CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- To enhance food security and provide proper nourishment, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 has intensified urban gardening initiatives targeting lactating mothers in the city.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado highlighted the goal of urban gardening, which is to establish vegetable production areas in every household and promote sustainable practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and organic gardening methods.

On March 6, approximately 80 mothers were the beneficiaries of vegetable seeds, including pechay and 5-in-1 pinakbet seeds, courtesy of the High Value Crops Development Program of DA-10. Concurrently, the City Agriculture Office (CAO) contributed by providing seedlings of okra, eggplant, and guava during a nutrition advocacy event held at the City Hall grounds.

Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, DA-10 Field Operations Division agriculturist, emphasized the advantages of urban gardening, with a special focus on hydroponics. This method not only facilitates easy access to fresh produce but also encourages healthier cooking practices. Additionally, it promotes water conservation and reduces the need for extensive space in crop production.

One of the beneficiaries from Barangay 14 in Cagayan de Oro, Marie Angelie R. Nalual, expressed her appreciation for the chance that DA-10 offered. She appreciated the knowledge shared on urban gardening and the distribution of seeds, foreseeing increased income through the soon-to-be-harvested crops and ensuring the healthy growth and development of her children.

“Dako ako pasalamat sa mga seeds nga gihatag sa DA-10 ug sa dugang nga kahibalo kabahin sa urban gardening ug inig harvest sa among gitanum nga utanon kini gyud makatabang kay pwede sab kini mabaligya para sa dugang kita ug ilabina makatabang sa maayong pagdako sa akong anak,” said Nalual.

[I am very grateful for the seeds given by DA-10 and for more knowledge about urban gardening. When we harvest our planted vegetables, it helps because they can also be sold for more income, which especially helps my child grow up well.]

The event was organized in collaboration with Nestle Philippines, Inc., and the City Council for the Protection of Children of the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, underscoring the collective effort to empower mothers through urban gardening initiatives that contribute to both economic stability and the well-being of their families. (RTP/DA-10/PIA-10)