Sprouting collaboration: Pagsibol 2025 redefines farming beyond fields

As ornamental horticulture thrives across the Philippines and urban agriculture continues to turn idle spaces into sources of food and greenery, the country's agriculture community came together for the second edition of Pagsibol: Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit, held at the Manila Prince Hotel Grand Ballroom from September 30 to October 2, 2025.

- By PAM PASCUAL

The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Pagsibol 2025 Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit at the Manila Prince Hotel on September 30. Joining the event were Bukid Amara owner Michael Caballes; Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Undersecretary for Rural Credit Roger Navarro; Bureau of Plant Industry Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiiban; Assistant Director U-Nichols A. Gesmundo; Assistant Secretary Kristine Y. Evangelista Panlilio; Assistant Director Joan A. Arceo; and Manila Bulletin President Emilio C Yap III. (John Louie Abriña)

This year's Pagsibol, which fittingly means "to sprout" or "to grow," centered on the theme of sustainability, innovation, and resilience. At the opening ceremony, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban welcomed participants with a strong message of collaboration.