CEBU, Philippines — As the prices of basic products and commodities increase, the Cebu City government is encouraging everyone to push for urban gardening, even in the city jail.
The city’s Public Information Office reported that over 100 job orders underwent training on “urban pocket gardening”.
Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros has challenged the JOs to cascade their learnings to the barangays for food security.
“Kining programa sa panahon pa nga bise mayor pa kaninadto si sir Mike (Rama), nga mapatuman ang proyekto for food security related sa environment,” he said.
City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon said urban pocket gardening depends on one’s location.
“Dako kaayo ni og ikatabang kay maminosan na ang atong pagpalit sa mga utanon kay anha na man nato sa tungod nga ang sobra pwede pang mabaligya,” he said.
Along with this, urban gardening is also expected to reduce waste production as perishable goods can be used as fertilizers.
The City Agriculture Office is also providing technical assistance and seedlings to those who want to start it out, bringing one’s being a “plantita or plantito'' to another level.
The Cebu City Agriculture Department have also introduced urban gardening to the Cebu City Jail- Male Dormitory CAD.
It gave out vegetable seedlings, garden soil, fertilized and farm tools while teaching inmates how to recycle containers for planting.
Schools are also being encouraged to follow suit. — Sanden J. Anadia, KQD (FREEMAN)