Bayer partners with NGOs for urban farm in Payatas
BAYER PHILIPPINES has partnered with non-government organizations for a project that will establish an urban farm in Payatas, Quezon City to encourage vegetable consumption and help attain food security.
Bayer Philippines said in a statement on Tuesday that it will work with Rise Against Hunger Philippines, AGREA Foundation, and Puso ng Ama Foundation for the “Bayer Kubo project,” an 800-square meter vegetable patch with ampalaya (bitter gourd), eggplant, okra, squash, and sitaw (string beans).
Bayer Philippines said there have been initiatives from residents to plant vegetables in the intended farm area, but it remains underdeveloped due to lack of farming know-how and experience in achieving good yields and sustainable production.
“We’ve started engaging with volunteer community members in Payatas whom we intend to train on ideal farming practices. Beyond growing food, the training will also include financial literacy and basic business skills to help them sustain the farm long term,” Bayer Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head Bryan Rivera said.
The Payatas project will be the company’s third urban farm, with the first two located in Taguig City and Calauan, Laguna.
Under its global sustainability goals, Bayer is seeking to help 100 million smallholder farmers and support their livelihood by 2030. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
