The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), recognized the outstanding urban and peri-urban gardens nationwide on September 12, 2024.
“We celebrate those who have transformed limited spaces into thriving gardens, those who have enhanced their surroundings while deepening our understanding of food sustainability. You have overcome the challenges of constrained space and resources, reignited a sense of responsibility for our land, and inspired us all to reconsider our relationship with the food we eat and the environment we live in,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement read by DA-BPI and DA-NUPAP Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban.
The 2024 National Search for the Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden aims to honor the champions of community-based gardening, celebrate their innovation, sustainability, and dedication, and strengthen the stakeholders’ partnership with the DA to produce safe and quality produce in metropolitan areas.
The Quezon City-based San Diego Elementary School won the award for the Best Macrogarden Category and received P100,000 cash prize, while the Zennor Hydroponics Farm in Palauig, Zambales bagged the title for the Best Microgarden Category with P100,000 cash prize. First place winners received P70,000 cash, while second placers were awarded with P30,000 cash.
For the Macrogardens Category, the 1st and 2nd Runner Ups are the Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center, Inc. located in San Ildefonso, Bulacan and the Jaya’s Secret Garden in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
On the other hand, the Domegarden in Itogon, Benguet and the Cagape’s Crisp Greens in Panabo City, Davao won the first and second place awards under the Microgardens Category.
“As we reflect on your achievements, let us acknowledge the crucial role urban agriculture plays in addressing global challenges. From mitigating climate change to enhancing food resilience and improving mental well-being, your gardens serve purposes beyond mere aesthetics,” the agri chief stressed.
He added the importance of urban agriculture as the way for communities to thrive serving as the first step towards eradicating hunger and maximizing available land.
The national search that was opened to all established and organized urban and peri-urban agriculture gardens in the country also recognized the following:
• Special Citation for Women Emancipation through Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture:
– Gulayan sa Home for Girls Otso (DSWD Home for Girls), Palo, Leyte
– Luyahan Rural Improvement Club Organization, Zamboanga City
• Special Citation for Promoting Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture for the Youth:
– San Diego Elementary School, Quezon City
– Feliz Academy’s Inc’s Federico Villarin Santiago Center for Research and Sustainable Agriculture, Villasis, Pangasinan
– The Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay Farm, Taytay, Palawan
• Special Citation for Social Equity through Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture:
– Eco Warriors Communal Garden, Cagayan de Oro
– Gulayan sa Barangay Bagong Kanlungan (BJMP Ligao City District Jail), Ligao City, Albay
– Stephen’s Sweet Garden, Passi City, Iloilo
– Bitoon JPT Ediscape Garden, Iloilo City
– MACATABO Farm, Davao City
– Barani Minipark Urban Garden, Batac, Ilocos Norte
– Vergara Community Garden, General Santos City, SOCCSKSARGEN
– Cagape’s Crisp Garden, Panabo City
– Gulayan ng Komunidad sa Gawad Kalinga (GULAYKOSAGK), Calamba, Laguna
• Special Citation for Climate Action
– Jaya’s Secret Garden, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
– Barangay 18 Cabagñan West Organic Garden Association, Legazpi City, Albay
– Bagong Kalsada Community Garden Calamba Fruit Planters Association (CAFRUTAS), Calamba City, Laguna
– Fit & Fab Farm, CAR
– FCCT-Integrated Organic Demo Farm Integrated-Diversified Farm, Tuburan, Cebu
– Oliver Eco Village, Butuan City
– Javenri Harvest Farm, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Special Citation for Cutting-edge Urban Agriculture Technologies
– Domegarden, CAR
– Zennor Hydroponics Farm, Zambales
– Keisha’s Garden, General Santos City
– Minerva Farms, Isabela
• Special Citation for Education and Awareness in Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture:
– Manga National High School (Integrated-Diversified Organic Farming System Learning Site), Tagbilaran, Bohol
– Kingspoint Joy of Urban Farming, Quezon City
– Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc., San Ildefonso, Bulacan
– Gulayan sa Cangumbang Elementary School, Palo, Leyte
– BLGU Calanipa, Surigao City
San Diego Elementary School Principal Emely Pelobello and Zennor Hydroponics Farm Founder Rafael Pagaling expressed their gratitude to the DA for the recognition. They also committed to continue as DA partners in promoting community-based urban and peri-urban agriculture in the country. ### (Gumamela Celes C. Bejarin, DA-AFID)
