The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office – Oriental Mindoro, equipped 25 differently-abled persons with knowledge and skills through the “Training on Urban Agriculture” on April 21-23, 2026, at the ATI-MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
In his opening message, ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos emphasized the importance of active participation and unity among the participants in advancing the agricultural sector.
“Malaki ang papel ninyo bilang katuwang sa pagpapaunlad ng ating ekonomiya, lalo na sa sektor ng agrikultura at pangingisda. Sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa bilang isang organisadong grupo, mas mapapalawak ang inyong kakayahang makatulong at mas mapapadali ang pagbibigay sa inyo ng iba’t ibang oportunidad at suportang nagmumula sa mga umiiral na programa at batas ng pamahalaan,” he said.
The training focused on practical and simple urban agriculture techniques tailored for persons with disabilities. Participants learned about container and vertical farming, composting, and the proper care of commonly grown vegetables suited for limited urban spaces. They also gained knowledge of low-cost gardening methods that can be easily applied at home.
Hands-on demonstrations took place at the ATI-MIMAROPA Technology Demonstration Farm, where participants actively engaged in container gardening, compost preparation, and designing small spaces for mini-gardens. They also had the opportunity to plant various vegetable crops, which enhanced their practical understanding of urban farming techniques.
One participant, Ms. Prima R. De Guzman from the Municipality of Naujan, shared her learnings on container gardening, vertical gardening, and organic fertilizer production, highlighting how the training boosted her confidence in applying urban agriculture techniques at home.
“Ang aking natutunan dito sa ating tatlong araw na training for urban gardening ay talagang sasabihin ko na very productive. Kahit kami ay may kapansanan, binigyan ninyo kami ng oras na makapagtraining. Bagamat kami ay may disability, kaya din namin gawin ang mga gawain ng mga walang kapansanan,” she said.
Mr. Monchito L. Jalac, Technical Support Staff I of ATI-MIMAROPA, served as the resource person for the three-day training.
Through initiatives like this, ATI-MIMAROPA continues to advance inclusive agricultural development, ensuring that opportunities in sustainable farming are accessible to all sectors of society.
