TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – ATI Calabarzon launched “Lingap sa Pamayanan: Adopt a Community,” which aims to integrate farming into the lifestyle of the urban dwellers through introduction and showcase of various sustainable agriculture technologies.
Center Director, Marites Piamonte-Cosico and City Mayor, Gemma Lubigan led the launching ceremony with the MOA signing, unveiling of billboard and turnover of starter kits to the beneficiaries. DA representatives, Cavite APCO (Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer), Joselito Noceda and City Agriculturist Corazon Sidamon also showed support in the activity, held on September 23, 2020 at ATI Calabarzon’s ‘Urban ATIn ‘To’ technology demonstration garden.
‘Lingap sa Pamayanan’ will provide sustainable production system and livelihood opportunities to the beneficiaries through skills training, technical assistance, agricultural inputs and starter kits, and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) materials, among others.
Two active groups, recommended by the City Agriculture Office were chosen as beneficiaries: Golden Horizon Villas Homeowners Association and Lakas ng Kababaihan ng Lapidario.
In her acceptance speech, President of Golden Horizon Villas, Edith Avendano shared that the program is a big help for other homeowners as they solely rely on daily wage basis for family income.
“Sobrang tuwa ko kasi mayroon na akong maisasagot sa mga problema ng aking mga kasamahan, lalo na sa pagkain,” Avendano said.
“Amin pong pagsisikapan na maisagawa ang proyekto nang naayon sa layunin nito. Buong-puso po naming tinatanggap ang programa,” she added.
100 members of each group will benefit from the said project. They are expected to establish and maintain a community garden, participate in ATI’s capability building activities, maintain farm records, advocate and promote urban gardening in the community, and submit accomplishment reports on a quarterly basis.
CD Cosico in her message emphasized the importance of unity among the members of the group. “Inaasahan po naming sa pamamagitan ng proyektong ito ay lalong mapagtibay at mapalakas ang pagsasamahan ninyo sa inyong pamayanan. Kaisa po ninyo ang ATI Calabarzon sa pagsasakatuparan nito,” she said.