CEBU CITY—Despite being a highly urbanized area and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country, Cebu City is expected to flourish with backyard farms.

This is after some 400 residents gathered for the 3rd AgriTalk 2019 and learned tips in urban agriculture. Techniques in square foot gardening, goat production, and various backyard farming practices were discussed during the activity.

Atty. Salvador Diputado, Regional Executive Director of Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) VII, graced the event and urged the participants to grow their own food as this can also improve family nutrition. He explained that everyone can establish their backyard farms, since various training programs on agriculture are being offered for free.

Likewise, Cebu City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon said that agriculture is not only for farmers, but is also “a business for all.”

Retired police officer and square foot gardening champion from Cagayan de Oro, Honorio Cervantes, showcased his expertise during the activity. He demonstrated the principle of growing crops in square foot divisions using 4x4 feet wooden boxes.

Experts from DA-RFO VII, Paul Ugay and Nimfa Davis, also served as resource speakers at the event held last August 9 at the SM Activity Center in this city.

AgriTalk is organized in partnership with the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and Bureau of Agricultural Research. The 4th and final leg of this year’s series is scheduled in October in Region IV-A.