TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25
-7
P1 :34
S. No.
SENATE
223
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL FARMING 
IN THE COUNTRY'S METROPOLITAN AREAS TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY 
CONCERNS AND REGENERATE ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion, with nearly 
70% residing in urban areas. This rapid urbanization, particularly in developing 
countries, intensifies challenges like food insecurity, poverty, and environmental 
degradation. The United Nations projects that global food production must increase 
by 50% by 2050 to feed this growing population.1
"Farming in the city" or urban agriculture offers a vital and innovative 
solution. It encompasses various forms of food production within cities, from 
community gardens to rooftop farms that provide fresh local produce. Organizations 
like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International 
Institute for Sustainable Development (USD) recognize urban agriculture's potential
1 United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs. 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 
2050, says UN. httDs://www.un.orQ/uk/desa/68-world-POPuiation-Droiected-live-urt)an-areas-2050-savs-un#:~:text=Calendar- 
■68%25%20of%20the%20worid%20DODUiation%20Dro1ected%20to%20live%20in%20urban.to%204.2%20billion%20in%202
018. (Accessed on June 30, 2025); Weinberger, Mary Beth, Population Connection, New United Nations Population Estimates 
and Projections. Published on September 19, 2022. Avaiiable at httDs://DOPulationconnection.orq/aiticle/new-united-nations- 
population-estimates-and-
proiections/#:~:text=The%202022%20and%202019%20revisions.and%2010.9%20billion%2C%20respectivelv). (Accessed on 
June 30, 2025); United Nations, "Food Production must double by 2050 to meet demand from World's Growing Popuiation, 
Innovative Strategies Needed to Combat Hunger, Experts Tell Second Committee." Pubiished on October 9, 2009. Available at 
https://press.un.orq/en/2009/qaef3242.doc.htm. (Accessed on June 30, 2025).


to supplement local food supplies, foster community, and advance health and 
sustainability goals.2
Vertical farming is a specialized form of urban agriculture which utilizes 
vertically stacked layers for crop cultivation and uses soilless techniques like 
hydroponics and aeroponics. It offers an even more controlled environment and 
maximizes yield In minimal space.3
This bill, therefore, recognizes and institutionalizes urban agriculture and 
vertical farming in highly-urbanized cities nationwide. It provides a comprehensive 
framework to harness their vast capabilities in boosting food security, promoting 
sustainable urban development, and building more resilient communities in the face 
of shifting global challenges.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS
ANGILINAN
Senator
2UNDP Issues Brief, Resilient Food and Agricuiture. Published in October 2020. 
httDs://www.undD.orQ/sites/o/files/7skake326/fiies/Dubiications/UNDP-lssue-Brief-Food-and-AQriculture-EN.Ddf. (Accessed on 
June 30,2025); USD SDG Knowledge Hub. "Growing Greener Cities: Urban Agricuiture and the Impact in SDG 11. Avaiiable at 
https://sdQ.iisd.orQ/commentarv/aeneration-2030/arowina-Qreener-cities-urban-aaricuiture-and-the-impact-on-sda-ll/.
(Accessed on June 30, 2025).
3 WasteX. What is Verticai Farming? A Sustainable Solution for Modem Food Production. Pubiished on March 6. Avaiiabie at 
httDs://www.wastex.io/Dost/what-is-vertical-farminQ. (Accessed on Juiy 1, 2025)


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 Jill -7 PI 34
S. No.
SENATE
223
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL FARMING 
IN THE COUNTRY'S METROPOLITAN AREAS TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY 
CONCERNS AND REGENERATE ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1, Short Title- This Act shall be known as the "Urban Agriculture and
2 
Vertical Farming Act of2025."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy.- It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
protect the fundamental right of every person to adequate food supply and to
5 
promote the achievement of self-sufficiency in food production. Towards this end,
6 
key reforms for the development of modern, appropriate, cost-effective and
7 
environmentally safe agriculture technologies are hereby encouraged in order to
8 
ensure the food security of the country.
9 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms.- As used in this Act, the following terms are
10 
defined as follows:
11 
a) "Urban Agricuiturd' shall refer to the practice of cultivating, processing and
12 
distributing of food in or around a village, town or city. Urban agriculture also
13 
involves animal husbandry, aquaculture, agro-forestry and horticulture;
14 
b) " Vertical Farming' shall refer to the method of farming that is brought to
15 
the urban space by employing the concepts of indoor agriculture in skyscrapers and
16 
other modern buildings.


1 
Sec. 4. Comprehensive Research on Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming.-
2 
For purposes of this Act, the respective Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture
3 
(DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are hereby mandated
4 
to promote the use of urban agriculture and vertical farming in the country's
5 
metropolitan areas as an instrument to address food security concerns and
6 
regenerate ecosystem functions in the Philippines. Idle and/or abandoned
7 
government lots and buildings owned by either the national government or local
8 
governments or available land resources in state universities and colleges shall be
9 
considered for growing crops, raising livestock, and producing food using the said
10 
methods. The DA and DOST shall support and launch research activities to expand
11 
the knowledge and understanding of urban agriculture and vertical farming to be
12 
used in food production. A renewed investment in advanced technology research in
13 
order to adopt state-of-the-art technologies to improve agricultural productivity shall
14 
be launched pursuant thereto.
15 
Sec. 5. Inclusion of Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming in Agricultural
16 
Training- Urban agriculture and vertical farming shall be integrated in the academic
17 
curriculum for secondary and tertiary ievel students of both public and private
18 
academic institutions with courses on Agriculture, Practical Arts, Home Economics,
19 
and/or other subjects related to agriculture. The Department of Education (DepEd),
20 
in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall promulgate
21 
the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Section within six
22 
(6) months from the date of effectivity of this Act.
23 
Sec. 6. Local Government Units' Participation- Local government units shall
24 
formulate a policy on the practice of urban agriculture and vertical farming, utilizing
25 
unused spaces and idle lands. This shall require the enactment of local legislation
26 
institutionalizing urban agriculture in all levels of the LGU. Local governments shall
27 
also grant necessary incentives to their constituents who actively participate in urban
28 
farming activities.
29 
Sec. 7. Appropriations.- The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
30 
this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general appropriations of
31 
the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology


1 
(DOST), Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education
2 
(CHED).
3 
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations- Within six (6) months from the
4 
date of effectivity of this Act, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of
5 
Science and Technology shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
6 
regulations to Implement the provisions of this Act.
7 
Sec. 9. Separability Clause- If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
8 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in
9 
full force and effect.
10 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause- All laws, executive orders, administrative orders,
11 
and rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended
12 
accordingly.
13 
Sec. 11. Effectivity Clause- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
14 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
15 
circulation.
Approved,