Ensuring that they have fair access in the capacity building activities amidst pandemic, ATI MIMAROPA conducted Training Course on Urban Gardening for Person with Disabilities (PWDs) dubbed as “Sa Urban Agri, Kayang-kaya ng PWD” in La Primera Grande Beach Resort, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

The training primarily aims to develop PWD’s knowledge and skills in growing veggies through urban gardening. It is likewise designed to promote continuous food supply as well as livelihood among the PWDs in the province.

The three-day training consisted of lecture on basic vegetable production thru organic agriculture principles, production of natural fertilizers such as vermicompost and concoctions, basic principles and practices in Urban Gardening (recycling container pots), Pest and Disease Identification and Management (IPM) and how to set-up an urban gardening in a small and large scale. They also had hands-on activities on concoction and soil media preparation.

Also part of the activities was the farm walk at Agritektura, one of the learning sites of ATI MIMAROPA. Architect Francis Neil Quijano, cooperator of the said farm as well as one of the resource persons of the training discussed about the modern aquaculture as special topic where he introduced modern tilapia and crab raising.

In their impressions, Mr. Ronald Bulan, one of the participants expressed his heartfelt message for ATI and resource persons. He said that he had attended many trainings in the past but this one was the most enjoyable, with sense of humor. Moreover, they commended ATI because all the materials they needed for the training were all readied.

“Pinadali nyo ang buhay nmin bilang PWD. Hindi nyo pinaramdam na mayroon kaming kakulangan bagkus pinahalagaan nyo kmi,” Mr. Bulan said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Emelyn Adriano said that they have so many takeaways and learnings during the training. “Marami kaming maiiuwing mga aral at pinaramdam nyo na welcome na welcome kami sa inyo at itinuring nyo kaming normal kahit na kmi ay may mga kapansanan,” she genuinely expressed.

In addition, according to the participants, since majority of them are PWD Federation Presidents, they will conduct a re-echo of the training among their members.

After the training, each of the participant received a starter kit including assorted vegetable seeds and basic farm tools.

This training was conducted on July 12 – 14, 2022 with 19 participants.