When food prices rise and transport costs climb, city residents often feel the impact first. The Department of Agriculture’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) is changing that—by bringing food production closer to home.
Under DA Memorandum Order No. 27, s. 2022, the program empowers families, schools, and local governments to grow food right where they live. Whether in small backyards, rooftops, or community gardens, urban agriculture gives Filipinos a chance to be both food-secure and self-reliant.
What Is the Urban Agriculture Program?
The National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) is the DA’s flagship initiative for promoting food production in cities and nearby areas. Institutionalized in 2022, it aims to reduce logistics costs, strengthen food security, and promote eco-friendly urban living.
It supports both individuals and communities through training, starter kits, funding, and partnerships with local government units (LGUs), schools, and private groups.
mo27_s2022Main Objectives of NUPAP
- Food Security – Help urban families grow their own food and ensure a steady supply of fresh produce.
- Resilience – Shorten food supply chains and reduce reliance on long-distance logistics.
- Livelihood – Encourage urban agripreneurship by linking growers to markets.
- Sustainability – Promote climate-smart practices like composting, rainwater harvesting, and hydroponics.
- Community Building – Create green, shared spaces that strengthen social ties and promote well-being.
Each goal reflects the DA’s broader vision of a food-secure and resilient Philippines.
Who Can Benefit
NUPAP isn’t just for experienced farmers. It’s open to everyone interested in growing food or supporting urban agriculture initiatives:
- Urban households, especially low-income families who want to reduce grocery costs.
- Schools and universities, for integration into feeding and sustainability programs.
- LGUs and barangays, for establishing community or rooftop gardens.
- OFW families and cooperatives, looking for sustainable livelihood projects.
- Private partners, such as developers or businesses incorporating green spaces.
Beneficiaries are required to provide counterpart spaces and attend DA-led training sessions to ensure continuity and sustainability.
How the Program Works
Following DA guidelines, NUPAP operates through a coordinated structure of regional field offices, local implementers, and partner institutions. Here’s how support typically flows:
- Application & Assessment – Interested groups submit a request letter to the DA or local implementer. Sites are inspected for suitability.
- MOA Signing – A formal agreement outlines each party’s roles and commitments.
- Provision of Inputs – Starter kits, seeds, soil, and tools are distributed.
- Training & Mentorship – Beneficiaries join capacity-building activities by DA or ATI trainers.
- Monitoring & Evaluation – The DA conducts quarterly assessments to track progress and address challenges.
Every step is designed to ensure accountability, maximize impact, and sustain community participation.
Key Components of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture
| Component | Description |
| Starter Kits & Inputs | Seeds, organic fertilizers, and basic garden tools for households or community gardens. |
| Capacity Building | Hands-on training on soil management, hydroponics, and sustainable farming techniques. |
| Urban Agripreneurship | Market access via Kadiwa stores and Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS). |
| Technology Promotion | Rooftop farming, aquaponics, vertical systems, and mushroom cultivation. |
| Livelihood Support | Small machineries, solar irrigation systems, and modular livestock raising. |
The program also encourages the adoption of climate-resilient crops and value-adding processes to enhance income generation.
The Bigger Picture: 2025 and Beyond
During its 2025 midyear assessment, the DA highlighted NUPAP’s evolving role in national food systems. Some recommendations included:
- Closer coordination with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for quality assurance and certification.
- Stronger market linkages through Kadiwa and AMAS.
- Expanded private partnerships to scale urban farms nationwide.
- Promotion of agripreneurship to help urban growers turn produce into viable businesses.
These updates affirm that NUPAP is not just a pandemic response—it’s a long-term pillar of urban food sustainability.
Why the Program Matters
Urban agriculture brings more than vegetables to the table—it brings resilience, community, and hope.
- Affordability: Families save on food costs by producing their own supply.
- Nutrition: Access to fresh and chemical-free produce promotes better health.
- Resilience: Localized food production helps communities thrive even during crises.
- Environmental Impact: Greener cities mean better air quality and cooler spaces.
By turning idle spaces into gardens, Filipinos are reclaiming food independence one pot, tray, or rooftop at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who implements the program?
The DA through its Regional Field Offices, in partnership with LGUs, schools, and accredited organizations. - How can I apply?
Interested individuals or groups can send a letter of request to their DA regional office or local government partner. A site assessment follows. - Is funding available?
Yes. The DA provides funding and agricultural inputs through the Plant, Plant, Plant Program and other budget allocations. - Are there incentives?
Outstanding urban farms may receive recognition or incentives from DA regional offices for exemplary performance.
In Summary
The Department of Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) is more than just a greening initiative—it’s a blueprint for sustainable food systems in cities. By supporting households, schools, and communities, the program turns rooftops and backyards into sources of nourishment, livelihood, and pride.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could grow my own food,” now’s the time to start. The DA’s NUPAP is making it possible—one planter box at a time.