TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila – The prospect of having safe and accessible food for every household through urban farming caught the interest of the residents of Vista de Lago Villas Condominium in Barangay Bagong Calzada in this city.

Just recently, the condominium’s Board Members signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) for the establishment of an urban community garden in the area. The officers and some residents converted vacant spaces – like the rooftop – into vegetable production areas wherein the harvests will be distributed for free to all the condominium residents. Hence, the “ATIng Gulayan ng DA sa Vista de Lago Villas” was launched last July 9, 2021.

“Our vision is to produce fruits and vegetables for the residents; thus, we ask for the continuous support of ATI to create sustainable living in the community,” remarked Ms. Susan Soliven, Vista de Lago Villas Condominium Corporation’s President and Chairman of the Board.

To date, ATI has supported and launched a total of 34 urban gardens around Metro Manila in partnership with different communities, organizations, and schools.  This initiative is in line with the “Plant Plant Plant” Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). As such, to further assist these communities, the DA plans to provide a market outlet for their harvests or produce.