BUTUAN CITY - Two weeks after the first video conferencing, the ATI directorate led by Deputy Director Rosana Mula met last April 20, 2020 the ATI Center Directors (CD) via the internet to discuss matters regarding urban gardening efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Director Mula informed the CDs that a new DA memorandum is mandating ATI and the Bureau of Plant Industries (BPI) to act as lead implementers of urban gardening projects in the country. As such, Mula instructed the CDs to collaborate with cities and communities like barangays, offices, and schools in establishing urban gardens. In the memorandum of Secretary William Dar, ATI and BPI shall distribute seeds or starter kits and provide technical support such as trainings and advisories. Mula further explained that regional training centers can diversify the approach by integrating rice, livestock and fisheries in the project. Moreover, she stressed the involvement of the youth since they are more hardworking and energetic citizens of the society. Aside from that, they are also allowed to go out during the quarantine period, not like their parents who are mostly senior citizens or immunocompromised who are advised to just stay at home.

The lady director also reminded the CDs on the importance of project monitoring and preparation of weekly reports by their regional focal person.

On a related interview of Secretary Dar by the media, he explained that urban gardening is a continuing project. It is not just a measure to fight COVID-19 but an initiative to make more food available for the Filipinos.