PAGBILAO, Quezon - With the advent of modernization and fast-paced conversion of agricultural lands to commercial areas, there is a need for promotion of urban agriculture practices and technologies. It will aid in making agricultural produce accessible even in backyards in urban areas.

Recognizing the potential of the youth as prime movers for advocacy promotion, the Center piloted the program entitled “Glamourizing Farming through Urban Agriculture." It is a two-phase program that consists of "Training on Urban Agriculture" and establishment of technology demonstration sites in selected urban barangays in Lucena City.

According to Project Officers, Mr. Roy Roger Victoria II and Ms. Lizbeth David, the program aims to provide the participants with a better understanding of sustainable and urban agriculture technologies and apply their learning with the establishment of a techno-demo farm.

The program has already completed the training component in two batches on June 25 - 27, 2018 and July 11-13, 2018, at Cortijo de Palsabangon, one of ATI Region IV-A's accredited School for Practical Agriculture (SPA). A total of 60 students and coordinators from 21 schools in urban barangays of Lucena City participated in the trainings.

Among the concepts discussed by experts from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist were sustainable agriculture, garden lay-out, container gardening, 4H Club values and principles and Agripreneurship. The training made use of varied methodologies such as lectures, discussions and hands-on exercises.

To complete the program, the Techno Demo farms will be established sometime in September 2018 in 21 schools that participated in the training.

“Glamourizing Farming through Urban Agriculture" is one of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region IV-A's campaign to engage the youth in learning and livelihood opportunities in the agriculture industry, and to enhance their capabilities and utilize their potentials as partners in community development.