DA, Aboitiz partner to set up backyard farms nationwide

“Sa Maliit na Espasyo, May Pagkain Tayo.” This was the theme carried by the Urban Agriculture Garden project, a joint project of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Soils, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Aboitiz Group through Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) and the Aboitiz Foundation.

This initiative under the “PAGKAIN Para sa Masa” program aims to set up small backyard farms in urban areas and complement them with garden tools, seedlings, and mushroom culture kits. These urban farms will provide nutritious food for every Filipino and possible livelihood sources for communities. Apart from the actual backyard farm, the project includes seminars on gardening, soil analysis, compost-making, and fish and mushroom culture that will help transform residents into urban farmers.

“DA is exerting efforts to lessen hunger in the urban community. Through this project, we are able to help the residents have food for their household consumption and potentially earn. We thank the Aboitiz Group for partnering with us for this project,” Undersecretary for Special Concerns Ranibai Dilangalen said during the Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony recently held at DA-ATI on March 12.

“Mas maganda po ang naging epekto nito dahil pag-uwi sa bahay, dito may pagkain ka na na pwedeng makuha. Alam mo na fresh at malinis ang pagkain dahil kami ang nagtatanim. Mas nakakatipid kami ng malaki para sa pamilya namin, (The project is really beneficial because when we go home, we can get food here. We know that the food is fresh and clean because we planted them ourselves. We can save a lot for our family),” said Yrrla Vibora, a resident of Barangay Bahay Toro and beneficiary of the Urban Agriculture Garden project.

Four urban agriculture gardens have already been set up in Barangay Bahay Toro and at the DA-ATI grounds in Quezon, Davao, and Cotabato Cities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units, and Aboitiz food business unit Pilmico Foods Corporation also participated in a feeding program as they partner to drive change for a better Philippines.

“One of the key initiatives in our corporate social responsibility programs aligns with the DA’s program of creating a green economy and developing greener communities through urban agriculture. The Aboitiz Group’s support for this project is a manifestation of our promise to advance business and communities. We are proud to partner with the government for our efforts to co-create safe, empowered, and sustainable communities nationwide,” Aboitiz Foundation First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan said.