Urban farming bill filed

A LAWMAKER has refiled a bill which seeks to convert idle lands in the metropolitan area into agricultural spots to grow crops to ensure food security.

1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael L. Romero has filed House Bill 2119 or the “Urban Farming Act of 2019” which seeks to implement and institutionalize urban agriculture.

“Inactive, unused and abandoned government lots and buildings owned by either national and local governments, and other available land resources in state colleges and universities shall be considered for growing crops, raising livestock and producing food using the said comprehensive methods,” the bill read.

The bill also mandates that urban farming be included in tertiary education curriculum.

“Urban farming that are used in agriculture production shall be integrated in the academic curriculum for tertiary level students of both public and private academic institutions.”

Mr. Romero said this bill will also help in addressing climate change.

“Urban agriculture and farming will not only clean our environment but it will also help minimize the effect of climate change,” he said.

In the 17th Congress, a similar bill was approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives but failed to get approval in the Senate. — V.A.C. Ferreras