National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program

DA-NUPAP Participates in the 2026 International Mushroom Congress and National Forum in Aurora

The DA-National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), represented by Program Head Coordinator Mr. Carl Vincent D. Gapasin, together with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) technical staff from the Mushroom Production Unit of the Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD), actively participated in the 2026 International Mushroom Congress and National Forum on the Future of Mushroom Program held in Baler, Aurora.

Hosted by the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), the congress carried the theme, “Global Synergies in Mushroom Science and Technology for Sustainable Development.”

The event gathered mushroom growers, researchers, industry practitioners, government agencies, academic institutions, and key stakeholders from across the country and abroad to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable advancements in mushroom science and technology.

The congress served as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation sharing, and partnership building aimed at advancing the mushroom industry and supporting sustainable food production systems. Discussions highlighted emerging technologies, research developments, and collaborative strategies that can contribute to food security, livelihood generation, and resilient agricultural communities.

Among the attendees were representatives from various national government agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aurora. Local government officials, including the Governor of Aurora Province and the Mayor of Baler, also graced the event.

Also present were leaders and representatives from academic institutions and organizations such as the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) – Tamarind Chapter, Maejo University-Thailand, Central Luzon State University, Apayao State College, Kalinga State University, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Batanes State College, Bataan Peninsula State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Tarlac Agricultural University, Southern Luzon State University, Cagayan State University, and SEAMEO-BIOTROP.

Through its participation, DA-NUPAP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable urban and peri-urban agriculture initiatives while strengthening partnerships that support innovation, capacity building, and resilient local food systems.

IN PHOTOS | Roofdeck Urban Garden Officially Opens at SMDC Berkeley Residences

Snapshots from the official opening of the Roofdeck Urban Garden Project established through collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture - National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (DA-NUPAP), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Berkeley Residences Management and Staff.

LOOK | Roofdeck Urban Garden Officially Opens at SMDC Berkeley Residences

A once underutilized roofdeck space has now been transformed into a thriving green sanctuary as the Roofdeck Urban Garden Project at Berkeley Residences was officially opened through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture – National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (DA-NUPAP), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Berkeley Residences management and staff.

The initiative began in 2024 through a series of urban agriculture trainings and orientations conducted by DA-NUPAP to introduce residents to sustainable food production practices and encourage active community participation in urban gardening. In 2025, the partnership between DA-NUPAP and the Board of Directors of Berkeley Residences was further strengthened through discussions and planning sessions that paved the way for the conceptualization and development of the Roofdeck Urban Garden Project.

Now fully established, the Roofdeck Urban Garden serves as a demonstration site for sustainable urban agriculture technologies and practices including container gardening, vertical gardening, composting, and efficient water management systems. The project showcases how high-density residential communities can maximize limited spaces by transforming idle areas into productive and environmentally sustainable green spaces.

More than a garden, the project stands as a symbol of community cooperation, sustainability, and urban resilience. It encourages residents to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants while promoting healthier lifestyles, stronger community engagement, and greener urban environments.

Through initiatives like this, DA-NUPAP continues to promote the integration of food production and environmental sustainability into modern urban living. The project reflects the program’s commitment to bringing agriculture closer to communities and demonstrating that even in highly urbanized areas, food can still be grown sustainably and collectively.

DA-NUPAP Supports LAB for ALL in Cagayan de Oro City!

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), participated in the LAB For ALL: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot para sa Lahat initiative on May 19, 2026, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

DA-NUPAP distributed free agricultural products such as vegetable seeds, seedlings, mushroom fruiting bags, and information education and communication (IEC) materials to encourage households to engage in food production and adopt sustainable urban and peri-urban agriculture practices.

Through the Bagong Pilipinas Mobile Clinics, the program delivers essential health services including free consultations, medicines, and laboratory services, bringing government assistance closer to the people and supporting communities across the country.

📢 PABATID SA ATING MGA REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS!

Para sa lahat ng mga nakapag-register para sa ating libreng seminar ng Urban Gardening & Plant Propagation!

Dahil idineklara ng Malacañang na Regular Holiday ang May 27, 2026 (Miyerkules) para sa paggunita ng Eid’l Adha, ililipat po natin ang ating seminar sa bagong schedule:

🗓️ May 28, 2026 (Huwebes)

Paalala: Same time at same venue pa rin po tayo!

Maraming salamat po. See you!

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At 77 years old, Lamberto Nolasco, President of the Kingspoint Joy of Urban Farming Association, views urban farming as a form of public service. He actively encourages the public to participate in the government’s food security programs. With this in mind, he believes that no Filipino will ever go hungry as long as urban farming continues to thrive.

🌱 FREE SEMINAR! 🌱

The DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) invites you to a FREE face-to-face seminar on Urban Gardening and Plant Propagation! 🌿🏡

🗓️ Date: May 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD), Training Room, BPI, San Andres St., Malate, Manila

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: Registration for this training is limited to 30 participants only. Please register early to secure your slot!

👇 To register, please click the link below: 👇
🔗 https://forms.gle/3aZT8nq7beaQAXYd9





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IN PHOTOS | NUPAP Joins the National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month Celebration 2026

In celebration of the National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month 2026, the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program invited urban farmers and urban agriculture partners from Pedro Farms, Denso Philippines, Turbulent, and Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc. to set up exhibit booths at the Department of Agriculture Central Office along Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “Pagbibigay-pugay para sa Magsasaka’t Mangingisda sa gitna ng Hamon at Krisis,” the activity recognizes the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk amid ongoing challenges and crises.

The booths showcase various urban agriculture products, technologies, and initiatives that promote sustainable food production and community resilience in urban spaces. Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibits, learn more about urban agriculture, and try products offered by participating exhibitors throughout the celebration.

The celebration also serves as an opportunity to strengthen appreciation and support for local farmers, fisherfolk, and urban agriculture advocates who continue to contribute to food security and sustainable communities.