More partners from the private sector are joining the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the implementation of the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program under the agency’s Plant, Plant, Plant umbrella program.
Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, Planters Products Inc. President and CEO Ranilo Maderazo, Urban Greens Founder and CEO Ralph Becker, and Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation Inc. President Candida Adalla launched an indoor vertical farming project on June 23, 2022 at Planters Products in Esteban, Makati City.
The project titled, “Enhancement of the Indoor Hydroponics System for Lettuce, Kale, Basil, and Tomato Production” was supported by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) with an initial funding of P3 million.
It will be implemented as a production site and learning center with counterparts from the private sector partners.
“This is now a must,” Secretary Dar stressed as he reminded that ensuring food security is a responsibility of everyone, not only of the farmers and fisherfolk.
He also encouraged the local government units (LGUs) to allot higher budget for food security initiatives and pass an ordinance requiring buildings and public open spaces in the city or municipality to provide areas for urban agriculture or edible landscape.
“As much as we could, we need to do local production in a big way. We have to prepare so that we can survive the (looming food) crisis,” Secretary Dar urged.
Maderazo, on the other hand, said that the project will be replicated in other areas and expressed his hope that the LGU representatives who attended the event will tell their incoming mayors to implement the urban agri program to benefit their constituents.
“Sana po na-inspire ang ating LGU representatives dahil napakaganda pong model nito na maari nating ma-adopt sa ating specific municipalities,” Adalla said in support of the modern farming project.
Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Noel Reyes, National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program and High-Value Crops Development Program Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, BAR Research Coordination Division Head Anthony Obligado, and 2021 Miss Aura International and Food Security Ambassador Faith Garcia also attended the project launch. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)
