Urban Agriculture: Progressive Step towards a Sustainability in the

current Economic and Environmental State of the Philippines

Abstract: Urbanization, in the Philippines, is highly unsustainable due the country’s current economic
and environmental state. With the rise in the price of goods, unemployment, and poverty, urbanization
further pressures the country both economically and environmentally. The purpose of this study is to
prove that urban agriculture (UA), which inherently comes with urbanization, is a viable and possibly a
major solution towards the different issues that comes with urbanization and sustainability. The
development of UA must be endorsed to the locals and the government and encourage them to support
UA because it will not only benefit the current generation but the future generations as well. Different
aspects of UA was tackled to show its advantages and how it will lead the country towards sustainable
urbanization.
Keywords Urbanization • Urban Agriculture • Sustainable Urbanization • Sustainability • Economic
and Environmental State

Miko Keno R. Cruz is a student from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna taking up Bachelos of Science in
Agriculture. His research tackles the issue about the current state of the economy and environment in the Philippines and
how viable Urban Agriculture is as a solution.

1
 I. Sustainability, Urbanization, and Urban Agriculture: the Current State of the
Philippine Economy
For the past few years, the Philippines remains as one of the fastest growing economy in Asia according
to the report of the World Bank (2017) from 6.9 percent in 2016 to 6.7 percent the following year.
These statistics shown by the World Bank only shows that the country remains to have a robust
economy. However, due to the continuing increase in inflation rate from 4.6 percent as of May 2018 to
5.2 percent as of June 2018, prices of commodities and basic services continue to rise (Rivas, 2018)
while the consumers’ ability to purchase these goods and services continue to decrease. With that being
said, the current state of the Philippine economy is a threat to sustainability.
Another concern regarding the economy and sustainability is the rise in population. With population rise
comes urbanization – the conversion of rural areas into urban. Cities continue to rise and green lands
are decreasing. Urbanization, which brings damage to the environment that are beyond repair (Seto,
2011), is becoming more of an issue with regards to having a healthy environment.
These issues resulting to a worse Philippine economy calls for action. This is where Urban Agriculture
(UA) enters the scene. UA is the science of food production, processing and distribution in urban areas
(Bailkey, et. al. 2000). It does not only cover food production, it also covers production of commodities
that can be collected from crops and livestock. Urban agriculture will help mitigate the
economic and environmental impact of urbanization because it is sustainable and goods
produced through this practice is safe and affordable.
Although there was an attempt to modernize agriculture through R.A. No. 8435 or the Agriculture and
Fisheries modernization Act of 1997, the policy still lacks the guidelines for UA; this means that there is
an imminent threat to the state of UA in the country (De Guzman, p. 195, 2017). Although UA is being
practiced in several cities in Metro Manila, Nitural (2006) believes that UA is still lagging and
underdeveloped in spite of the joint attempt of different agencies and institutions such as the
Department of Agriculture, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños to develop it. The country
lacks the provisions to fully utilize UA. The Philippines could use a restructuring in UA and base it on
other developed countries such as Japan. Despite of Japan’s history on separation of rural and urban
areas, Japan’s landscape can be a guide for efficient urban strategy that could address food security while
maintaining a sufficient, and healthy environment for everyone (Yokohari et. al. 2017).
This paper will tackle the issues regarding the Philippine economy, its sustainability, the state of UA, and
how UA would help in creating a more sustainable economy and environment. It will also tackle the
advantages and disadvantages of UA in the Philippine context to show if UA would really solve the
economic and environmental issues in the country. The economic statistics would be limited for the
sake of giving an idea regarding the current economic status of the Philippines globally and locally.
II. Urban Agriculture and the Worsening Philippine Economy
Sustainability: the Current State of Philippine Economy
From being known as the sick man of Asia due to its former downhill economy, the Philippines, is now
one of the fastest growing economy in Asia and according to World Bank (2017), remains to be one.
The report from World Bank shows that the country’s economy grew by 6.9 percent during the
previous administration and continues to grow from 6.7 as of 2017 to 6.8 as of 2018 (PSA, 2018)
percent during the current administration. This means that the Philippines remains to be competitive in
the global market.
A quarterly report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the year 2018, shows that the major
contributors for the economic growth include sectors in Manufacturing, Other services, and Trade. The
report also shows that Industrial sector has the fastest growth in the economy, GNI and GDP continues

