BAGUIO CITY – Urban farming in Baguio gets a boost with a P2.5M fund from the Department of Agriculture – CAR, for agricultural activities pending the submission of pertinent documents.
This was announced during the first quarter meeting of the City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (CAFC) with the supervision of City Agriculturist Alberto Tomas and DA-CAR staff led by Karen Ganga last week at the City Veterinary Office, Slaughterhouse compound.
Only financial plans from urban gardeners have been submitted, with project proposals needed to complete requirements for the financial assistance.
Coupled with the financial assistance are agricultural activities scheduled this year; inventory of coffee and flower growers, best practices and out-of-town agricultural tours, and information and technology trainings for barangay urban gardeners.
According to Tomas, 4H clubs and Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) are being revived in schools and barangays; as vegetable-producing seeds and coffee seedlings are prepared for use, in coordination with the DA-CAR,Bureau of Plant Industry, Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. as chair of the Market, Trade and Commerce, and Agriculture committee, and other government agencies.
Organic practices for backyard, pot, container, rooftop, vertical and hanging gardens are now being encouraged around the city and suburbs, for self-sustenance and enough food on the table, Tomas said. Livelihood through tea making and food preservation programs are also in vogue he added.
In addition, the provision of city flowers for Panagbenga 2019 is an added challenge, Tomas intimated. Potted strawberries in all households, touted as a product of Baguio, is also envisioned.
The CAFC assists the DA, with the participation of the local government unit in the implementation and monitoring of self-sustenance and food security programs through sectoral groups for poultry, livestock, fisheries, fruits and vegetables, commercial crops, staples, international trade and climate change groups. /juliegfianza
