City officials recently supported the local farmers by coming up with a development plan that is doable and will bring prosperity.
Under Resolution No. 685, series of 2023, city legislators stated that the measure shall address pertinent issues and concerns related to the city’s agricultural development notwithstanding its history of supporting local farmers and the local government’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of its farming community.
The council requested organizations, including the Agriculture Training Institute, the Bureau of Plant Industry, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Bureau of Animal Industry, the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority, the National Meat Inspection Service, the National Dairy Authority and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, to showcase their commitment in bolstering the city’s agricultural community by presenting their programs and services tailored to urban farmers.
The body also urged the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), in coordination with the Cordillera office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-CAR), to facilitate, collaborate, and encourage the adoption of innovative technologies and best agricultural practices among the city’s farmers highlighting the united efforts to empower the city’s agriculture future.
During the Scout Official for a Day (SOFAD) session held on October 23, 2023, the SOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SOFAD Councilor Princess J. Peralta that expressed support to the local farmers in the city by coming up with a development plan that is doable and will bring prosperity.
Baguio has been a pilot area for the urban gardening program/backyard gardening of the DA-CAR tracing back to the early 2000 having the potential in terms of crop production although it is a highly urbanized city.
Earlier, the city hosted the coordination meeting, farmers consultation and turnover ceremony at the City Hall. The event represented a crucial milestone in pursuing the city’s agricultural development, driven by a shared commitment to ensure food security and the prosperity of urban farming communities in the region as the city is famous for its fresh fruits and vegetables, the most common pasalubong among tourists.
According to the resolution, while the city’s potential is not geared towards commercial purposes, the substantial number of residents capable of producing their own food will significantly contribute to sustainability and boost national food production, a vision aligned with the government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The council claimed that numerous residents producing vegetables at their homes, associations, and cooperatives have been selling their produce during the conversion of Session Road as a promenade on Sundays which includes selling of products from micro, small and medium enterprises’ enterprises.