2
to grow to 6.4 percent and 5.1 percent respectively. Employment has increased as well to 94.5 percent
as of April 2018 from 94.3 percent the same month during the previous year (PSA, 2018).
However, despite of its growing economy, issues involving the economy are not to be ignored. Issues
such as poverty, inflation rate, and others. Issues that, when viewed from the locals’ perspective, may be
a threat to the sustainability of economy’s growing status. Another report from PSA (2017) shows that
the highest poverty incidence – proportion of families/individuals with source of income and those who
have no source of income – can be observed in the sector of farmers, fishermen and children. Being on
the line of poverty, those who produce food for us can’t even produce food for themselves. Another
issue that puts pressure not just on those belonging on the poverty line but also on those belonging in
the middleclass is the inflation rate. Rising from 4.6 as of May 2018 to 5.2 percent as of June 2018 (PSA,
2018), prices of commodities and services has increased as well. Commodities such as rice, meat and
other food products are becoming more unaffordable to those who produced them when in fact, these
products, should be accessible to them in the first place.
Industrial sector growth may have been fast but agriculture sector growth has slowed down (PSA,
2018). This trend may be attributed to urbanization and the decrease in the employment in the
agricultural sector.
Urbanization: Population Growth and Long Term Impact to the Economy and
Environment.
In 2015, the population in the Philippines has increased by at most 33.11 million compared to the
population in the past decade (PSA, 2018). The population growth in Metro Manila and other heavily
populated cities may attributed to the migration of those who seek job opportunities in these business-
centered cities and increase in population has resulted in the inevitable expansion of these cities.
However, migrating to these cities does not always guarantee job opportunities leaving a percentage of
the population unemployed.
De Guzman (2017) points out that as the population in Metro Manila increases, demand for industrial
utilization of land increases as well. This means that the increase in the growth of the industrial sector
based on PSA’s report mentioned earlier is due to the increase in demand for industrial utilization. To
further support this, it was mentioned earlier that Manufacturing, Other Services, and Trade – which is
under the industrial sector – is the major contributor to the economy’s growth. This can attributed to
the employment of individuals into the service sector, which, compared to other sectors, has the largest
proportion employed (PSA, 2018).
As the population rises and the need for the accessibility of more residential and industrial areas
increase, the need for urbanization increases as well. Bravo (2017) observed that urbanization has led to
the demand of utilization of agricultural lands into urban purposes leaning the economy more towards
industrial and service activities, and that conversion these lands affects the agricultural sector in a way
that there is a decrease in the sector’s employment and contribution to the economy. The imbalance
between the employment in the industrial sector and the agricultural sector may mean that there will
come a time where products coming of industrial and services sectors will be greater in amount
compared to products produced by the agricultural sector.
Urbanization and the decrease in the contribution of the agricultural sector in the economy may be seen
as a factor in the difference between the import and export of products in and out of the Philippines.
The import of products in the Philippines is higher than the export of products out of country (PSA,
2018). Depending on the perspective, it may not be bad, but it should be alarming that the Philippines is
a country rich in natural resources and yet import exceeds export. PSA’s (2018) report imports include
“Other Food and Live Animals” section, meanwhile, the food category in the export only includes

