BAGUIO CITY – The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVO) continues to lead the way in the implementation of various initiatives that continue to enhance the local government’s environmental protection and preservation and climate change adoption efforts for sustained agricultural production in the city.
City Veterinarian Dr. Silardo Bested said that the office’s services significantly contributed to the advancements of the local government’s 7-point agenda that paved the way for the implementation of eco-friendly practices and promoting efficient land use and renewable energy sources which support Strategic Goal No. 1 on environment, land use and energy.
He added that the production and distribution of fruit tree seedlings provided a positive impact by promoting agro-forestry and biodiversity where the compliance of farmers to good agricultural practice standards ensure sustainable farming initiatives that minimize environmental degradation.
The city veterinarian claimed that incorporating solar-powered greenhouses into urban landscapes contributed in creating green spaces that improved air quality, reduced the urban heat island effect, eco-friendly and sustainable urban food production and providing recreational and educational opportunities for residents.
“We also play a crucial role in enhancing the city’s ability to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters by providing climate-resilient agriculture interventions, thereby addressing Strategic Goal No. 2 on climate and disaster resilience,” Bested stressed.
He pointed out that greenhouses and grow tunnels create controlled environment that protect crops from extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, storms and heavy rainfall.
He stated that the same ensures consistent crop production despite changing climate conditions in the city coupled with the mapping of agricultural areas and overlaying data on climate-induced hazards such as flood, drought and landslides helps in planning disaster risk reduction measures. By Dexter A. See
