In support of Farmers' Month, the ATI-Cordillera through its Partnership and Accreditation Section (PAS) joined the City of Baguio through its City Veterinarian and Agriculture Office on its Urban Agriculture Technology Exhibit and Harvest Festival that kicked off last May 16, 2024 at the Melvin Jones Grandstand and Football ground. The event, themed "Magsasaka't Mangingisdang Pilipino: Saludo ang buong bansa sa Sipag, Tibay, at Lakas Niyo," aims to recognize and honor the hard work, resilience, and strength of Filipino farmers, particularly those in Baguio City's agricultural areas.
The festival featured participation from 12 barangays, 15 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and three exhibitors. The event showcased various activities such as the Bahay Kubo and Agriproducts Competition (A contest celebrating traditional Filipino architecture and homegrown agricultural products); Kadiwa ng Pangulo (A program aimed at bringing affordable agricultural products directly to consumers); Seed Exchange Program (An initiative promoting the sharing and exchange of seeds among farmers to enhance biodiversity and crop yields); Agriculture Exhibit Technologies (Displays and demonstrations of the latest technologies in urban agriculture); and Free Pet Vaccination and Consultation (Providing veterinary services to the community's pets, ensuring their health and well-being).
The event underscores the city's commitment to supporting and celebrating its agricultural sector, enhancing urban farming techniques, and fostering community engagement in agricultural activities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR), the City Local Government Unit of Baguio City (CLGU-Baguio City), the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center-Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-RTC-CAR), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Silardo B. Bested, the City Veterinarian and Agriculture Officer of Baguio City. In his speech, Dr. Bested acknowledged and commended the barangays that actively participated in the Urban Agriculture Technology Exhibit and Harvest Festival. He highlighted that the event showcases urban gardening in the city, aiming to inspire residents to grow their own food. Dr. Bested stressed the importance of involving the youth in these activities to encourage their interest and involvement in agriculture, ensuring the future sustainability and growth of the sector.
Hon. Arthur L. Allad-iw, City Councilor, Committee Chairperson on Market, Trade, Commerce and Agriculture discussed the Overview of the activity. Hon. Allad-iw says that the celebration of Urban Farmer's Month is institutionalized every Month of May of every year in the City of Baguio through Ordinance numbered 35, Series of 2018 to recognize the invaluable contribution of farmers in ensuring food security and nation building.
Mr. Ryan Palunan, Farmers Regional Executive Director for the month of May and the RAFC Chair, represented Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, the DA Regional Executive Director-CAR, at the event. In his message, Mr. Palunan emphasized the significance of celebrating Farmers and Fisherfolk Month by highlighting the ongoing agriculture and fisheries activities in Baguio City. He acknowledged the common perception that agriculture is unfeasible in a highly urbanized area, but the participation of various barangays and exhibitors serves as proof that agriculture thrives in the city. He stressed the importance of showcasing and presenting the agricultural efforts within the city, encouraging attendees to consider ways to upscale and innovate their practices. He expressed gratitude to the local government units (LGUs) for their support, which has been instrumental in connecting farmers to the Department of Agriculture and its support agencies. This connection facilitates access to training and other interventions that enhance agricultural practices. Mr. Palunan highlighted the essential role of LGUs in giving urban agriculture the attention it deserves, ensuring that it continues to develop and succeed. Let's encourage youths in Agriculture. Additionally, he called for the encouragement of youth participation in agriculture, emphasizing the need to inspire the younger generation to engage in and contribute to the agricultural sector, thereby securing its future.
The closing remarks were delivered by Hon. Leandro Yangot. He congratulated all participants for their involvement in the event and emphasized the importance of continuing Baguio's greening program. He encouraged everyone to actively participate in planting activities, highlighting the principle, "Kung may itinanim, may aanihin" (If you plant, you will harvest). He concluded with a rallying call: "Let's Plant! Plant! Plant!" and expressed his gratitude to all attendees.
For the bahay kubo and agri-products display competition, 12 entries from various agricultural barangays of Baguio City competed. Three judges were assigned to evaluate the Bahay Kubo and agricultural displays, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment of each entry. The entry of Irisan Barangay won the said competition.
The culminating activities happened on June 2, 2024 to give more time for the products displayed to be sold out.// with reports from Perla Epie, DMO I.
