Oasis in the City: The BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers

In the midst of towering high rises at the Bonifacio Global City, the concrete landscape reveals a special plot of land with lush and verdant greens seemingly out of place in a modern commercial and business district. Step inside and you'll feel it's just where it should be...   

An oasis in the city, the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers yields a bountiful harvest of garden fresh and crisp lettuce, vegetables and herbs right at the heart of Bonifacio Global City. The verdant greens stand out in a modern landscape against the grey tones of concrete, a calming and tranquil spot where you can pick garden fresh vegetables for your own salad bowl for a unique farm-to-table experience right here at BGC. 

The inspiring story of Urban Farmers began at the onset of the global pandemic, when the world suddenly stopped in its tracks with the life-changing new normal. The challenging concern for food security was everyone's priority during the pandemic, and the seeds for an innovative and timely concept began to sprout. From a small garden in Bel-Air, the idea transformed into a movement replicated in various communities. It's a defining story of how "growth started from change" in a disruptive new normal.   

And the concept can now be seen and experienced at a formerly idle lot in BGC. For Louie Gutierrez, Chairman and CEO of SilverWorks, the quarantine experience forced everyone to rethink and evaluate what really matters. He then set out to build on an idea with the following guidelines for a radical and daring project starting with the maximization and use of idle land, finding creative solutions for food and material wastes, create jobs for displaced workers, unite the community through a common interest in food and gardening, support impoverished communities through a charitable model, instill the value and appreciation of agriculture among the young and provide accessible and affordable fresh produce grown in the city to promote a healthier lifestyle.   

Two years later, the concept behind Urban Farmers remains as relevant as it was then addressing lingering concerns on food security and a healthier diet. In a corner lot along 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Bonifacio Global City, the vision of Louie Gutierrez has blossomed into a sustainable model...

...with a lush and verdant plot of land featuring fresh and edible produce in the middle of the metro's hectic and premier business and commercial district. 

From seedlings in various stages of growth to harvest-ready vegetables, the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers clearly shows us how we can transform and address the nagging issues of food security and a healthier lifestyle in a relevant manner using sustainable practices.  

The vibrant colors from petunias to marigolds in full bloom surround the garden, feeding the eyes and spirit with its calming beauty...

...yet you have to constantly remind yourself that you haven't left the city.

In fact, you're right in the middle of it all at Bonifacio Global City. Framed by its towering skyline, it's an oasis in the city. 

Throughout the garden, visitors are educated with interactive displays on urban farming techniques...

...turning the farm into a virtual classroom for those yearning to start their own little urban farm at home. "The most important thing in starting a project like this is to come up with the right intentions. It doesn't have to be this big, it can even be your balcony in the house or a small plot of garden at the backyard. If your intentions are clear, the plants will love it, it will grow, definitely amazing things can happen," shared Louie Gutierrez.  

It's inspiring to see vegetables of all kinds growing in a once idle lot, transforming it into a productive garden. And freshness is what makes the farm-to-table concept work delivering real flavors.  

The BGC Community Garden by Urban Farmers is a fresh pantry with all the herbs you need for the kitchen, opening up a world of infinite possibilities for your next kitchen adventure.

A fresh set of seedlings from the greenhouse is readied for transfer to the garden...

...while a batch is prepared for harvest...

...and packed for consumption. The cyclical harvests are a daily routine at the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers making fresh produce accessible and affordable right here at The Fort. As quarantine restrictions are gradually eased, the things we valued and learned from the start of the pandemic remains a part of our mindset in this new normal. And it's relevant projects like this that keeps us grounded. "Definitely when you're thinking about this, it's not the money, it's not the income, but it's the peace of mind and satisfaction that we're able to feed the good food for the community. It's something we can do, it's something that each person can think about. You know we just have to let everybody know that it can be done," added Louie Guttierez.  

Just look for Randy at the BGC Community Garden by Urban Farmers when you're ready to start your own journey with urban farming or harvesting your fresh medley of vegetables for your salad at home. 

Salad days at home becomes a much anticipated event when you know you have the freshest vegetables harvested straight from the farm to your table...

...for a lavish feast of pure goodness in a bowl. Delicately crisp with subtle sweet notes, each bite delivers a burst of flavors and textural contrasts for that perfect bowl of salad.  

More than just an advocacy, the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers is a reminder that agriculture in an urban setting can be done. See it for yourself in full bloom when you visit Bonifacio Global City...

For more on Urban Farmers and the BGC Community Garden, visit their website at https://urbanfarmersph.org/ and FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/urbanfarmersofbelair/ for updates.

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