DA XI sustains P13-M budget for urban agri-gardening
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) aims to sustain and intensify the establishment of urban agri-gardening in communities within Davao region through their P13 million budget.
During the Agribiz forum on March 6, Merriel Bernardo, NUPAP focal person, said the project will maximize the production of nutritious and safe food in urban areas such as barangays and households.
Bernardo said all households should be able to plant for their own food consumption and not rely on government aid.
She said they are in close coordination with 130 barangays and schools for the establishment of community vegetable gardens.
The target areas identified for vegetable production will be done in partnership with the Davao International Airport through the SM Foundation graduates, National Food and Housing Authority to establish vegetable production in housing subdivisions and homeowners, and the Commission on Urban Poor.
She said barangays might also be able to make a profit out of the vegetable production, and schools may utilize it for their feeding program.
They also partnered with the Commision on Urban Poor, situated in Biao Tugbok. Bahay Ampunan produces vegetables which they sell to help their organization.
Bernardo said the project started way back 2022 as a way to cope with the pandemic, as this will help meet the increasing food demand in every home in the community. She added that they are constantly monitoring the areas to ensure that every household will get the produce they planted.
To avail of the tools used in urban gardening, Bernardo said one must submit a letter of intent to their office. Tools such as hydroponics technology, soil, and vegetable plant containers (for container gardening) for those who don’t have any areas to plant at home are available.
The NUPAP will also be conducting training from vegetable production to harvest, to further encourage homeowners, Bernardo added.