LUZON, Philippines—A series of partnership interventions was carried out by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as it continues to capacitate the Filipino people towards food security and self-sufficiency.

This is through the establishment of Urban Agriculture Garden Sites (UAGS) and the ATIng Gulayan ng DA Community Garden.

The ATI, through Officer-in-Charge Director Alfredo Aton, has inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), represented by Lt. Colonel Oliver Logan, for the UAGS establishment and turn-over of urban farming starter kits.

The same partnership was also sealed with officers of BF Homes Executive Village in Parañaque, through Roberto Alvarez, Jr. and Tito Tolentino.

In separate MOA signing ceremonies with PSG and BF Homes Executive Village on December 4 and December 8, respectively, Aton expressed his optimism on the project. He emphasized that urban agriculture is a response to the problems on hunger and malnutrition among urban poor families.

The project aims to introduce the values of basic food production, healthy food systems, and clean urban environment to city dwellers. It is also an initiative to incorporate farming into the lifestyle of the urban communities.

The ATI will provide support to the establishment and enhancement of UAGS including farm structure and small-scale machinery, agricultural inputs, and technical assistance.

Meanwhile, an ATIng Gulayan ng DA Community Garden was launched in Kingsville Executive Village in Antipolo City last December 19 in cooperation with The Camillian Sisters Maria Domenica Development Center, Inc. Highlights of the event include the MOA signing and a ceremonial planting among the Camillian Sisters and ATI officials led by Aton and Partnerships and Accreditation Division chief Renato dela Cruz.

This initiative is to assist barangays, schools, and various community groups in providing available and affordable food in their localities. Technical and logistical support will be given by the ATI in the sustenance of the site. Also, the Institute will take the lead role in the conduct of capability building activities in the community.

The MOA signing for the UAGS establishment and turn-over of agricultural supplies were held in Manila and Parañaque City, while the launching of the ATIng Gulayan ng DA Community Garden was conducted in Rizal.