3
bananas aside from industrial products. The Philippines importing food and raw materials may be an
indication of unsustainability; an indication that our own resources are not fully utilized.
Urbanization does not only affect the economy; it affects the environment as well. Nga et al. (2017)
attributed rapid urbanization as one of the main factors of unending problem of flooding in Metro
Manila. Flooding is a result of heavy congestion of wastes in the sewage system. Once the wastes are
congested and mixed with flood, toxic compound in the wastes goes with the flood which may bring
different illness to the community. Highly urbanized areas are prone to flooding which affects both the
environment and the health of the community.
These problems, if not addressed would soon bring a negative impact in both the economy and the
environment. The influence brought by humanity to the environment has been vastly detrimental making
sustainability a major issue that must be addressed in this generation (Yokohari, et. al., p. VI., 2017). The
impact caused by humanity link the issues on urbanization and sustainability.
Urban Agriculture: the Lack of Policies and Development
One of the main issues concerning urbanization and sustainability is food security. As mentioned, where
there is an increase in population, there is an increase in urbanization and a corresponding decrease in
land utilization for non-industrial purposes (e.g. cultivation, landscape). There are different approaches in
solving these kinds of issues. One of which is urban agriculture, which can be taken as a measure to
address issues such as food security (Burton et. al., 2013). Through urban agriculture, processing,
production, and distribution of food in urban areas is made possible. De Guzman (2017) argues that UA
is crucial in dealing with food security which, if not addressed, may lead to grave consequences in the
next decade.
The decrease in the land areas available for cultivation, and green landscape calls for action that can
efficiently compliment urbanization. “Because [urban agriculture] links cities and their environment, it
can be an increasingly acceptable, affordable and effective tool for sustainable urbanization” (Mougeot, p.
12, 2005). Coming up with solutions regarding the issues on urbanization and sustainability does not
always necessarily mean that the progress of urbanization must be compromised. Achieving sustainability
is possible through the coexistence of urbanization and urban agriculture.
An observable effect of urbanization in the Philippines is the pressure it puts on the fringes Metro Manila
and other heavily populated cities which foreshadows its expansion. As Bravo (2017) observed
“[Urbanization] also placed pressure on urban fringes making land use conversion inevitable in cities”.
The pressure that urbanization brings makes adaptation to such change inevitable in the Philippines. In
fact, UA was already practiced by several cities in the country way before the twenty first century.
Among those cities who practice UA are Las Piñas, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City and others (Nitural,
2006).
In spite of the practice of UA in the country, there are still issues revolving about the topic. UA in the
Philippines is still underdeveloped. This is due to the fact that there is a lack of initiative to set clear
policies and develop UA from both the government and the community. It was observed by De Guzman
(2017) that the lack of clear guidelines and strategies by the government has led to the decline of urban
agriculture in Metro Manila which can be seen through the halt of crop production in most parts of the
city.
There were several notable attempts to address food security to achieve sustainable urbanization
including Masagana 99 launched during the Marcos era which enabled the Philippines to produce
sufficient supply of rice throughout the country (Department of Agriculture, 2012), and the
modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sector through R.A. No. 8435 or the Agriculture and
Fisheries modernization Act of 1997. However, these policies does not elaborate specific guidelines for

