In one of their hands-on activities, these women participants showed the valuable impact of teamwork and cooperation. Helping together establish a garden in the community is the key to food-secure and food sufficient households. (photo provided by: Jisa T. Dulay, Development Management Officer)
Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City---In support to the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat Kontra sa Covid 19 or ALPAS COVID 19” and the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Greenminds Incorporated, an Extension Service Provider (ESP) of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) together with Fergber Integrated Organic Farming Incorporated recently mounted the Launching Program/Orientation and training for the 3 batches of the Season-long Training on Sustainable Integrated Organic Urban Farming on August 17-19, 24-26 and September 2-4, 2020 at Fergber Integrated Organic Urban Farm, Zone 7, Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City.
The said training will provide the participants with the needed technology and skills on the latest urban farming practices that will help them establish doable, replicable, profitable and sustainable agribusiness and economic ventures while staying at home in this time of pandemic.
The prospective participants will come from organized communities in urban centers in Northern Mindanao. This will be piloted in Barangay Bayabas in Cagayan de Oro City. Organized women, PWDs, Senior Citizen groups and informal settlers in Zone 7 of this barangay had manifested their desire to actively advocate and participate in the replication of the Fergber farm model starting in their respective homes and communities. A multiplier effect is expected when these practices are replicated and sustained in all urban areas of Cagayan de Oro City and eventually to the various urban centers in the region.
The first target groups of not less than 100 training participants (in 5 batches) will come from the members of Mahayahay Women Settlers Association (MAWSA) and Mahayahay Landless Settlers Association Incorporated (MABALAI), all of whom are residents of Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City. The succeeding target groups will come from neighboring urban barangays of Cagayan de Oro City.
In view of the pandemic, the number of participants will be limited to a maximum 20 participants per batch to observe proper health protocols and maintain social distancing.
The resource persons, facilitators and experts on integrated organic farming will be provided by GreenMinds Inc. and Fergber Incorporated. The topics for the 3-day activity include Principles of Organic Agriculture, Organic Agriculture Law (RA 10068) and its implementing guidelines, Benefits of Organic Agriculture, Triple bottom line approach- People, Planet and Profit, Advantages of farm integration, Simultaneous technical and hands-on sessions on Meter square garden, Meter square aquaculture, Herb production, Meter vegetable production, and Vermiculture, Making of component sustainability plans, and Written commitment from all stakeholders.
The training certificates to successful participants will be given only after they are monitored to have replicated their chosen project either in their homes or in their communities which is expected to happen in a period of four months. A buy back scheme for their produce will also be given as option. (written and submitted by Jisa T. Dulay, Development Management Officer)