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 held last July 31, 2024 at the ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
All urban and peri-urban including the community urban agriculture model farms were considered official entries to the said event. Ms. Perla Epie, focal person of the urban and peri-urban garden led the screening and validation of the entries.
There were two categories in which entries could be categorized: macrogardens and microgardens. Under the macrogarden category were larger urban and community gardens showcasing urban and peri-urban agriculture technologies with a land area greater than 250 square meters. Small-scale gardens showcasing resourcefulness in limited spaces fall under microgardens with less than or equal to 250 square meters in land area.
Fit and Fab Farm emerged as the overall champion in the Macrogarden category. The Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization, (TINPO) Inc captured the first runner-up and Vita Green RIC took the 2nd runner-up.
For the microgardens category, Domegraden Hydroponic Farm that showcased multi-level hydroponics bagged the champion. The Indigenous Path Foundation ,Inc. seized the first runner-up while Granjeros de Oeste Organization grabbed the second place.
The champions in each category will represent the Cordillera in the upcoming National Search for the Best Urban and Peri-urban Garden this September 2024.
The search aimed to recognize the exemplary management and achievements of the community-based urban and peri-urban agriculture gardens. It is also aimed at strengthening the partnership of the DA and the urban and peri-urban agriculture stakeholders in the production of safe and quality produce in the cities and their productive peripheries. It also identifies community champions who will inspire the localities to grow and eat nutritious food using various agricultural technologies.
