SMC Cultivates Community Resilience with Expanding Urban Farming Project

SMC Cultivates Community Resilience with Expanding Urban Farming Project

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com  l July 25, 2025

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines – San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is sowing seeds of sustainability and community empowerment with the expansion of its “Backyard Bukid” urban farming initiative.

What began as a pandemic-era solution to bolster food security for utility, maintenance, and security staff at SMC’s head office in Mandaluyong City has blossomed into a multi-site project with nationwide aspirations.

Through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF), SMC has extended Backyard Bukid to six locations across the country and aims to establish at least three new sites annually.

The expansion underscores SMC’s commitment to enhancing food access and fostering livelihood opportunities within underserved communities.

“We wanted to provide more than just livelihood,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

“We wanted to give our people a sense of purpose and ownership. That small patch of land gave us proof that the model could grow.”

The program’s initial 750-square-meter farm has evolved into a comprehensive model integrating organic farming practices, hands-on skills training, and the development of community-based enterprises.

Currently, Backyard Bukid encompasses 3,300 square meters of cultivated land, engaging over 120 volunteers, including SMC employees, third-party personnel, and local residents.

Participants undergo a rigorous three-month training program facilitated by SEED Philippines.

This intensive curriculum covers essential organic farming techniques, including composting, seedling propagation, natural pest control methods, and the formulation of biopesticides.

Since its inception in 2020, Backyard Bukid has yielded over 3,000 kilograms of fresh vegetables.

The harvests are sold at prices up to 50 percent lower than retail rates, making nutritious food more accessible to local communities.

The proceeds are managed by each farming group, with 80 percent distributed as cash benefits to participating members and the remaining 20 percent reinvested in farm maintenance and future growth.

Beyond financial benefits, the program fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Volunteers can also harvest produce for personal consumption, coordinating with farm managers to ensure equitable distribution.

The success of Backyard Bukid has inspired many participants to replicate the model in their own homes, while others have become mentors, guiding new volunteers through the intricacies of urban farming.

SMF plans to further expand the program, targeting three new farm sites per year, with a focus on areas near SMC facilities.

Backyard Bukid is a key component of SMC’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives, which also encompass river rehabilitation, livelihood support programs, and environmental conservation efforts.