The initiative which aimed to promote food production at home and in the community, and at giving families and communities an opportunity to be productive and self-sufficient by engaging them into Urban and Peri-Urban gardening by the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center ‘02 (ATI-RTC 02) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DARFO02), successfully held the Awarding Ceremonies for the 2024 Regional Search for Best Urban and Peri-Urban  Agriculture Garden - macro category in Minerva Farm, Santiago City, on August 22, 2024.

The said recognition was attended by different representatives from ATI-RTC 02 and DARFO02, City Local Government Unit of Santiago City, headed by the City Agriculturist, Engr. Dominador I. Fernandez, Jr, and the recipients of the awards.

This achievement showcases the hard work and innovative practices that have made the top 3 winners stand-out in urban and peri-urban agriculture.

On her message, the ATI-RTC 02 OIC-Center Director, Dr. Claris M. Alaska stated that the agency is continously looking for ways to assist urban gardeners. "We will continue promoting the establishment of gardens in all cities and nearby areas within the region because it will inspire urban dwellers to create their own gardens as well, despite the limited spaces they have," Dr. Alaska, said.  

The top 3 winners for Regional Search for Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden under macro category are: The Mengal Women of Echague, Isabela, declared as 3rd Place; the 2nd place is the AMORganic Asosasyon ng MagsaKabataan, Inc. from Tumauini, Isabela, while Minerva Farm of Santiago City secured the first place, which will represent the region for the 2024 National Search for Best Urban and Peri-Urban Garden - Macro Category. Meanwhile, in addition to the certificate, the winners also received project grant and garden tools.  

DA-RFO 02 Regional Executive Director, Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, represented by Ms. Roxanne C. Siuagan, Asst. Focal Person NUPAP congratulated the winners and thanked their partners in implementing different projects of NUPAP in the region. She said that establishing gardens in the urban and near areas might inspire the youth. “This regional search is not all about who is the best and who had the most beautiful garden. This is also to honor your contribution as our partners in promoting food security. Thank you for your active participation and compliance for all the requirements needed. Through this, may you continue embodying the goal of the NUPAP, and you may serve as inspiration especially the youth,” Siuagan said.