4
UA in the Philippines. As a result of the lack of definitive guidelines, the development of UA in the
country has been slow.
III. Urban Agriculture towards a self-sustaining, greener, and richer Philippines.
Urban agriculture towards sustainable urbanization
In 2017, Bravo, observed that in spite of the population growth in urban areas for the last two decades,
the level of urbanization in the country has slowed down at 48%. These can either indicate that the
demand for conversion of rural areas into urban is less and there is an efficient land utilization in urban
areas, or it can mean that there are less available spaces that can be used for the expansion of urban
areas.
Efficient land utilization means that UA is becoming a more viable solution for issues concerning
sustainable urbanization. Take Japan as an example of a country wherein there is an efficient land
utilization. Japan has inherent mixed urban-rural characteristic (Yokohari et al. 2017) yet its rural
function does not suppress its urban function. Having an efficient UA system would greatly contribute to
the self-sustainability of cities.
Being a self-sustainable is important for the city’s resilience. Yokohari et al. (2017) pointed out that in
times when cities get isolated due to natural calamities, the resilience of the city would play a crucial
role in alleviating the damage brought by disaster. Asia, for example, needs resilient cities due to the fact
that the continent is prone to natural disasters such as the Tohoku earthquake which struck Japan in
2011 causing thousands of death, and typhoon Haiyan that cost the lives of about 6300 people in the
Philippines (Yokohari et al. 2017). One possible step towards a resilient city is giving attention towards
UA since the products produce through this system is in the immediate reach of the community. In
times of disaster, it is possible for cities to last long enough for outside help to come while maintaining a
sufficient amount of resources for survival.
Another reason why urban agriculture can lead to the sustainability of cities is that it gives displaced
individuals job opportunities. De Guzman (2017) observed that one of the potential source of income
and employment for urban farmers in Metro Manila is the production of easily grown crops such as
vegetables. Production of these easy grown crops can be made possible through UA given that there will
be an intensive development of UA and its policies.
Knowing that there is a decline in the employment rate in the agricultural sector considering the
development of UA could potentially increase the employment rate in the sector. The increase of
employment in the agricultural sector through UA could possibly increase the interest of the youth in
agriculture and encourage them to explore the field of study.
Urban agriculture towards a green economy through preservation of the environment.
As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to have a resilient city. Resilience of a city doesn’t only mean that
the economy could stand on its own during disasters. Resilience of the city also depends on the
preservation of a healthy green landscapes that could suffice the welfare of the community and the
environment (Yokohari et al. 2017). Having sufficient green spaces could be possible through UA since it
is not solely concerned with economics, UA also focuses on the preservation of a healthy environment.
The impact of UA, if practiced properly, could potentially lead to the development of healthy
environment. According to De Guzman (2017), UA could not only be utilized as a source of food, it can
also be a mean of preserving the environment. Containers used to grow plants in can be reused again
after harvesting. Besides plastic containers, empty coconut husk are potential containers for the plants
as well, and can also be an alternative medium for the growing plant (Wever et al., 1994). The minimal
use of unrecyclable materials through UA could decrease tons of wastes that could harm the

5
environment. Reduction of wastes could even result to less congestion in the sewage system of urban
areas. Another thing is that products produced through UA would reduce unnecessary packaging of
food as well since there will be less transporting of the goods.
Besides food, UA has other by-products that are reusable. For an instance, contaminated liquid, soils,
and wastes are processed carefully through different UA technological systems in order for it to be
utilized again (Mougeot, p. 12, 2005). Liquid processed through UA can be reused to supply water to the
crops. Processed soils are useful medium for new batch of crops to be grown. Wastes from UA could
be used as compost and source of nutrition to grow healthy crops.
Nitural (2006) mentioned that the products and by-products of UA are marketable, which means that
there is a huge chance to start a business through UA. The products of UA are not only marketable, it is
easily grown as well. Which means there will be abundant production of crops throughout the year.
Since there are technological systems in UA which can safely decontaminate by-products produced
through UA, it is possible to sell those by-products as well.
Philippines towards Urban Agriculture
In order for UA to be an effective measure in achieving sustainable urbanization, there must be an
initiative towards its development. There are several reasons why we should strive towards the
development of UA and its policies. First, a clear set of guidelines and strategies on urban agriculture
which will encourage and protect healthy environment and agricultural areas is essential to avoid
repercussions of urbanization (Bravo, p.110, 2017). As mentioned earlier, UA in the Philippines does not
get the attention that it needs. The focus of the policies related to agriculture are mostly on
modernization of the sector but there are no specific guidelines regarding UA. Unlike in Japan where
rural and urbanized interests mutually benefit from each other through its policies (Yokohari et al.,
2017), rural and urban interests Philippines are in conflict. The rise in the employment rate in the
industrial sector and the decrease in agricultural sector indicates this conflict. The Philippines could take
Japan as a model of developing UA since both are agricultural countries. However, in order to have
efficient guidelines regarding urban agriculture and food security which focus on providing solutions to
poverty, and agriculture, both efforts from the locals and the government is necessary (RUAF
Foundation, 2014).
Besides Japan, Bulawayo in Zimbabwe is another model city wherein they took the initiative to solve the
problem caused by population and poverty growth. The government in Sri Lanka is another example;
their government promotes urban agriculture in their communities (De Zeeuw et al., 2011). Both
countries were already developing UA due to the inherent irreversibility of urbanization which resulted
to the practice of UA. These countries have come in terms with the fact that urbanization is inevitable
and that UA inherently comes with urbanization.
Second reason why UA should be develop is that it requires minimal land use since it is centered
towards production of easily grown, high-value crops such as vegetables and short-grown livestock such
as poultry and swine (De Zeeuw et al., 2011). Investing towards the production of these fast-grown
commodities means that there will be a faster revenue and since these commodities require cheaper
materials, the loss through UA would not be heavy.
UA could therefore help mitigate the impact that our generation will make. The negative effects brought
by the expansion of heavily populated cities in the next generation may be potentially less given that
appropriate measure is taken towards the development of UA (De Guzman, p. 196, 2017). The
development of UA would be a milestone and would be a gift to the next generation who will benefit
more of the lasting impact of UA since it is highly sustainable.

