ATI Director Alfredo Aton (in red), together with Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez (in blue) and key officials of BF Homes Executive Village, picks some green leafy vegetables at the urban agriculture garden site in Parañaque City.
METRO MANILA, Philippines—Caritas Manila, Inc. joins the roster of Urban Agriculture Garden Sites (UAGS) supported by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as the urban agriculture project expands further in the metro.
Following the series of partnerships established with various stakeholders on setting up UAGS, Caritas Manila, Inc. sealed an agreement with the ATI to join the effort of enhancing access to food among urban families.
ATI Director Alfredo Aton led the Institute in the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Caritas officials led by Fr. Anton Pascual. ATI officials also turned over gardening starter kits to the non-profit organization.
During the event, Aton stressed the ATI’s mission to help create more green gardens in the metro through the UAGS project.
Meanwhile, a “harvest ceremony” was held at FAITH Garden (Food Always in the Home) in BF Homes Executive Village headed by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez. This was after the MOA signing between the ATI and BF Homes Executive Village for the UAGS establishment and turn-over of starter kits December last year.
During the harvest, a variety of green leafy vegetables were made available for the community’s consumption.
Mayor Olivarez thanked the ATI for assisting some residents of Parañaque in the establishment and maintenance of the garden site. He likewise requested the Institute to conduct more agricultural training programs in their area.
The MOA signing for the UAGS establishment at Caritas Manila, Inc. was held on February 7 while the harvest ceremony at FAITH Garden took place last February 10 in Parañaque.
The ATI is also set to provide technical assistance in the establishment of UAGS in Pandacan, Manila and neighboring areas.