Could this be the newest form of sustainable farming?
It’s no secret that Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig is one hell of a busy place, with bars, condominiums, malls, and all sorts of luxury outlets. But amidst the hustle and bustle, vegetation has sprouted within the city. Last March 24, BGC officially launched the BGC Urban Farm in partnership with the Urban Farmers of Bel-Air, Makati.
Located at The Flats 5th Avenue, Corner 34th Street, BGC Taguig, the urban farm is beside an intersection. The flowers and vegetables are a pleasant contrast to the high buildings and traffic.
“This farm started as a passion project that aimed to give the people who live here a place to escape to when they need a sense of nature,” said a representative from BGC.
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The team worked on the farm for an entire year, and their hard work paid off during the launch. Those in attendance got to feast on an assortment of greens. Thanks to volunteers and hired agriculturists, the project was a resounding success.
It all started with Louie Gutierrez, owner of the renowned jewelry brand Silverworks. His passion for urban farming began when the pandemic hit.
“In 2020, March, April, and May, everything closed. Siyempre, ‘di ko naman kaya i-advance ang sweldo ng staff ko, but I knew I had to help them. So one day, I found this empty lot by our place in Bel-Air, and I borrowed it. Pumayag yung owner na ipahiram, without rent,” he told FreebieMNL during an exclusive interview.
Gutierrez turned the lot into a way to help others.
“I cleaned it and started a farm there, through which I was able to give jobs to my employees. At the same time, I was able to grow gulay, which was really important during that time kase sobrang stressed tayo. It gives you peace of mind and happiness when you see things grow,” he said.
Since the launch, the farm has been open to the public.
Is it sustainable?
How easy do you think it will be to run a farm in the middle of the city? Not very.
But according to Gianne Barille, an agriculturist from the University of the Philippines Los Banos who participated in the launch, it’s possible.
“Yes, It’s sustainable,” she told FreebieMNL As long as you select plants that can adatpto the environment, kase ang main concern mo dito is yung heat. So kailangan heat-tolerant yung mga plants na ilalagay mo dito.”
The project has gotten off to a good start. However, Gutierrez mentioned that he hopes the younger generation will get into urban farming as well.
If you’re a millennial or Gen-Z kid, check out BGC’s Urban Farm. You can ask the people there how to volunteer or purchase delicious greens for your family and friends.
The BGC Urban Farm is located at The Flats 5th Avenue, Corner 34th Street, BGC Taguig. It’s something you shouldn’t miss.
Photos Julian Mauricio
Featured Image Daniella Sison
