Philippine Journal of Science
153 (1): 443-451, February 2024
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 10 Aug 2023
Oh My Gulay! Sa FNRI: Exploring the Potential of Workplace Urban Garden for Food Self-provisioning
Maja Bethzaida S. Decena*, Idelia G. Glorioso, Shannen Faye Q. Arevalo, and Milflor S. Gonzales
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 the Philippines
*Corresponding author: majadecena@gmail.com
Decena MB et al. 2024. Oh My Gulay! Sa FNRI: Exploring the Potential of Workplace Urban Garden for Food Self-provisioning. Philipp J Sci 153(1): 443–451. https://doi.org/10.56899/153.01.37
ABSTRACT
This study explores the potential of workplace edible gardens in promoting food self-provisioning (FSP) and in helping enhance food security in the Philippines. In 2017, an urban edible garden or Oh My Gulay! Sa FNRI (OMG) was set up in front of the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) Building to showcase the concept of an urban garden in a workplace. This is an example of FSP in the workplace. The study used primary and secondary data. Primary data included OMG vegetable volume harvested from 2018–2022 and the garden’s land area. Secondary data were the national vegetable volume harvested and area from the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA). The characteristics and practices of OMG were also used to measure the OMG’s productivity (yield and number of servings produced). The productivity of OMG was compared to the national productivity of 34 vegetable crops in the Philippines (PSA 2018–2022), except for 2020. The results demonstrate that an FSP in the workplace setting like OMG can provide adequate quantity to supply the vegetable recommendation for five adult individuals, following the WHO/FAO recommendation of consuming 400 g/d or 146 kg per adult individual per year of fruits and vegetables or a family composed of two adults and two children following the WHO/FAP recommendation of 1,300 g/d of fruits and vegetables. In addition, for every 71 m2 of land cultivated in a manner similar to the OMG, it can sustain an adult’s vegetable needs for an entire year. Furthermore, with a larger area of 397 m2, the OMG garden can adequately supply a family with sufficient vegetables for a year, thereby showcasing its capacity to contribute to long-term food security at the household level. Study results provide evidence regarding workplace food provisioning to help address food insecurity in the country.