SILANG, Cavite – Young farmers of 4H Greenery Community Farm, a recognized youth organization in this municipality recognize the importance of growing their own food, especially during this pandemic.

Among them is Maria Monica Vicedo.“Malaking tulong ang mga ganitong programa para sa amin kasi bukod sa estudyante kaming lahat na nag-take ng agriculture, dagdag kaalaman [ito].”

“Gayundin, ma-practice natin ito sa ating mga bahay kahit hindi ganun kalaki ang space natin: pwede tayong mag-tanim, makapag-produce ng sarili nating gulay para sa daily consumption natin. Kahit hindi muna pambenta, para hindi tayo makadagdag ng burden ng gobyerno ngayon sa kinakaharap nating pandemic,” Vicedo added.

These young farmers are long-time active participants of ATI-led trainings and extension activities such as e-Learning for Agriculture and Fisheries, Organic Agriculture Production and Agri-entrepreneurship with NC II, to name a few.

Twenty (20) members of the said organization completed the “Seminar on Urban Agriculture,” which was delivered in a virtual setting. ATI- CALABARZON’s Extension Service Provider (ESP), Mr. Brian Belen of ABF Integrated Farms discussed the agricultural technologies through video presentations and lectures, as well as virtual open discussions.

In order to practice what they have learned from the virtual training, they were provided with urban agriculture starter kits to jump start the establishment of their RBO-based community garden, and showcase urban agriculture technologies.

The training was held on September 11, 2020 at the Municipal Nursery.

With reports from: Roy Roger Victoria II