Millions Embrace Backyard Gardens for Fresh Food
Across the Philippines, more than 4.37 million households have started their own vegetable or backyard gardens. This growing movement is part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) initiative called Hapag sa Barangay, which encourages families to plant fruits and vegetables for better food security.
Hapag sa Barangay, which stands for “Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay,” aims to empower communities to cultivate fresh produce right in their backyards. Local leaders noted that backyard gardens provide a practical solution to food shortages, especially when disasters disrupt large-scale farming.
Central Visayas Leads Backyard Gardens Effort
The DILG highlighted that Central Visayas tops the list with 2.9 million households growing their own vegetables. Northern Mindanao follows with 323,000 households, and the Davao Region has about 167,000 families participating. This wide adoption reflects a national push to boost food availability and sustainability.
According to sources, the Hapag sa Barangay program was established through DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-001. The department stressed that with food grown nearby, families gain easier access to nutritious meals, even in times of emergency.
Government Supports Community Gardens and Food Security
The DILG has directed its regional and provincial offices to assist barangays in locating public lands suitable for community gardens. These efforts aim to enhance not only food access but also livelihood opportunities for many households.
“We urge more families to start growing their own food, not just to fight hunger but to foster a culture of preparedness, sustainability, and self-reliance for future generations,” local officials said.
This initiative also helps communities prepare for disasters by reducing dependence on external food supply chains. As backyard gardening becomes more widespread, it strengthens resilience and promotes healthier lifestyles nationwide.
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