San Miguel Corp expands urban farming project to six sites, targets nationwide rollout

San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF), has expanded its community farming initiative Backyard Bukid to six sites nationwide, with plans to establish at least three new locations annually as part of a broader push to improve food access and support livelihoods in low-income communities.

Originally launched in 2020 at the company’s head office complex in Mandaluyong during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program began as a way to help utility, maintenance, and security staff grow their own food and earn additional income.

The initial 750-square-meter farm has since evolved into a multi-site model combining organic farming, skills training, and community enterprise.

The project now covers a total of 3,300 square meters and involves over 120 active volunteers, composed of San Miguel workers, third-party personnel, and residents from surrounding barangays.

“We wanted to provide more than just livelihood. We wanted to give our people a sense of purpose and ownership. That small patch of land gave us proof that the model could grow,” SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.

Participants undergo a three-month intensive training program provided by SEED Philippines, covering organic farming methods including composting, seedling production, natural pest control, and biopesticide formulation.

Since the program’s inception, the farms have produced over 3,000 kilograms of vegetables, which are sold at up to 50% below retail prices. Proceeds are managed by each farming group, with 80% distributed as cash benefits to members and 20% allocated for farm maintenance and reinvestment.

Volunteers may also harvest produce for personal use by coordinating with farm managers. Some have replicated the model in their homes, while others now serve as mentors to new participants.

SMF aims to expand the program further, targeting three new farm sites per year, particularly in areas near its facilities.

Backyard Bukid is part of SMC’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives, which also include river rehabilitation, livelihood support, and environmental conservation.