ECO-FARMS IN VACANT LOTS

ECO-FARMS IN VACANT LOTS

There are vacant lots everywhere you look. Some are in the heart of Metro Manila, others scattered across the provinces. Some are owned by government agencies, others by private individuals. Some have been foreclosed by banks, others repossessed by local governments. And here is the point: whether government-owned, bank-foreclosed, LGU-controlled, or privately held, all these vacant lots can be put to good use.

Why not transform them into eco-farms?

Yes, even privately-owned idle land could be lent out on a usufruct basis—a fancy legal term that simply means you get to use someone else’s land without owning it, as long as it’s for a good purpose. And what better purpose than to produce food in a country where hunger still stalks many households?

Eco-farms could grow fruits and vegetables that could either be enjoyed as a hobby, shared among neighbors, or even channeled into community kitchens to feed the hungry. Seeds are not a problem—government agencies like the Bureau of Plant Industry are already distributing them, and commercial sources are always available for those willing to invest a little.

The vision is simple: eco-farms as small-scale, community-centered sources of fresh and affordable produce. They could double as community gardens where senior citizens find joy and purpose, or where children learn firsthand how food is grown. Imagine neighborhoods not only with basketball courts and barangay halls, but also with vibrant gardens filled with tomatoes, kangkong, pechay, eggplants, and fruit-bearing trees.

But what exactly do we mean by eco-farms?

An eco-farm, short for ecological farm, is more than just planting vegetables. It is about working with nature, not against it. It promotes biodiversity—growing a variety of crops and perhaps even integrating small animals. It takes care of the soil through composting and crop rotation. It conserves water through rain harvesting and mulching. It avoids harmful chemicals, relying instead on organic methods. It even minimizes energy use, turning to low-tech, renewable solutions.

In short, eco-farming is about producing food while also caring for the environment.

This is not a new dream. In Iloilo, Sol y Mar has become a learning site for natural farming, proving that eco-farms can be both productive and educational. In Puerto Princesa, La Marchea blends organic farming with residential living—an “agrihood” concept. In Cavite, Kavanah Farm Residences integrates sustainable farming into its housing design. These are not just farms, but communities built around ecological stewardship.

Could this model be scaled down to the barangay level? Could every city block or provincial town host at least one eco-farm in an idle lot? I believe so. And if done right, these eco-farms could even evolve into something bigger: retirement eco-villages, where senior citizens live in greener, healthier environments, contributing to food security while enjoying farm-to-table living.

The potential benefits are plenty. They can:

·       Reduce food insecurity by making fresh produce more accessible.

·       Create healthier, greener urban spaces.

·       Give senior citizens meaningful activities.

·       Teach children the value of sustainable living.

·       Foster community spirit by sharing harvests.

·       Contribute to environmental goals like reducing chemical use and improving soil health.

Of course, challenges exist. Who will manage these eco-farms? How do we ensure that idle lots are made available? Can local governments take the lead by inventorying all vacant lots in their jurisdictions and matching them with interested groups or cooperatives? Perhaps barangay councils, NGOs, and even schools could spearhead such initiatives.

Here’s a suggestion: every LGU should establish a “Vacant Lot to Eco-Farm Program.” Just like how some cities have urban gardening projects, this could be institutionalized, with the LGU facilitating usufruct agreements, providing starter seeds, and offering technical support.

We often complain about problems like hunger, malnutrition, and even urban blight. But what if part of the solution is already sitting under our noses—in the form of idle land that nobody is using? If we transform these neglected spaces into eco-farms, we not only feed the body but also nourish the spirit of community and stewardship.

So, the question remains: will we continue to let vacant lots remain idle and lifeless—or will we choose to turn them into vibrant eco-farms that give life, food, and hope?

The choice is ours.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

11-11-2025