In support of the Plant Plant Plant Program and Urban Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Training Institute in MiMaRoPa conducted an Awarding Ceremony for “Search for Best Integrated Urban Agriculture (UA) Community Garden” on February 10, 2022, at the ATI-RTC MiMaRoPa, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The highlight of the activity was the recognition of winners for the said contest. Among the eight (8) participating beneficiaries, the top three (3) were selected and awarded for Best Integrated UA Community Garden, namely: Champion - Dangay Elementary School; 1st place - Nag-iba I Elementary School; and 2nd place - Agos Senior Citizen’s Association.

Also, the Dangay Elementary School bagged the Netizens Choice Award for grabbing the highest number of post reactions on Facebook after posting all video entries on December 23-31, 2021 at the ATI-MiMaRoPa’s Facebook page.

Ms. Denia G. Señorin from the Dangay Elementary School shared her experience, “Mahirap ang aming pinagdaanan. Hindi maganda ang aming lupang tinataniman. Pero na transformed namin ito bilang isang organic community garden sa tulong ng ATI. Ang aming gulayan ay nakapag create ng awareness para matulungan ang aming komunidad at maturuan sila na mag established ng garden sa kani-kanilang bakuran”.
Other beneficiaries who joined the awarding ceremony were Malinao Elementary School and Don Vicente Delgado Elementary School. All winners and beneficiaries of the project were awarded and provided with office supplies and farm inputs.

The activity was graced by Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos. In his message, Dir. Barrientos emphasized the importance of community gardens which showcased different technologies in Agriculture. Also present during the activity were Assistant Center Director Ruben P. Jugno, Senior Agriculturist Norberto C. Maur, and Training Specialist III/Urban Agriculture Point Person Cristina G. Magnaye.