What began as a childhood passion for gardening has blossomed into a thriving urban farming enterprise that is now helping promote sustainable food production and urban agriculture in the Philippines.
For Christian “Kian” Castaneda, founder of Organikian Urban Farm, his love for plants started at an early age, tending gardens alongside his parents. Years later, while working in Qatar in 2010, he rekindled that passion and ventured into hydroponics, determined to explore innovative ways of growing food despite limited space.
Upon returning to the Philippines, Kian transformed his vision into reality by establishing Organikian Urban Farm, where he continuously experimented with hydroponic technologies to improve crop production. As Kian often says, “We plant seeds and grow blessings,” a tagline that reflects his advocacy of producing quality vegetables while inspiring more Filipinos to embrace urban agriculture.
However, building a sustainable urban farm was not rid of its difficulties. Rising temperatures and the recurring effects of El Niño made it increasingly difficult to produce high-quality leafy vegetables. Urban farming also demands efficient use of limited space while ensuring crops remained healthy and marketable despite changing climatic conditions.
Rather than allowing these challenges to hinder his progress, Kian pursued innovation. He designed and developed his own greenhouse system, which now houses three production bays, two utilizing the Nutrient Film Technique and one employing the Kratky method. He also formulated his own hydroponic nutrient solution, enabling his crops to thrive even under extreme weather conditions.
By combining quality seeds, a carefully managed growing environment, and a customized nutrient formulation, Organikian Urban Farm consistently produces high-quality lettuce that meets market standards in both size and quality. As Kian puts it, “Urban farming is a playground for creativity. People can start growing food and vegetables even in the comfort of their own homes.”
Kian’s efforts received a significant boost through the Department of Agriculture’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (DA-NUPAP), which supports initiatives that strengthen urban food production and encourage communities to engage in sustainable agriculture.
According to Kian, the partnership with the DA has enabled Organikian Urban Farm to expand its advocacy and reach more people interested in urban gardening. “With the help of DA-NUPAP, talagang nakaka-extend na tayo ng tulong sa community through Organikian Urban Farm,” he shared.
Beyond improving his farm’s operations, the collaboration has allowed him to inspire aspiring urban farmers and demonstrate that innovative technologies can make food production more resilient in the face of climate-related challenges. As a recognized practitioner in hydroponics, Kian also serves as a resource person in hydroponics trainings conducted by the DA’s Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XII, where he shares his technologies and practical experiences with farmers, students, and aspiring
urban gardeners. Through these engagements, he continues to help build the capacity of communities and promote climate-smart agricultural practices.
Kian’s dedication and innovations have also earned national recognition. Prior to his national victory, Organikian Urban Farm was recognized as the Regional Winner of the Gawad Saka Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden – Macrogarden Category, receiving a ₱100,000 cash prize from DA-NUPAP XII. Building on this achievement, Organikian Urban Farm was named this year as the Gawad Saka National Winner for Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden – Macrogarden Category, receiving a ₱500,000 cash prize from DA – Central Office.
Looking back on the journey, Kian said, “I really want to grow and help the community, so we pushed through with our projects and lahat ng mga kinakailangan. Maybe that’s why this 2026, we won.”
Today, Organikian Urban Farm serves as a model for climate-smart urban agriculture, portraying how innovation, determination, and strong government support can work together to strengthen local food systems and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Expressing his gratitude, Kian acknowledged the DA and NUPAP as valuable partners in advancing urban agriculture in the country. “Many thanks to the Department of Agriculture and the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program. They are the best partners in terms of pursuing urban agriculture,” he said.
As the DA continues to champion urban and peri-urban agriculture across the country, stories like Organikian Urban Farm show what can be achieved when passionate individuals and government programs work hand in hand. Through innovation, perseverance, meaningful partnerships, and a commitment to sharing knowledge, initiatives like these are helping strengthen local food production, inspire more Filipinos to embrace urban farming, and build more resilient communities for the future. ### (DDPFrench)
Holding one of the hydroponically grown lettuces from Organikian Urban Farm, founder Christian “Kian” Castaneda showcases a journey that began with a childhood passion for gardening and grew into an enterprise advancing sustainable food production and urban agriculture in the Philippines.