BATASAN HILLS, Quezon City–The Quezon City University (QCU) is now one with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in mainstreaming urban farming among students and faculty members.

Supported by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), QCU launched an urban agriculture project in the Batasan Hills Campus to aid DA in providing more avenues for students to appreciate the value of farming and consider a career in agriculture.

The partnership between the university and the Department was sealed through a memorandum of agreement signed by its key officials. This is part of the continuing efforts towards food security under the “Plant, Plant, Plant” program.

In her message at the event, ATI Officer-in-Charge Assistant Director Rosana Mula talked about integrating agriculture in various courses such as entrepreneurship.

“In entrepreneurship, it is important to incorporate agricultural concepts, and how we can put forward the entire value chain,” she remarked.

Mula added that the Institute continues to implement strategies to entice the youth to farm, and “instill in their minds the importance of agriculture.”

Similarly, Bureau of Animal Industry Officer-in-Charge Director Ronnie Domingo, challenged QCU to promote vertical gardening and, consequently, join the Department in proving that “agriculture in the urban areas is possible.”

Meanwhile, Noel Lansang of the QCU recognized the value of strengthening the implementation of urban farming projects in universities. He assured that they will, “mainstream urban agriculture not only in the National Service Training Programs of QCU but in other programs as well.”

Integrated urban agriculture starter kits were turned over to the university as part of the activity held on June 18.