6
 IV. Disadvantages and Misconceptions in Urban Agriculture
Just like other systems, UA has its flaws. Some may argue that UA products may be contaminated by
urban wastes since the products are grown in urban areas. A study conducted by Wei (2017) in China’s
urban and agricultural soil shows contamination of heavy metals. Crops grown through urban agriculture
are prone to contamination. However, we must take into account that miseducation is one of the
factors why solutions to issues tend to become a problem instead. Miseducation in UA is a factor why
malpractice of UA exists.
There have been several studies on safe decontamination of wastes especially in urban areas. One of
which is the study conducted by Mouri et al. (2017) which consists of 9 different set-ups in a wastewater
treatment plants. With the aim to maximize the efficiency of wastewater treatment, Mouri and his team
used the life-cycle assessment technology with the purpose of evaluating wastewater treatment
strategies in urban areas.
A good example of safe decontamination of wastes is the solid-waste management strategy of Barangay
Holy Spirit in Quezon. Palijon et al., (2017) has observed the sustainability and safeness of composting
biowastes given that the liquid that leaches from the wastes were properly collected and treated before
disposing. The wastes, free from the liquid, can be decomposed and used as a compost that will serve as
a source of nutrient for crops.
Proper funding of studies related to UA such as wastewater management programs can greatly develop
the state of UA in our country. Proper development of UA waste management programs can lessen the
risk of contamination of the crops.
Some may argue that they are already practicing UA and that UA is highly observable in Metro Manila
and other cities in the Philippines. UA as a solution to urbanization is already present. This may be true,
however, as mentioned earlier, the Philippines lacks definitive policies for UA. There are no policies on
the limitations of UA and the proper practice of UA. UA is not simply about planting crops and tending
to livestock until they are viable for consumption. Again, proper education is the key to the success of
development of UA.
Modernization of agriculture in the Philippine context does not necessarily mean that UA is already
taken in consideration. Take Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, which was authored
by Aquino et al. (1997) for example; its provisions is mostly on the development of the agricultural
sector’s competitiveness. Production in rural areas is the main focus of the law which caused the backlog
in the development of agriculture in urban areas.
Lastly, rural farmers getting displaced due to UA may be one of the largest concern regarding. “Others
have contended that such public support to UA could significantly reduce public investments in rural
agriculture” (Mougeot, 2000). Development and the practice of UA does not necessarily mean that rural
farmers will get displaced. UA merely gives job opportunities to urban farmers, some of which were
former rural farmers displaced due to urbanization. Mougeot (2000) argued that there should be an
effective organization of the flow of funds between urban and rural agriculture which will balance the
development of both. Mougeout’s argument still boils down to effective policy making that will ensure
that UA will be a progressive solution for issues regarding urbanization and sustainability.
V. Urban Agriculture for a long term sustainability in the Philippines for Future
Generations
Urbanization is an inevitable change that comes with the rise in population. Different issues related to
urbanization was mentioned earlier. This includes the pressure it places on the fringes of cities forcing
them to expand which results in the loss of agricultural and green areas. Urbanization has its issues due
to its unsustainability. Economically, urbanization causes the employment trend to shift towards the

