The Regional Training Center of the Agricultural Training Institute in the Cordillera through the Partnership and Accreditation Service (PAS) initiated the first Community Urban Agriculture Model Farm (CUAMF) Summit held on April 30, 2024 at Tabuk City, Kalinga with a total of 87 participants representing various urban and peri-urban agriculture model farms from Baguio City and adjoining municipalities of the province of Benguet, Mountain Province, and Tabuk City in Kalinga.
The summit aimed to convene stakeholders and foster collaboration in promoting community gardening, presenting a unique opportunity to showcase their achievements, share experiences, and learn from fellow practitioners in the field.
Ms. Perla Epie, Project Officer, underscores that the summit serves as a pivotal platform for a wide array of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural practitioners, government agencies, and community leaders. It facilitates a dynamic exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in urban agriculture. By showcasing the achievements of Community Urban Agriculture Model Farms (CUAMFs), the goal is to inspire and empower other communities to establish similar endeavors tailored to their unique contexts.
Furthermore, the initiative to convene stakeholders and foster collaboration in promoting sustainable urban agriculture practices through Community Urban Agriculture Model Farms is rooted in the pressing need to address multifaceted challenges facing urban environments today. Also, the summit embodies a collaborative approach to addressing pressing agricultural and environmental concerns by weaving together diverse perspectives and expertise. It underscores the importance of collective action in fostering resilience and sustainability at the grassroots level. Through this concerted effort, the summit aims to catalyze tangible progress toward a future where urban agriculture thrives as a cornerstone of resilient thriving communities.
ATI-RTC-CAR Center Director Charlie C. Sagudan, BPI-BNCRDPSC Center Superintendent Jesus R. Aspuria, Mr. Bentres Goyo from the DA-RFO-CAR APCO Kalinga, Kalinga Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Domingo A. Bakilan, Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba represented by Mr. Rogelio Lawad, and Tabuk City Agriculturist Mr. Lim Ducyogen graced the opening activity of the summit.
One of the highlights of the summit was the awarding of the successful implementation of CUAMF in their respective areas of concern. The Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School of Baguio City garnered 1st place showcasing their successful implementation of their gulayan sa paaralan which continues to inspire students to engage in agriculture and agri-entrepreneurial activities. Coming in as 2nd place was Granjeros de Oeste Organization of Irisan, Baguio City showcasing their edible landscaping gardening techniques. The 3rd place was the Lagawa Organic Agriculture Farmers Association (LOAFA) of Lagawa, Bauko, Mt. Province. LOAFA is organized to showcase organic agriculture to the community. It serves as a practical and hands-on activity for students and local farmers who want to increase their knowledge concerning organic agriculture. A total of 25 participating urban agriculture model farms from Baguio City and adjoining municipalities of the province of Benguet, peri-urban areas in Mountain Province, and Tabuk City.
The DA-RFO-CAR, BPI, DOST, DTI, FPA and PCIC shared their programs, projects, and services offered to help spread the community's urban and peri-urban agriculture endeavors during the afternoon plenary session.
The summit has the theme "Rooted In Unity: Fostering Community Growth via Urban Gardening" which underscores the summit's dedication to tackling global challenges, leveraging unity as a force for change, advocating sustainable practices, fostering social cohesion, and facilitating community involvement.
There were 92 attendees of said summit coming from various community urban agriculture model farms in CAR, representatives of partner LGUs such as Tabuk City, and the PLGU Kalinga, partner national government agencies such as the DA- ATI-Regional Training Center-CAR, DA-Regional Field Office-CAR, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry-Baguio National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center, and Department of Trade and Industry-Kalinga.
