LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Uniformed personnel of the 564th Engineer Construction Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army were taught of the basics of planting organic lowland vegetables in the urban setting.

The one-day seminar was conducted by ATI Calabarzon personnel, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Regional Field Office (RFO) IV-A through the APCO (Area Program Coordinating Office) of Laguna. It aims to educate about producing safe and healthy food for the uniformed personnel and their families.

“Malawak po ang lugar dito sa loob ng kampo na maaaring pagtaniman. At the same time, itinuro din naman ang pag-utilize ng containers bilang taniman. Hindi lang kayo magkakaroon ng source ng pagkain, makakatulong din po ito sa beautification efforts ng kampo,” Center Director, Marites Piamonte-Cosico said.

22 uniformed personnel who participated in the seminar learned and experienced preparing fertilizers and potting media with the expertise and guidance of Agricultural Technologist, Frene dela Cruz from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

The army personnel will be able to apply what they have learned as the Center awarded vegetable starter kits to the battalion which include assorted seeds, Vermicast, garden soil, and Carbonized Rice Hull, among others. In addition, DA-RFO IV-A through APCO provided garden tools to help set up the community garden inside the camp.

The sustainability of the project is ensured through a Memorandum of Partnership among ATI Calabarzon through CD Cosico, APCO through Ms. Annie Bucu and commanding officer LTC Jimmy Marte CE (GSC) PA.

The one-day seminar was held on September 18, 2020 at Gen. Macario Sakay in this municipality.

With reports from: Lizbeth L. David