ALABANG, Muntinlupa — As the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic still continues, initiatives from different sectors are intensified to benefit and serve the Filipino people. In particular, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) continues to roll-out its Urban Agriculture Program in Metro Manila, encouraging urban dwellers to grow their own food in their respective households.

As such, ATI and the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls collaborated to provide free seeds and production guides on some easy-to-grow crops to mall patrons and nearby communities last July 14-15, 2021 in Village Square Alabang.

This coincided with Megaworld’s launching of The Greenhouse at Village Square Alabang wherein a workshop on Urban Gardening was included in the opening program. Thus, ATI Central Office’s Agriculturist, Mr. Jomar Tabor facilitated the workshop and discussed some techniques on container gardening; organic fertilizer production; kitchen waste composting; and soil media preparation, among others. Aside from the free seeds and information materials, ATI also provided some technical advisories to the clients who visited the agency’s booth.

“Nakita ko yung announcement sa page ninyo (ATI). Sabi ko, aba! malapit lang ito sa amin, kaya pupuntahan ko,” Ms. Ana Velasco expressed. She is a certified plantita from Silang Cavite who regularly attends ATI’s free face-to-face seminars before the pandemic. She likewise shared that she enjoys the virtual trainings being conducted by the Institute now. “Gumanda yung mga tanim ko dahil sa ATI. Ang laki ng tulong nito sa akin; talagang nabibigyan ako ng knowledge. Yung mga seeds na itinatanim ko ay galling rin lahat sa ATI,” added Ms. Velasco.

Mall-goers may expect ATI again at the event of Megaworld in Eastwood Mall this coming July 21-22, 2021 to give away inputs and information materials to help individuals start their own urban garden at home.