STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan – The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I), in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Sta. Barbara and barangay officials of Minien West, conducted the Barangay-Based Seminar on Organic Gardening at the Barangay Hall of Minien West, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan last May 4, 2020.

A total of 68 individuals, composed of barangay councilors, health workers, and residents of Brgy. Minien West, participated in the seminar. The activity was part of ATI-RTC I’s support to the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra COVID-19″ or Plant, Plant, Plant Program of the government through backyard gardening and production of safe and healthy food to ensure food sustainability and sufficiency during the COVID-19 situation.

During the seminar, ATI-RTC I Agriculturist II, Ms. Almera Montano, discussed the things needed to establish household gardens, and how to make use of the local and available materials in the community to produce natural fertilizers for backyard gardens. She also demonstrated how to start container gardening.

In addition to the lecture-discussion and demo, participants received assorted vegetable seeds (16 types), seedling trays, vermicast and molasses during the activity. They also obtained various IEC (information, education and communication) reading materials on how to start urban gardening, how to produce fast crops, and how to make natural fertilizers and pesticides.

As ATI-RTC I continues its information campaign, it considers the safety and wellbeing of its clienteles especially during this global health crisis. Thus, social distancing and wearing of facial mask were strictly stipulated to all participants during seminars and other related activities.