RIZAL, Laguna – 15 members of “Samahan ng Ikatlong Lahi ng Laguna” (SILLAG) attended the training on urban gardening dubbed as Urban Gardening with Pride.

Anchored to the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa COVID-19” or popularly known as Plant, Plant, Plant Program, the Agricultural Training Institute CALABARZON in coordination with SILLAG and Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Rizal, Laguna led the training to address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in search for knowledge and skills on growing their own food, and providing their family with nutritious and safe food amidst the pandemic.

Rizal Vice Mayor Antonino A. Aurelio graced the opening program and encouraged the participants to use their talent and creativity in this project.
The participants were able to identify different types of urban garden that they can put up in their own backyard. Furthermore, resource speaker, Dr. Aldwin Subijano from MAO Rizal, Laguna and Mr. Mervin Vitangcol of ATI IV-A guided the participants on soil and seedling preparation, management of pest and disease, preparation of natural fertilizer concoctions, and common cultural and post-harvest practices.

Members of SILLAG also received urban agriculture starter kits (seeds, soil media, and garden tools) after completing the training.
ATI IV-A Center Director Ms. Marites Piamonte-Cosico reiterated the importance of urban gardening amidst the pandemic to sustain the food production in the community.

The training was held at Bottled Building, Pauli II, Rizal, Laguna last October 19, 2020.