54 MANOLEÑOS PARTICIPATES IN FREE URBAN GARDENING TRAINING

2nd Municipal Livelihood Summit

As part of the 2nd Municipal Livelihood Summit 2023, a two-day Urban Gardening Skills Training took place on November 22-23, 2023, facilitated by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) headed by Municipal Agriculturist Gemma Cania.

The participants were taught organic farming, formulating organic soil fertilizer to ensure abundant yield. On the first day, 27 participants from different barangays in Manolo Fortich joined the training inside the New Government Center Conference Room.

Urban Permaculture Coordinator Junah Bayag from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon serves as the resource speaker of the said training. He is the owner of Jaya Secret Garden located in the city where he practices urban permaculture. Permaculture can be defined as growing agricultural ecosystems where the crops/plants are self-sufficient and sustainable.

Meanwhile, on the second day, another 27 participants coming from different Barangays attended the training. It is about Promotion of Urban Landscape Gardening/How to Produce Organic Vegetables at Home. Agriculture Technologist on High-Value Vegetables Dionisio De la Cruz from MAO conducted the training.

Orlando Sarabia, from Purok 3, Barangay San Miguel expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño for opening the Livelihood Summit and for MAO for the opportunity to learn urban gardening free of charge. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat na isa ako natagaan og prebilihiyo nga makatuon niining urban gardening. Karon akong nakita unsa ka importante pag-recycle sa atong mga solid waste materials labi na sa mga empty bottles and can, nga dako man diay kini og ka-gamitan sa panahon og ato na kining tanoman sa mga lainlain mga klase sa mga utanon, mga flowers ug bisan sa mga fruit trees.”

Urban gardening is a practice of farming focusing on utilizing limited land or space. This practice also promotes recycling by using recyclable materials like plastic containers/bottles or PVC pipes to plant crops, usually for family consumption. It is one of the best ways to fight food scarcity in urban areas and cut cost on food while still eating fresh and healthy produce. It is also good for those people who can’t afford land for farming.