7
industrial and services sector. Environmentally, it reduces the green spaces available for the community,
leaving less filter for the environment.
In light of this, there are still ways on how to make urbanization sustainable in the Philippines.
Urbanization inherently comes with urban agriculture – the practice of food processing, production, and
distribution in cities. UA has a lot of advantages; it requires cheap materials for food production, it
provides job and business opportunities to individuals (even displaced farmers), it also helps in
preservation of the environment because of the minimal wastes it produces. Most materials in UA are
recyclable and reusable, which helps in the reduction of disposal of harmful wastes. UA, in the
Philippines, may still be underdeveloped, however, UA as a solution is already present in the country.
UA only needs proper attention from the locals and the government. Development of UA should push
through.
To properly develop UA, funding from the government must continue, support from both locals and the
government is needed. The development of UA also depends on the education of the community about
UA. Proper dissemination of information regarding the proper practice of UA will be a big factor
towards its development. It will bring awareness to the community that UA exists and that it can help
build a healthy and safe future not just for our generation but for the following generations as well.

8
 References

Accessed online journals:

Bailkey, M., and Nasr, J. (2000). From Brownfields to Greenfields: Producing Food in North American Cities,
Community Food Security News. Fall 1999/Winter 2000:6
Bravo, M. R. (2017). Urbanization in the Philippines and Its Influence on Agriculture. Science for
Sustainable Societies Sustainable Landscape Planning in Selected Urban Regions, 97-110. Doi:10.1007/978-
4-431-56445-4_9
De Guzman, C. C. (2017). Urban Agriculture in the Philippines: Initiatives, Practices, Significance, and
Threats. Science for Sustainable Societies Sustainable Landscape Planning in Selected Urban Regions, 187-
197. Doi:10.1007/978-4-431-56445-4_16
Mouri, G., & Oki, T. (2017). Catchment-Scale Water Management of Wastewater Treatment in an
Urban Sewerage System with CO2 Emission Assessment. Science for Sustainable Societies Sustainable
Landscape Planning in Selected Urban Regions, 151-163. doi:10.1007/978-4-431-56445-4_13
Nitural, P. S. (2006). Urban Agriculture Program In the Philippines: Its Beginning And Status. Retrieved
from http://en.fftc.org.tw/htmlarea_file/activities/20110719103448/paper-947796964.pdf
Seto KC, Fragkias M, Güneralp B, Reilly MK (2011) A Meta-Analysis of Global Urban Land Expansion.
PLoS ONE 6(8): e23777. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0023777
Wei, B., & Yang, L. (2010). A review of heavy metal contaminations in urban soils, urban road dusts and
agricultural soils from China. Microchemical Journal, 94(2), 99-107. doi:10.1016/j.microc.2009.09.014
Wever, M. G., de Kreij, C., Schie, W. V., Gemtsen J.L. (1994). Cocos as a growing medium. Retrieved
from: https://www.dutchplantin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Doc-13-Cocos-as-a-growing-
medium.pdf
Zeeuw, H. D., Veenhuizen, R. V., & Dubbeling, M. (2011). The role of urban agriculture in building
resilient cities in developing countries. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 149(S1), 153-163.
doi:10.1017/s0021859610001279
Books (physical/online access):
Cities Farming for the Future: Urban Agriculture for Green and Productive Cities. (2006). Netherlands: RUAF
Foundation.
Mougeot, L. J. (2005). Agropolis: the Social, Political, and Environmental Diensions of Urban Agriculture.
London: Earthscan.
Mougeot, L. J. (2000). Urban Agriculture: Definition, Presence, Potentials and Risks, and Policy Changes.
International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Retrieved from: https://idl-bnc-
idrc.dspacedirect.org/bitstream/handle/10625/26429/117785.pdf?sequence=12

