Iloilo City Expands Farming Area to 200 Hectares, Steps Up Food Security Preparations for El Niño
Iloilo City has expanded its agricultural area from 150 hectares last year to 200 hectares this year as the City Government strengthens local food production and prepares for the possible effects of a strong to very strong El Niño on water supply and agriculture.
Mayor Raisa Treñas highlighted the expansion during the turnover of a ₱100,000 cash prize to JPT Ediscape Garden of Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, which won the Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture – Garden/Macrogarden category at the 15th Gawad Saka Regional Awarding Ceremony held on October 5, 2026.
Despite being a highly urbanized city, Iloilo continues to make strides in agriculture through urban gardening initiatives and the adoption of modern farming techniques.
“Biskan highly urbanized city kita, nagadaog na kita sa mga regional category sa agriculture. Kontra ta na guro lain-lain nga mga munisipyo nga agricultural man, pero ngaa nagadaug ang Iloilo City?” Treñas said, emphasizing the city’s achievements in agricultural competitions.
Urban Gardening to Strengthen Food Security
With concerns over the potential impact of El Niño on agricultural production, the City Government is prioritizing measures to help ensure a stable local food supply.
According to Treñas, concerned response clusters have already begun coordinating to identify the assistance needed by farmers and other sectors that may be affected by prolonged dry conditions.
A key component of the city’s food security strategy is the expansion of its Ediscape urban gardening program, which currently has 90 gardens across Iloilo City.
The City Government is also identifying households with available spaces where residents can grow vegetables for their own consumption.
“Gina-identify gid naton ang mga households nga pwede makatanom para sila na mismo sa ila panimalay makatanom na sila kag indi na mabudlayan in case nga mag-lessen gid ang production sang aton mga vegetables,” Treñas explained.
The initiative aims to encourage families to become more self-sufficient in food production, particularly if vegetable supplies decline due to unfavorable weather conditions.
To support household gardening, the City Government is considering the distribution of start-up planting kits and seedlings, along with basic training for residents interested in growing their own food.
Treñas also disclosed that the city recently received a donation of seedlings from a garden club, which could further support its urban agriculture initiatives.
Continued Support for Local Farmers and Fisherfolk
Beyond urban gardening, the City Government continues to provide market opportunities for local farmers and fisherfolk through Merkado Lokal, a twice-monthly initiative that allows producers to sell their agricultural and fishery products directly to consumers.
Under the program, participating farmers and fisherfolk are provided free selling spaces, helping them reach customers without additional rental expenses.
The expansion of agricultural areas, recognition of community gardens, and continued support for local producers form part of Iloilo City’s efforts to strengthen food security and improve resilience against climate-related challenges.
With 200 hectares now devoted to farming and more households being encouraged to grow their own vegetables, Iloilo City is working to sustain agricultural production even as urban development continues.
