Beauty and bounty: LSA cooperators use aesthetics with sustainability
Farmer cooperators of Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) gathered on October 28 to 30, 2024 at Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte for the capability enhancement training on crafting landscape plan.
A regional initiative of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Zamboanga Peninsula, this training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to design landscapes that blend aesthetics with sustainability and agricultural productivity.
This reflects ATI’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of LSA cooperators to create functional and visually appealing landscapes that align with sustainable agriculture principles.
The training featured two experts who provided comprehensive lectures and hands-on sessions. Analiza M. Quilo, the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) Focal Person from the Department of Agriculture (DA) discussed the components of edible landscaping and elements of design.
She emphasized how combining edible plants with ornamental features could create spaces that are not only productive but also visually pleasing and environmentally friendly. Her session also touched on the importance of proper plant selection, soil preparation, and maintenance techniques to ensure that landscapes thrive sustainably
Meanwhile, Zandra A. Quirante, an Associate Professor from J.H. Cerilles State College, provided detailed steps on how participants could transform their ideas into reality, covering key topics such as site assessment, creating a design blueprint, and managing resources efficiently.
Asst. Prof. Quirante also introduced participants to simple yet effective tools for sketching designs and measuring spaces, helping them build confidence in turning their plans into functional and beautiful landscapes.
Adding another value to the program, Charlene Ebio, supply officer of the ATI, discussed the procurement process, highlighting opportunities for the learning sites to become accredited suppliers. This session was important to prepare the farmer cooperators to become future suppliers and accredited service providers of the government.
One of the highlights of the training was a field visit to the garden areas of Barangay Tinindugan, where participants observed innovative landscape designs that combined functionality and artistry. This learning experience served as inspiration, offering practical insights into applying the principles taught during the training to their own farms.
Participants also engaged in discussions and shared ideas to build a sense of collaboration and mutual support among the farmer cooperators. They were left with renewed motivation and a clear vision to transform their landscapes into spaces that embody creativity and sustainability with a purpose.
Mike Emoricha stated “There is so much to learn and grow in terms of improving our farms. The lessons deeply challenge us in the importance of food security and have the aesthetic appeal consideration.”
The Capability Enhancement Training was more than just a learning experience—it was a step forward in crafting landscapes that tell stories of harmony and growth, reflecting ATI's mission of advancing agricultural innovation and community impact.
This initiative has sown seeds of inspiration that promise to bloom into beautiful, productive, and sustainable landscapes in the future.
