Bacolod City Moves to Boost Food Security with Urban Agriculture Ordinance

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod recently approved on first reading a new ordinance aimed at advancing urban agriculture and community gardening within the city. Authored by Councilor Em Ang alongside co-authors Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Jason Villarosa, the ordinance highlights the city government’s commitment to improving food security, environmental sustainability, and the overall health and well-being of its residents.

This initiative seeks to mobilize local individuals and groups to engage in sustainable farming activities utilizing underused urban spaces such as vacant lots and rooftops. By providing a structured legal framework, the ordinance will support, guide, and incentivize urban farming projects throughout Bacolod.

Named the "Bacolod City Urban Agriculture and Community Gardening Ordinance," the measure is designed to promote safe and well-organized urban farming efforts, designate specific urban agriculture zones, and foster community involvement through capacity building, training, and resource allocation.

Moreover, the ordinance outlines policies regarding land use, access, and management of urban agricultural areas. It also encourages collaboration among the City government, barangays, non-government organizations, and urban farmers to strengthen the sector.

The responsibility for identifying suitable locations for urban agriculture will fall on the City’s Office of Agriculture and related agencies. Selection of these zones will be based on criteria such as land availability, accessibility, and farming suitability.

The ordinance emphasizes that unauthorized occupation or misuse of designated urban agriculture zones will result in enforcement actions including fines, penalties, or eviction, consistent with existing laws and local regulations.

This ordinance marks a significant step toward sustainable urban development and food resilience in Bacolod City, promoting a healthier environment and community through agricultural innovation.