Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House BILLNo.4007

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE EDIBLE LANDSCAPING SA BARANGAY PROGRAM TO
PROMOTE COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY, NUTRITION, AND CLIMATE
RESILIENCE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

based solutions. One proven strategy is edible landscaping—the integration of food
crops into designed spaces in barangays, schools, and open areas, turning idle land into both
aesthetically pleasing and productive gardens.

This approach has been tested and institutionalized in the Province of Albay. In 2021,
the Edible Landscaping sa Albay Project was launched through the partnership of the
congressional office of Representative Joey Sarte Salceda and the Albay Young Farmers
Organization (AYFO). The program quickly gained traction, and by its fifth season in 2024,
it had expanded to a record 301 barangays across the province, demonstrating scalability and
strong grassroots ownership.

The Albay Young Farmers Organization itself has emerged as a pioneering youth-
led force in agriculture. On December 1, 2023, the Department of Agriculture accredited
AYFO as the first civil society youth organization (CSO) of its kind in the Philippines,
recognizing its innovative role in mobilizing young farmers. AYFO has also been honored
nationally and internationally, including being named one of the Ten Accomplished Youth
Organizations (TAYO), as well as receiving the Adhika Fellowship Grant Award, the San
Miguel Better World Award, and recognition as Ist Runner-Up in the Video Stint Award.
These achievements underscore both credibility and replicability.

By institutionalizing an Edible Landscaping sa Barangay Program nationwide, this
bill seeks to scale the Albay model into a national food security strategy. The program will:

1. Equip barangays with the training and resources to establish community gardens using
edible landscaping techniques;


2. Integrate food production into barangay nutrition programs, schools, and idle
government spaces;

3. Promote climate-resilient and locally adapted varieties developed by public institutions;
and

4, Strengthen community participation and youth involvement in agriculture.

In a period of rising food prices and climate-related disruptions, edible landscaping
provides a low-cost, high-impact, and replicable solution that empowers households and
barangays to grow their own food while enhancing nutrition, resilience, and solidarity.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

RAY. TAY SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

4007

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE EDIBLE LANDSCAPING SA BARANGAY PROGRAM TO
PROMOTE COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY, NUTRITION, AND CLIMATE
RESILIENCE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Edible Landscaping sa
Barangay Program Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. Itis the policy of the State to ensure food and nutrition
security at the community level by integrating agriculture into everyday spaces. The State shall
promote edible landscaping as a strategy for sustainable food production, livelihood, and
climate adaptation, while encouraging civic participation and health-conscious practices in
every barangay.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act:

(a) Edible Landscaping refers to the practice of integrating food crops such as
vegetables, herbs, fruits, and root crops into designed landscapes in barangays, schools, parks,
and open spaces.

(b) Barangay Edible Landscapes are community-managed plots, roadside strips, and
open areas converted into productive food gardens using edible landscaping principles.

(©) Community Food Gardens are shared edible landscapes cultivated by barangay
residents for subsistence, school feeding, or supplemental livelihood.

SEC. 4. Creation of the Program. There is hereby established the Edible Landscaping
sa Barangay Program, to be implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in
coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the University of the Philippines Los


Bafios (UPLB), particularly the Institute of Crop Science which pioneered edible landscaping
in the Philippines.

The Program shall:

1. Develop a national framework and training modules for barangay-based edible
landscaping;

2. Provide starter kits (seeds, seedlings, organic fertilizers, tools) to barangays;

3. Train barangay officials, health workers, and community volunteers on edible
landscaping techniques;

4. Integrate edible landscaping into barangay nutrition programs and feeding programs of
schools and day care centers;

5. Promote the use of climate-resilient, locally adapted crop varieties; and

6. Encourage the conversion of idle barangay lots, parks, roadside areas, and rooftops into
edible landscapes.

SEC. 5. Role of Local Government Units. Barangays shall identify and maintain sites
for edible landscaping, mobilize residents through “Bayanihan sa Barangay Gardens,” and
integrate the program into their annual investment plans. Municipal and city governments shall
provide technical support and monitoring.

SEC. 6. Incentives. Barangays that successfully establish and sustain edible landscapes
shall be eligible for national recognition under the DA and may receive grants for community
infrastructure such as greenhouses, nurseries, or rainwater harvesting systems.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Department of Agriculture
and subsequently included in the annual General Appropriations Act. Local Government Units
may provide counterpart funds.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from effectivity,
the DA, in coordination with DILG, DENR, UPLB, and other stakeholders, shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the remainder shall not be affected thereby.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,