CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Twenty-six urban gardeners strengthened their knowledge and skills in urban and peri-urban agriculture after completing the Training on Basic Urban Gardening, Greenhouse Management and Operations, and Edible Landscaping Batch 2 at Harbor Lights Hotel and Restaurant in Gusa, this city.
The training aimed to promote sustainable food production by equipping participants with practical techniques on urban gardening, including on edible landscaping, greenhouse management, and hydroponics technology.
Participants were introduced to the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) and learned the importance of utilizing available urban spaces for household and community food production. The discussions highlighted the role of urban agriculture in improving food security, food safety, and environmental sustainability.
To enhance their understanding of edible landscaping, participants designed and presented farm layouts that integrated food-producing crops into aesthetically pleasing landscapes while maximizing limited spaces. The activity encouraged participants to apply science-based approaches in developing productive urban gardens.
The training also featured hands-on learning on hydroponics systems, providing participants with practical knowledge on soilless farming technologies suitable for urban settings. To complement the technical sessions, CHADA Hydroponics, an association of hydroponics farmers in Cagayan de Oro City, conducted a market linkage presentation that discussed potential market opportunities and available support networks for urban agriculture practitioners.
Representatives from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) also visited the activity. During the visit, Mr. Floro Dalapag shared insights on urban gardening and climate resilience, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices in addressing the impacts of climate change and ensuring food availability in communities.
As part of the program's support to participants, each trainee received an individual hydroponics or aquapump system to help jumpstart their urban gardening initiatives. A group chat was likewise established to facilitate continuous communication, coordination, and technical support among participants under the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program.
The training is part of the continuing efforts of the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Training Institute to promote urban agriculture, and encourage communities to adopt sustainable and climate-resilient food production practices.
Reports from Noriz T. Ras
