City farmers get aid, training

CEBU, Philippines — As Cebu City ramps up efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming, local farmers are receiving both farm inputs and technical training aimed at improving crop production and protecting the environment.

The City Agriculture Department (CAD) recently distributed 100 sacks of organic waste-based fertilizer to farmers in Barangay Sirao and conducted training programs on soil health management and organic agriculture for growers in upland communities.

The fertilizer assistance, sourced from a beverage company, was provided to Sirao farmers as part of the city's continuing push to encourage environmentally friendly practices.

According to CAD, the organic fertilizer serves as an alternative to synthetic inputs by enriching soil organic matter, improving soil structure, increasing water-holding capacity, and supplying essential nutrients needed for plant growth.

Beyond boosting farm productivity, the department said the initiative also promotes the recycling of organic waste into useful agricultural inputs, helping reduce waste while supporting sustainable food production.

At the same time, CAD has intensified efforts to equip farmers with technical knowledge that could improve long-term agricultural output.

Thirty members of the Bombil Farmers Association participated in a training on Soil Health Management and Soil Sampling, where agricultural technicians demonstrated the proper collection of soil samples and the use of Soil Test Kits to assess soil conditions and nutrient requirements.

The CAD said understanding soil health allows farmers to make more informed decisions on fertilizer application and crop management, helping improve yields while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Meanwhile, 33 farmers from Barangay Adlaon joined an orientation on Organic Agriculture led by Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer Mina Funai in partnership with CAD agricultural technicians.

The session highlighted the benefits of organic farming, including maintaining soil health, reducing dependence on synthetic chemical inputs, protecting the environment, and producing safer food.

CAD said the orientation is part of its continuing effort to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices that can improve productivity, lower production costs, and build resilience in the agriculture sector.

Through the simultaneous rollout of farm assistance and capacity-building programs, the city hopes to empower more farmers to adopt climate-friendly and sustainable farming methods while strengthening local food production.

"The Cebu City Agriculture Department remains committed to empowering local farmers through continuous education, technical guidance, and capacity-building activities toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector," the department said. — /MRM (FREEMAN)