To further enable urban farmers to optimize sustainable agricultural productivity amidst the challenges of an urban setting, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) in collaboration with the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CVAO) turned over three (3) Established Agricultural Production Facilities to three (3) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) today, November 28, 2024 at Dontogan, Baguio City.
Said facilities valued at Php3.9 million include two (2) units of solar-powered greenhouse with hydroponics systems, and one (1) unit of nursery, which were awarded under the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) to Panbiyagan Di Umili Organization (Dontogan), Benin Farmers Organization (Pinsao Proper), and Raise Rabbit Raise Livelihood Organization (Gibraltar), respectively.
The turnover is also under the DA-CAR and CVAO collaborative project on “Strengthening the Implementation of Urban Agriculture Program in the City of Baguio” initiative.
CVAO Head Silardo Bested said that the initiative also aims to enhance the livelihoods of farmers, foster innovation, and set a new benchmark for smart urban agriculture beyond improving crop yields. “The project is designed to empower urban farmers by providing them the tools, infrastructure, and knowledge needed to maximize agricultural productivity in a challenging urban environment,” he said, adding that by integrating advanced technologies such as hydroponics and solar-powered systems, it directly addresses critical issues of resources efficiency, sustainability, and the need for innovative solutions in urban farming.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced plans to expand the city’s agricultural land, which currently accounts for only 3% of its total land area. He aims to increase this to at least 5% by incorporating modern agricultural technologies and adopting smart agriculture practices. “It’s about time to shift to better farm technologies and smart farming for us to be able to increase our production. We are also introducing smart urban agriculture to other barangays by establishing an additional six (6) greenhouses,” Magalong said.
He further stated that the city government will fully support the farmers by addressing their logistical needs, with the goal of eliminating middlemen. Mayor Magalong also revealed that a Memorandum of Agreement with the Quezon City local government is in progress to facilitate the marketing of farmers’ produce. This initiative aims to enhance farmers’ profitability and help them achieve sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, DA-CAR Technical Adviser to the Office of the Regional Executive Director Joan Bacbac expressed her hopes that the greenhouse would not only provide the organization an additional income but also transform its members into agripreneurs, encouraging them to explore and embrace the opportunities in agriculture.
Brelyn Kibasen, president of the Panbiyagan Di Umuli Organization, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the intervention and support they continuously receive. She also pledged that, through the newly established greenhouse, they would inspire their children to become smart farmers by embracing modern farming technologies.** Cy-j E. Waytan
