SMC to expand urban farming project annually

San Miguel Corp. (SMC), through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF), seeks to expand further its urban farming project to three additional sites annually as part of its efforts to boost food security and support livelihoods in low-income communities.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

SMC said its Backyard Bukid project, which originally started in its head office complex in Mandaluyong, is now available to six sites nationwide. The six existing sites are in SMC's head office complex in Mandaluyong; Cavite; Tondo, Manila; Pili, Camarines Sur; Hagonoy, Davao Del Sur and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

The program, the conglomerate noted, began as a way to help its utility, maintenance and security staff grow their own food and earn additional income during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial 750-square-meter farm has since evolved into a multi-site model combining organic farming, skills training and community enterprise, the company said.