MANGALDAN, Pangasinan - Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) strives to continue enriching the lives of people in different barangays thru information campaigns and distributions of starter kits on urban gardening. These activities are ATI-RTC I’s means of promoting food security and sustainability to communities in support to the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra COVID-19″ or Plant, Plant, Plant Program of the government.
On May 28, 2020, a team from ATI-RTC I, led by the Center Director, Dr. Rogelio Evangelista, conducted two (2) consecutive seminars on urban agriculture in Barangays Salay and Poblacion, both in the Municipality of Mangaldan in Pangasinan. A total of 32 residents and barangay officials from Salay, headed by Brgy. Captain Franklin Campued, and 41 from Poblacion, headed by Brgy. Captain Melinda ‘Tonet’ Morillo, joined the seminar that was held in their respective barangay.
“Kami ay nagsasagawa ng ganitong mga programa dahil makakatulong ito para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na pagkain. Sa urban gardening, hindi mo na kailangan ng malaking espasyo para makapagtanim ng sarili mong pagkain. Maraming puwedeng gamitin sa pagtatanim at hindi ka na kailangang bumili. Puwede mo nang isabit ang 'yong mga pananim sa iyong pader at gate gamit ang mga recycled materials,” Dr. Rogelio Evangelista said.
During each seminar, ATI-RTC I’s High Value Crops Program Point Person, Ms. Alyssa Caryl Vallo, discussed the Basics of Urban Gardening, and Organic Agriculture Point Person, Ms. Almera Montano, demonstrated how to make organic fertilizers/concoctions. Participants were given opportunity to ask questions during the activity. They also received starter kits containing assorted vegetable seeds, seed trays, vermicast, and IEC (information, education and communication) reading materials to supplement their learning on urban gardening.
ATI-RTC I will hold more seminars on urban agriculture and distribute more starter kits to a number of barangays in the region until September 2020.