Others (manuscripts, reports, statistics, etc):

Agri Pinoy. (2010). Republic of the Philippines: Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute.
Retrieved from: http://ati.da.gov.ph/content/agri-pinoy
Aquino, A. P., Tidon, A. G., Ani, P. A. B., Festejo, M. A. (1997). The Agricultureand Fisheries Modernization
Act of 1997: A Collective Approach to Competitiveness. Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved from:
http://www.fftc.agnet.org/files/ap_policy/77/77_1.pdf
Economic and Financial Data of the Philippines. (2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA. Retrieved from:
http://nap.psa.gov.ph/sdds/nsdp_online_all.asp

9
Employment Rate in April 2018 is Estimated at 94.5 Percent. (2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA.
Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/content/employment-rate-april-2018-estimated-945-percent
De Guzman, C. C. (2002). Urban agriculture in Philippine setting: the concept, practice, significance and
threats, 15.
Farmer, Fishermen and Children consistently posted the highest poverty incidence among basic sectors - PSA.
(2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA. Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/poverty-press-releases
Highlights of the Philippine Export and Import Statistics: May 2018. (2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA.
Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/content/highlights-philippine-export-and-import-statistics-may-
2018
Highlights of the Philippine Population 2015 Census of Population. (2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA.
Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/content/highlights-philippine-population-2015-census-population
Philippines Economic Update: Investing in the Future. (2018). World Bank. Retrieved from:
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/philippines-economic-update-investing-
in-the-future
Philippine economy grows by 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2018. (2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA.
Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/content/philippine-economy-grows-68-percent-first-quarter-2018
Summary Inflation Report Consumer Price. (2018). Republic of the Philippines: PSA. Retrieved from:
https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/survey/price/summary-inflation-report-consumer-price-index-2012100-
june-2018

10
I. Sustainability, Urbanization, and Urban Agriculture: the Current State of the
Philippine Economy
a. Statement about the field of research to provide the reader with a setting or content
for the problem to be investigated and to claim its centrality or importance
b. More specific statements about the aspects of the problem already studied by other
researchers laying a foundation of information already known
c. Statements that indicate the need for more investigation, creating a gap or research
niche for the present study to fill
d. Optional: statements giving the purpose/objectives of the writer’s study or outlining its
main activity
e. Optional: statements that give positive value or justification for carrying out the study
II. Urban Agriculture and the worsening Philippine economy
a. Sustainability: the current state of Philippine economy
b. Urbanization: population growth and long term impact to the economy and
environment.
c. Urban Agriculture: the lack of policies and development.
III. Urban Agriculture towards a self-sustaining, greener, and richer Philippines.
a. Urban agriculture towards sustainable urbanization
i. Self-sustaining communities in other places
ii. Employment
b. Urban agriculture towards a green economy through preservation of the environment.
i. Reduce, reuse, recycle
ii. Marketable products and by-products
c. Philippines towards Urban Agriculture
i. Policies of other countries
ii. Development of urban agriculture in other countries
IV. Disadvantages and Misconceptions in Urban Agriculture
a. Possible contamination of UA products with urban wastes
i. Presentation of solution through proper education on UA, and presentation of
UA products safe for consumption.
b. Urban agriculture is already practiced in the Philippines
i. Examples of malpractice in UA as a result of misconceptions about UA
c. Rural farmers getting displaced due to UA
i. Present policies in other countries which regulates UA
ii. Employment of unemployed individuals who sought fortune in Metro Manila
V. Urban Agriculture for a long term sustainability in the Philippines for Future
Generations
VI. References

11