A Memorandum of Commitment was signed between the Luyungan High School, ATI-RTC X and Mr. Junah Bayag of Jaya Secret Garden. The MOC pertains to the Commitment of ATI and Mr. Bayag to assist Luyungan High School in establishing an Urban Garden to help in the Enhanced Food Sufficiency Program of the School. This is part of the GUGMA (Go Urban Gardens: Making FOOD Available) program of ATI-RTC X and the Plant Plant Plant Program of Secretary William Dar of the Department of Agriculture.
Luyungan High School is under the Department of Education with a population of around 250 students, all belonging to the seven Indigenous People’s Tribes in Bukidnon. During the signing of the MOC, Luyungan High School was represented by Mr. Romil T. Jabonero, the Public School District Supervisor and Ms. Leonila E. Plazos, the OIC School Head. Mr. Jabonero in his speech said that he is proud of his students as they are very industrious. However, poverty is a reality that prevents some of the students to attend school. He also said that they have big plans for the students for them to pursue their dreams after High School. That is why they are looking for partners from both Government and Private Institutions to make their dreams come true.
ATI-RTC X for its part was represented by Ms. Maria Lydia A. Echavez, Center Director, Ms. Noemi Beth G. Macario, OIC Assistant Center Director, Ms. Anita L. Molijon, Head of the Partnerships and Accreditation section and Ms. Jisa T. Dulay, Development Management Officer. In her speech, Ms. Echavez committed to assist the School in putting up a gardens to help the school feed its students and for the extras to bring income to the school. As an initial commitment, ATI will be proving more than PhP 60k worth of vegetable seeds, inputs and garden implements to the school. IEC materials were also provided. The group then discussed their strategy of implementation which will start with a Training for teachers in urban gardening and Permaculture which will be sponsored by ATI with the help of Mr. Junah Bayag.
Mr. Junah Bayag is the owner of Jaya Secret Garden, a farm certified by ATI as a School for Practical Agriculture. Mr.Junah is also a Teacher at Bukidnon National High School and a member of the IP Community. His farm is a producer of organically grown vegetables and is located at the heart of Malaybalay City. Mr. Bayag is a partner of ATI in establishing Urban Gardens in Malaybalay City and other nearby municipalities.
Some selected students of the school also presented a special number and token for the guests. The teachers of the School also attended the activity.