Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the city government is working with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to adopt Singapore’s urban farming technologies to boost food sufficiency in the capital. The announcement was made during BPI’s 96th anniversary on February 11.

Domagoso cited Singapore as a model for highly urbanized cities producing their own food. Earlier this year, Manila officials visited the Horticulture Technology Hub of ITE College East, Republic Polytechnic, and the National University of Singapore to study indoor farming, automation, and resource-efficient growing systems.

The mayor said the initiative aims to integrate national agencies, local government units, and the private sector to pilot urban food production programs.

“This will create a framework that future city leaders can build on,” he explained.

Food security remains a strategic concern, Domagoso said, as population growth and shrinking agricultural land limit space for local food production. He emphasized BPI’s role in providing science-based solutions to maximize limited urban areas.

The effort also complements Manila’s role as a distribution hub for agricultural products, recalling how the city ensured food supply during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey of your city government and BPI together,” Domagoso said.