To empower communities with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable food production, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) successfully conducted four batches of the Training Course on Urban Agriculture. The sessions were held from August 28-30 in Balungao, Pangasinan; September 4-6 in Calasiao, Pangasinan; and September 11-13 and October 2-4, 2024, at ATI-RTC I in Tebag East, Santa Barbara, Pangasinan. This training is part of the institute’s ongoing efforts to support the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, which aims to address food security challenges by encouraging urban dwellers to cultivate their own food.
The training catered to a diverse group of participants, including urban dwellers, community leaders, youth groups, and local agricultural enthusiasts. It emphasized the importance of urban agriculture as a viable solution to food security and environmental sustainability. The course was designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to establish and maintain urban gardens, contributing to increased food production and improved nutrition within their communities.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in a series of interactive lectures and hands-on activities. Topics covered included the principles and benefits of urban agriculture, techniques for growing vegetables in limited spaces, organic farming practices, vegetable pest management, hydroponics, vermicomposting, and natural pesticides.
One of the highlights of the training was a practical demonstration on creating organic concoctions, which are particularly effective for vegetable growth. Participants had the opportunity to practice these techniques, enhancing their confidence and competence in applying what they had learned.
As urbanization continues to challenge food availability and sustainability, efforts such as this training course pave the way for communities to adopt innovative farming solutions. Through continued collaboration and capacity-building initiatives, ATI-RTC I remain steadfast in its mission to empower Filipinos toward self-sufficiency and resilience in food production.
