MANILA - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is actively promoting self-reliance among communities in the Philippines by advocating for backyard farming and environmental sustainability. This initiative aims to benefit 42,000 villages across the nation.
According to the Philippines News Agency, the 'Project Kalinisan (Cleanliness)' campaign not only focuses on cleanliness but also encourages the establishment of backyard gardens and fishponds. This announcement was made during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. Valmocina highlighted the importance of monitoring and supervising these activities by village chiefs, ensuring effective implementation.
The campaign's reach is significant, with over 20,000 new barangay officials elected in the recent polls. Already, 25,000 villages have established community gardens. The cost-effectiveness of this initiative is notable, with seedlings for 18 different kinds of vegetables available at approximately PHP 25. This makes it affordable for villages, especially in rural areas, to distribute seeds and seedlings to families, fostering self-reliance and sustainability.
The project encourages planting in various spaces, regardless of size, and is not limited to traditional backyard farms. Valmocina shared his experience as a long-time captain of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City, where residents use diverse containers like pots, pails, tin cans, bamboos, and sacks for planting vegetables. This practice is also evident in Quezon City schools.
To further promote urban farming, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte plans to issue an ordinance supporting agricultural activities in Metro Manila's largest city. This move underscores the growing emphasis on sustainable living practices and self-sufficiency in urban areas.