Agri NorMin boosts vegetable prod’n thru seeds distribution
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure fresh and quality produce at the comfort of their locality, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over assorted vegetable seeds to local farming communities in the region today, September 18, at the DA-10 compound.
DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over 4 cans of squash, 3 packs of kangkong (1 kilogram per pack) and 3 packs of pole sitao (1 kg/pack) seeds to the local government unit of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental through Agriculturist II Pio Danilo P. Cuadra.
“The intervention is very timely since the season is suited for planting. These seeds will be distributed to the barangays of Alubijid,” Cuadra added.
Additionally, 10 packs of kangkong (1 kg/pack) seeds were conferred to Zone 2, Sta. Cruz Gardeners Association from Tagoloan town through association President Gemma B. Balicoco.
She shared that the seeds will benefit 33 of their members.
The said initiative forms part of DA’s 9-point agenda which aims to achieve food security through boosting agricultural production and ensure accessibility to reasonably priced and nutritious food.# (AMBM)
Agri-10 joins the tree growing activity of CSC to help promote environmentalism and patriotism.
Aggie dept joins Tree Growing activity, promoting environmentalism and patriotism
In consonance with the government’s efforts of advocating environmental care and sustainability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) joins the Tree Growing for a Cause: Malasakit sa Kalikasan, Malasakit sa Lingkod Bayan, on September 17, held at Lingkod Bayani Eco Park, Pagatpat, in the city of Cagayan de Oro.
Said activity gears toward contributing to climate change mitigation by tree-growing, thereby promoting environmental stewardship as well as raising funds for the CSC’s Pamanang Lingkod Bayani Program, in behalf of the families of civil servants who have passed away, but dedicated their lives in service.
The initiative which also aims to plant at least 10,000 trees is organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), in observance of the Commission’s 124th anniversary, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.#(JLO/Photos supplied)
Two gardens from Region 10 were declared as the 2024 DABestUPA Garden awardees.
R-10 gardens recognized at 2024 DABestUPA Gardens Awards
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Jaya Secret Garden (JSG) from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and Carmen Eco Warriors from Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City were awarded in the recently concluded 2024 Search for the Best Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (DABestUPA) Gardens Awards on September 12, in Biñan City, Laguna.
Now on its second year, the search is spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (DA-NUPAP) which aims to recognize and celebrate the champions in community gardening for their creativity and innovation as well as their commitment to food security.
For this year, 30 urban and peri-urban garden finalists were named under the macrogarden (more than 250 square meters) and microgarden (less than 250-sqm) categories and were adjudged based on performance from their 2023 crop production, adoption of good agricultural practices, records management, training and competency, and the crafting of strategic plans.
NUPAP Head coordinator Carl Vincent B. Gapasin, shared that since the creation of the program through AO No. 3, Series of 2022, there remains a strong need for a robust support system and enabling environment to promote sustainable urban agriculture farming.
Accordingly, the NUPAP and Agricultural Training Institute in collaboration with the Bureau of Plant Industry and Bureau of Animal Industry created the search.
He also noted that the activity promotes sustainable garden practices that focus on vegetable and livestock production, high-value crops and innovative solutions like rooftop gardening and indoor cultivation systems.
“This competition also serves as the key mechanism to support our government sustainable development goals on health, nutrition and food security by encouraging urban communities to adopt eco-friendly sustainable agriculture practices in our homes, school gardens, and neighborhood,” he added.
For winning the second runner-up for the macrogarden category, JSG received a plaque of recognition and PhP45k in the form of a project grant. Additionally, they were also given the Best Urban Garden for Climate Action Award.
JSG, named after their daughter Jayashree Harsha is owned by couple Junah and Hazel Bayag which started in 2010 with an area of 2,100-sqm and now has expanded to 5,000-sqm.
The garden boasts different high-valued organic produce such as vegetables, perennial crops, and culinary herbs, as well as tilapia, chickens, ducks, hogs, vermicompost, and beneficial microorganisms. All of these are arranged in a landscape made up of recycled items, including used tires, bottles, and containers.
Aside from the produce, JSG is now earning from the conduct of trainings, guided garden tours, catering and landscaping services, provision of seedlings and other value-adding products such as basil, pesto and powder stevia.
On the other hand, Carmen Eco-Warriors received a plaque of recognition after being awarded Best Urban Garden for Social Equity for Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture under the microgarden category.
They were established last March 2023 as a 250-sqm communal garden aimed to address issues on solid waste management, food security and provide additional income to local residents. # (AMBM)
