(Photo courtesy of I Love Taguig FB page)

The term “probinsyudad” is a portmanteau of the Filipino words with Spanish origins “probinsya” (province) and “siyudad” (city).

In 2011, during the city's 424th foundation day, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano proudly referred to the city as a "probinsyudad." This term highlights that the city combines urban and provincial characteristics. It's unique in Metro Manila for having over 10 kilometers of lakeshore, farmers, fisherfolk, old churches, a historic lighthouse, and a community known for cooperation. 

Recently, the term "Probinsyudad" was also officially registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in March 2024.  

“Saan ka pa makakakita sa Metro Manila ng isang lungsod kung saan posible pala na balanse ang modernisasyon at tradisyon?” remarked Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano during the 2024 Taguig Melon Festival last April 11, 2024.

(Where else in Metro Manila can you find a city where it's possible to balance modernization and tradition?)

Taguig City, located in the center of Metro Manila, stands as a dynamic urban hub where modernism seamlessly blends with its rich cultural heritage. 

Originally home to a community of 800 fisherfolks and farmers along the shores of Laguna de Bay, Taguig has grown into an economically successful city with tall buildings, busy business areas, and residential neighborhoods. 

“Sa Taguig nakilala po tayo bilang isang Global City pero nagpapakilala din ang Taguig ngayon bilang isang Probinsyudad, probinsiya at siyudad,” she added.

(Taguig is known as a Global City, but Taguig is also introducing itself now as a Probinsyudad province and city.)

Despite its rapid urbanization, Taguig continues to promote urban gardening and farming. The city sees urban agriculture as not just an economic opportunity for the Taguigeños, but also as a way to promote a greener environment and healthy lifestyles.

Urban gardening and farming in Metro Manila offer numerous benefits, including improved access to fresh and nutritious produce, increased involvement in the community, reduced environmental impact through local food production, and opportunities for education and skill development in sustainable agriculture practices. 

These projects also help with food security, economic empowerment of its citizens, and the creation of green spaces that improve urban life.

True to being a Probinsyudad, here are some urban farms in Taguig City that you can check out:

1. Melon Farm

Taguig boasts of a massive 66-hectare melon farm along Laguna Lake Highway (C6 Road) in Barangay Wawa, Taguig City.

Every summer, Taguig City celebrates the Melon Festival. This year, it was held on April 11, 2024, and over 1,669 metric tons of melons were harvested, with about 60 melon farmers enjoying the fruits of their labor.

This celebration shows Taguig's commitment to preserving traditions and promoting the well-being of its farmers. By commemorating agricultural events like these, the city highlights the importance of agriculture and its critical role in maintaining food security and boosting the local economy.

2. Taguig City Integrated Urban Farm

The integrated urban farm is located on a 2,500-square-meter area along the shores of Laguna de Bay in Barangay Lower Bicutan. It includes an array of urban farming setups, from gardens with space-saving vertical farming to wooden rack and pole gardens.

The farm has fruit-bearing lemon, avocado, chico, and strawberry trees, among other kinds of trees. There is also a pond with tilapia and hito (catfish), a greenhouse that produces lettuce and salad greens, and a bamboo classroom created for Taguigeño students interested in urban agriculture.

The produce of the Taguig City Integrated Urban Farm is sold to the community at an affordable price.

3. Senator Rene Compañero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School (SRCCMSTHS) urban farm

This urban farm, spanning 800 square meters, marks the eighth addition to Taguig's urban farming initiatives, complementing similar projects in public schools across the city.

Equipped with hydroponics, aquaponics, a greenhouse, and diverse gardens, the farm produces vegetables, root crops, gourds, beans, and spices. These harvests play a vital role in funding local projects such as Urban Farming Seminars, the Taguig Love Caravan, and Dietary Supplementation programs.

Despite the busy urban landscape, the city prioritizes sustainability and community well-being through initiatives like urban gardening. Their efforts not only help ensure food security and environmental sustainability but also foster a sense of connection with nature and farming traditions.

So why not visit these agricultural hotspots the next time you visit BGC (Bonifacio Global City) and feel Taguig’s unique blend of rural charm and urban energy? 

Taguig's identity as a city that values its roots, while at the time, pushes forward with innovation and growth, serves as a compelling example of how cities can balance modernity with the preservation of traditions and community values. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)