-sufficiency among communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in home gardening significantly increased as many Filipinos searched for alternative food sources and healthier lifestyles.

Agriculture officials have previously encouraged schools, barangays, and households to maximize available spaces for food production, including vacant lots, balconies, and container gardens. Urban gardening is also seen as a way to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and strengthen community participation.

The DA-BPI reminded interested participants that registration for the seminar is limited to only 30 slots. Organizers advised the public to register early to secure participation in the training activity.

Government agencies continue to push for programs that make agriculture more accessible to ordinary Filipinos, especially in urban areas where knowledge about food production is often limited. Through training and community engagement, officials hope more families will discover the value of growing their own food at home.

As cities continue to expand and food costs remain a concern for many households, urban gardening may become an increasingly valuable tool in promoting sustainable living and food security in the country.

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