Growing together: Backyard Bukid sites flourish in three areas across the Philippines.
What began as a simple garden plot at the SMC Head Office Complex has now expanded into three Backyard Bukid sites across the Philippines. Initially launched to encourage urban gardening and healthy eating habits among SMC employees, the initiative has since evolved into a comprehensive program aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security nationwide.
San Miguel Foods together with San Miguel Foundation and SEED Philippines successfully kicked off its first ever Backyard Bukid farms in Brgy. Pili, Camarines Sur and Brgy. Guihing, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. It has also started training volunteer farmers from the third Backyard Bukid site in Brgy. Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. This expansion brings a total of 3 Backyard Bukid sites in the country sponsored by San Miguel Foods.
The newly established community farms of about 250 sqm shall serve as a vital source of food for local residents as they grow a variety of vegetables within their barangay. 75 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds gathered to participate in this initiative, highlighting the program's accessibility and appeal across different demographics. From young adults to senior citizens, housewives, plumbers, service workers, and even employees of the local government, the diverse group of participants reflects their shared interest and enthusiasm for learning about sustainable farming.
Volunteers of the Backyard Bukid program are not only gaining valuable skills to produce healthy food for their families but are also unlocking opportunities to enhance their livelihoods and create sustainable income streams.
Tatay Henry, a 65-year-old volunteer from Brgy. Guihing, Davao del Sur shared his motivation for joining the program: "Gusto ko i-share sa akong uban, pamilya. Gusto ko mas mahasa ang kaalaman at pag-unawa ko sa pagtatanim upang maibahagi ko ang kaalaman na iyon sa ibang tao dito sa barangay at sa pamilya ko.” (I want to share this with my family. I want to enrich my knowledge and understanding on farming as this opportunity allows me to also share this knowledge with my family and others in my community.)
Nanay Jacqueline, a 63-year-old volunteer expressed the practical benefits of the program: "Hindi ko na kailangan bumili sa palengke kasi pipitas na lang sa taniman. Sumali ako sa programang ito para mas matuto at maintindihan kung paano mag tanim ng gulay sa tamang paraan” (We don’t have to buy from the market anymore because we grow our own vegetables. I joined this program so I can learn and understand more about the right way of growing vegetables.)
As of October 2024, our Backyard Bukid community farmers have successfully harvested over 330 kilos of various crops including eggplant, petchay, kangkong, kamote tops, tomatoes, sitaw, okra, malunggay, lemongrass, papaya, and calamansi. With the diverse varieties of vegetables and fruits, our volunteers and other community members can enjoy fresh, nutritious food with the satisfaction of having grown these themselves.
Backyard Bukid is under the company’s umbrella CSR program entitled HANDOG and is paving the way not only for improved livelihood but also stronger community relationships, expanded educational opportunities, and empowered community members. It underscores the importance of food security and cultivates a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient nation.
