Department of Agriculture and Local Governments Champion Urban Gardening in Calabarzon

CALABARZON — In an effort to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, the Department of Agriculture in Calabarzon (DA-4A) is intensifying its urban gardening campaign, aiming to encourage residents to cultivate fruits and vegetables within city limits. Urban gardening demonstrations have been conducted for farmers and local government officials in various cities across Laguna and Batangas, including San Pablo, Calamba, San Pedro, Batangas City, Lipa, and Santo Tomas.

According to Philippines News Agency, the regional focal person for the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), the initiative seeks to leverage the burgeoning interest in home gardening among urban dwellers. By fostering urban and peri-urban agriculture, NUPAP aims to empower communities to produce their own food, even in constrained urban environments, thereby boosting local food production, improving nutritional outcomes, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable urban development.

The DA’s urban farming initiative is envisioned to do more than just fulfill daily nutritional requirements. It also aims to encourage entrepreneurship, provide alternative livelihood opportunities, and advocate for healthy living through the availability of nutritious food options. The initiative underscores the importance of peri-urban areas, defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as transitional zones where rural and urban land uses intermingle, as crucial spaces for achieving these goals.