BAGUIO CITY – Just like the “Gulayan sa Paaralan,” another food production scheme in Baguio City was recently launched by the City Government and Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR).
The launching of the “Gulayan sa Kapulisan was undertaken at the Pedro G. Dumol Hall, BENECO Compound, South Drive Baguio City, during the “Farmer’s Summit,” participated in by urban farmers and gardening enthusiasts.
As a project, the “Gulayan sa Kapulisan” came into being after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DA-CAR and the City of Baguio led by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan, Regional Executive Director Lorenzo M. Caranguian, Councilor Leonardo B. Yañgot, Jr., Committee Chair on Market, Trade, Commerce and Agriculture Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Director Ramil L. Saculles.
The MOA implements the following arrangements; that the DA-CAR, City Government of Baguio and BCPO shall develop and implement strategies on capacity development and investments under the program, establish collaborative partnerships and network among relevant institutions, organizations and other groups in implementing capacity development then review and approve project proposals and monitor the same during implementation; the DA-CAR and City Government of Baguio shall provide technical assistance for the “gulayan” project, provide information education campaign (IEC) materials and capacity building as may be needed and provide funding requirements for the program including, among others, the prizes; DA-CAR provide and assist in the provision of ideal seedlings or farm implements during the “gulayan” project.
According to Councilor Yangot, the Gulayan sa Kapulisan Project will be of great help to the citizens as the police officers will not only eat more greens which are good for their widening girths but also help the city’s quest for food sufficiency. “Nu ag-bagyu nangina ti nateng (Every time the storms come, vegetable prices hike). Having your own vegetation will be very beneficial in those times of crisis,” he adds.
Mayor Domogan also scored the bad habits of citizens such as gambling, drinking and other bad vices where the time and money spent on these could be used instead to grow their urban gardens and even help in the betterment of the city.
Ms. Joan Bacbac, HVCDP Focal Person said that the DA-CAR will fully support the city government’s endeavors on the Gulayan sa Kapulisan Project.
Slides of Mr. Daniel Agliam’s urban gardens and pictures from the 2017 Search for the Best Edible Home Backyard Garden Contest were also flashed as encouragement to the police and attendees for their urban gardening work.
By Yna Capuyan
