CATARMAN, Camiguin (PIA)-- The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds and garden tools to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Catarman, Camiguin, on January 18 at the agency compound.

This, in support of the LGU’s ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan’ program, which aims to engage elementary students and teachers in urban agriculture through small-scale, school-based vegetable production.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Focal Person Kersten S. Pagalan handed over assorted (Pinakbet) vegetable seeds and garden tools such as a light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to LGU-Catarman Municipal Agriculturist Joseph F. Navales.

Navales said the provisions will benefit two select schools in the municipality, namely: Alga Elementary School and Tangaro Elementary School, both of which were adopted by the LGU in 2020 as pilot schools for the urban agriculture program.

"We saw the great impact of the program, including the students from both schools. It is our goal to inculcate in their minds the great benefit of small-scale urban agriculture, especially in addressing food security," Navales said.

He added that the assistance received from DA-10 is expected to increase the current production and success of the gardening setups at both schools. (DA-10/PIA-10/Camiguin)