DILIMAN, Quezon City—In its continuous pursuit to further the Urban Agriculture Program, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) launched the Greenhouse Village at the Sunnyville Model Community Farm in Barangay Tandang Sora last November 16, 2021. 

In collaboration with the Local Government of Quezon City (Grow-QC), the said Greenhouse Village was established through the Department of Agriculture Bayanihan II Funds. This aims to promote the importance of urban agriculture as a measure to stabilize locality’s food supply, alleviate poverty, foster social integration among communities, and protect the environment through eco-friendly methods and other alternative and innovative gardening methods.

One of the highlights of the event was the ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by ATI OIC Director Rosana P. Mula, PhD., Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung, Task Force on Food Security Co-Chairperson Mr. Emmanuel Hugh Velasco, and Barangay Tandang Sora Chairperson Marlou Ulanday.

Around 40 farmer-partner beneficiaries, and their families; 20 Homeless Federation members; and other eligible urban community farmers will undergo a series of training that will be conducted by ATI. Apart from this, a greenhouse will be constructed in the site, and there will be a festival in the community farm come harvest season.