The Regional Training Center of the Agricultural Training Institute in the Cordillera Administrative Region awarded the winners of the 2024 Regional Search for Best Urban and Peri-Urban Garden on July 31, 2024, at ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
All urban and peri-urban gardens, including community urban agriculture model farms, were eligible entries for the event. Ms. Perla Epie, the National Urban and Peri-Urban Program focal person, led the screening and validation of the entries.
Entries were categorized into two groups: macrogardens and microgardens. Macrogardens included larger urban and community gardens demonstrating urban and peri-urban agriculture technologies with a land area greater than 250 square meters. Microgardens encompassed small-scale gardens showcasing resourcefulness in limited spaces with a land area of 250 square meters or less.
Fit and Fab Farm emerged as the overall champion in the Macrogarden category, followed by the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) Inc. as the first runner-up, and Vita Green RIC as the second runner-up.
In the Microgardens category, Domegarden Hydroponic Farm, featuring multi-level hydroponics, won the championship. The Indigenous Path Foundation, Inc. secured the first runner-up position, while Granjeros de Oeste Organization took second place.
The champions in each category represent the Cordillera in the National Search for the Best Urban and Peri-Urban Garden, which was validated by the National Validation Team from August 28-30, 2024. The national winners will be awarded on September 12, 2024, at the Southwoods Mall, City of Binan, Laguna.
The search aims to recognize the exemplary management and achievements of community-based urban and peri-urban agriculture gardens. It also seeks to strengthen the partnership between the DA and urban and peri-urban agriculture stakeholders in producing safe and quality produce in cities and their productive peripheries. Additionally, it identifies community champions who will inspire localities to grow and consume nutritious food using various agricultural technologies.
