Sowing Seeds of Change: How Kids in Payatas Are Growing a Love for Farming

In the bustling urban landscape of Payatas, Quezon City—an area more commonly associated with

crowded neighborhoods and concrete spaces—a refreshing movement is quietly taking root. At the

heart of this movement is the Women Food Producers Association OFW group, who are not only

cultivating crops but also cultivating young minds.

In a unique initiative, the group has opened its urban farm to ten spirited children from the community,

welcoming them into the world of food production. Every weekend, these kids eagerly swap screens for

soil, spending their mornings watering seedlings, pulling out weeds, and planting fresh crops. What

initially began as a simple pastime has blossomed into a meaningful routine—transforming playtime into

purposeful, hands-on learning.

The shift is not just about farming; it’s about shaping healthier habits, fostering responsibility, and

instilling a deep connection to nature and food systems. In an age where many children are drawn to

gadgets and digital entertainment, the farm offers an alternative: an opportunity to engage with the

environment, understand where food comes from, and appreciate the hard work behind every meal.

Beyond the technical skills of planting and nurturing crops, these children are learning valuable life

lessons—teamwork, patience, and care for the community. They are also becoming part of a broader

conversation around food security and sustainable living, understanding at a young age how crucial

locally grown food is to their health, economy, and environment.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Women Food Producers Association, is a testament to the power of

grassroots movements in urban spaces. It shows how small, community-driven actions can plant the

seeds for long-term change, not only improving food production but also cultivating the next generation

of environmentally responsible individual.

Indeed, the future of sustainable food systems may very well be shaped by these young hands—hands

that are learning to nurture the soil today so they can build a greener and more resilient tomorrow.