QUEZON CITY--Following the launch of the Urban Agriculture Program with the Quezon City Government, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has now partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to establish an integrated urban garden in Camp Aguinaldo.

To expand the initiative on ensuring sustainable food source, four livelihood projects on vegetable production, fisheries, rabbit-raising, and poultry farming were launched inside the camp. This is made possible under the “Plant, Plant, Plant” program and through the collaborative efforts of the Agricultural Training Institute, DA–Livestock Development Program, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Animal Industry, and Bureau of Plant Industry.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said that the integrated urban agriculture project in the camp will serve as “an indication that Filipinos can ensure food security even at the household level.”

“For us to survive and for us to be resilient, we have to rally behind everyone including the AFP in ensuring a food-secure country,” he said.

Dar thanked the AFP and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for opening up the camps to showcase various types of farming, which will provide sustainable food supply for the soldiers, and ultimately, encourage city dwellers to grow their own food.

Meanwhile, AFP Vice Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., expressed, “it is an opportune time for the initiation of the project in the camp, especially in confronting the underlying challenges in our response to the health crisis.”

“This shall ensure the availability of fresh goods to meet the needs of our soldiers and dependents living in the camp, and also frontliners,” he emphasized.

Collado added, “Rest assured that the AFP will maintain these projects and ensure its sustainability in the coming years.”

Dar also led the distribution of starter kits to the military officers during the April 28 activity held in Daza Park, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.