by: Christine Sanchez

The first Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit 2024, a three-day conference and exhibit with the theme “Pagsibol” meaning growth, created a holistic and transformative platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective action among agricultural industries and organizations. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos led the ribbon cutting ceremony held on May 3 at One Ayala Mall in Makati City. In his welcome message, Dr. Glenn F. Panganiban, Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), and National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), acknowledged the importance of a whole of society approach in creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural value chain amid climate change and rapid urbanization.

ABC, with its commitment to nurture the thriving agricultural landscape, showcased a diverse collection of highland and lowland flowers. Professionals and hobbyists with varying horticultural and agricultural backgrounds feasted their eyes with fiery reds, cool pinks, luxurious purples, and bright yellows. From highland ornaments like the Lisianthus F1, Antirrhinum F1, and Campanula F1 to lowland beauties like the Vincent’s 2 Choice F1 Hybrid Sunflower and Celosia Plumosa, ABC had it covered.

With horticulture standing out as a significant contributor in shaping the future of agricultural landscape, ABC will continue adapting to these opportunities to promote community resilience and sustainable livelihood through our products and services.